There has been an increase in the number of marriages that are conducted each month in New York. While most of us are only concerned about the ceremony, the couple will have to concern themselves with getting a marriage license if they want to make their marriage legal. The government of New York and that of the country, in general, have simplified the marriage license application process. This is so to encourage prospective couples to bind their union legally.
Applicants seeking to get their hands on this license will have to visit the City clerk’s office. Since the process has been simplified, there has been an influx of people, meaning that you may have to wait for a long period of time before you are finally attended to. To prevent this from happening, it is advised that you book an appointment with the clerk. You could call or send a message through to the clerk to confirm when he or she will likely be less busy. While we have rightly mentioned that the process is easy, it is important that you bear in mind that you’d need to meet the state predetermined requirements if you must have your license approved. In this piece, we’ll make a list of steps you have to take if you are to successfully obtain this license before your wedding ceremony.
NYC Marriage License How-To Guide
Step 1; set your wedding ceremony date and venue;
This is the most important step anyone applying for a marriage license must do. This is because you’ll need to pen down the date of your wedding as well as the venue if you are to have your application approved. In addition to this, marriage licenses expire, some expire within 60 to 90 days after it has been approved. If you plan on having your wedding in advance, your application should be sent less than two months to the wedding date.
While most people may prefer to wait until the dying minute before they apply for this license, it is best that you do not as most states require applicants to wait for at least 3 days after the application is approved before their wedding ceremony. In New York, you are only required to wait 24 hours before your wedding ceremony.
In essence, it is important that you have a date and venue in mind. For your application to be approved, you have to obtain your license from the state you plan on having the wedding ceremony.
Step 2; go the city clerk’s office
This is currently the easiest place for you to visit for your marriage license. While making this visit, it is advised that you bear in mind that you could spend hours there because of the number of people also getting this license. To ensure that you do not wait for a long period of time, you could decide to book an appointment with the clerk. To get this license, you’d have to be present with your fiance. However, exceptions could be made sometimes depending on the circumstances.
While visiting the clerk, there are a couple of pointers you should take to heart.
You’d need to present proof of identity. You need to bear in mind that what is applicable in New York will definitely not apply in some other state. Generally, you and your fiance will need proof of identity, a driver’s license, a passport. On rare occasions, you may be required to provide your birth certificate. If you or your prospective mate have been divorced prior to this time, then you must present the valid divorce papers.
Step 3; get signatures
The requirements for signing a marriage license varies from state to state. However, in New York, you are required to get signatures from the following people;
- The prospective couple; when it comes to signing the application, the couple must be present and it must be done before the ceremony.
- Officiant; you’d be required to get signatures from the officiating minister. This could be a retired or active judge or a religious leader.
- Witnesses; for your application to be approved, it would have to be signed by two witnesses who must have known you and your other half for at least six months.
Unlike some of the other states, New York has a 60 days validity period. For more information, be sure to visit www.usmarriagelaws.com
