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Second, we want to follow your story on our blog — from the first steps such as determining your budget to the final Big Day celebration!

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A couple who intends to be married in New York State must apply in person for a marriage license to any town or city clerk in the state. The application for a license must be signed by both the bride and groom in the presence of the town or city clerk. A representative cannot apply for the license on behalf of the bride or groom. This applies even if the representative has been given the Power of Attorney. Notarized marriage license affidavits signed by the bride or groom cannot be substituted for their personal appearance.

Is there a waiting period?

Yes. Although the marriage license is issued immediately, the marriage ceremony may not take place within 24 hours from the exact time that the license was issued. When both applicants are 16 years of age or older, the 24-hour waiting period may be waived by an order of a justice of the Supreme Court or a judge of the County Court of the county in which either the bride or groom resides. If either person is under 16 years of age, the order must be from the Family Court judge of the county in which the person under 16 years of age resides.

How long is the license valid?

A marriage license is valid for 60 days, beginning the day after it is issued.

How much does it cost?

If the marriage license is issued by a town or city clerk in New York State outside of New York City, it costs $40. This fee includes the issuance of a Certificate of Marriage Registration. This certificate is automatically sent by the issuing clerk to the applicants within 15 days after the completed license is returned by the officiant (person who performs the marriage ceremony). It serves as notice that a record of the marriage is on file. Couples who do not receive a Certificate of Marriage Registration within four weeks of the wedding should contact the town or city clerk who issued the license.

If the license is to be issued by the City Clerk of the City of New York, please contact the New York City Clerk’s Office for current fees and requirements. The City Clerk’s Office can be reached at (212) 669-2400 or via their web site at New York City Marriage Bureau.
Is a premarital physical exam required?

No premarital examination or blood test is required to obtain a marriage license in New York State.
What are the age and consent requirements for minors?

* If either applicant is under 14 years of age, a marriage license cannot be issued.
* If either applicant is 14 or 15 years of age, such applicant(s) must present the written consent of both parents and a justice of the Supreme Court or a judge of the Family Court having jurisdiction over the town or city in which the application is made.
* If either applicant is 16 or 17 years of age, such applicant(s) must present the written consent of both parents.
* If both applicants are 18 years of age or older, no consents are required.
* One parent alone may consent to a minor’s marriage if:
o The other parent has been missing for one year preceding the application;
o The parents are divorced and the consenting parent was given sole custody of the child when the divorce decree was awarded;
o The other parent has been judged incompetent; or the other parent is deceased.
o Parents, guardians or other people consenting to the marriage of a minor must personally appear and acknowledge or execute their consent before the town or city clerk or some other authorized official. If the notarized affidavit is made before an official outside of the State of New York, it must be accompanied by a certificate of authentication when the consent is filed in New York State.

Proof of Age and Identity

A person is required to establish proof of age and identity by submitting to the issuing clerk one of the following age related documents:

1. Birth Certificate
2. Baptismal record
3. Naturalization record
4. Census record

And one of the following identity related documents:

1. Driver’s license
2. Passport
3. Employment picture ID
4. Immigration record

So what’s your wedding budget?  Please comment here so everyone getting married on Long Island an compare notes…

Next, jot down a rough guest list. Include everyone on your wish list from North Shore to South, from Eastern Long Island to the west — don’t worry, you’re going to narrow it down and down and …. As a writer, I can tell you this is where ruthless editing will come in very handy. Because when it comes to your wedding, in today’s economy, less is more. More on this in another post.