City Hall: Your Guide to Getting Married in NYC

A gold coin from The Coin NYC — real, lived knowledge, no strings attached.

What happens here

The Marriage Bureau of the NYC Office of the City Clerk is where thousands of couples every year get their marriage license and even have their civil ceremony. It is one of the most iconic (and affordable) ways to say “I do” in New York.

Step by step: getting married

1. Apply for your Marriage License — online through Project Cupid at nyc.gov/cupid, or in person by appointment. Both of you must participate; no walk-ins are allowed.
2. Bring one valid photo ID each — driver’s license, U.S. or foreign passport, green card, or U.S. military ID. If either of you was married before, bring proof that the marriage legally ended (final divorce decree or death certificate).
3. Pay the fee: $35 — by credit card or money order payable to the City Clerk. No blood test is required. The license is issued right away.
4. Wait 24 hours — New York State law requires a 24-hour waiting period between getting the license and the ceremony.
5. Get married within 60 days — your license is valid for 60 days (180 for active U.S. military). You can book a civil ceremony at the Clerk’s office through the same Project Cupid system, or have any registered officiant marry you anywhere in the city.

Official links (bookmark these)

• Project Cupid — apply and book appointments
• NYC Marriage Bureau — official information
• Marriage License — requirements and FAQ

The local’s tip 🪙

[Aquí va tu experiencia personal, Coin — el consejo que solo un neoyorquino conoce.]