Marriage license · Free to use

New York marriage license: fee, waiting period and how to apply

What New York's official pages say about getting married there: the fee, the waiting period, how long the license lasts, witnesses, officiants, ID and where to apply. Each rule links its source.

By Wedding RemedyPublished October 30, 2026

Editorial standards

New York marriage license at a glance

Fee: $35 at the New York City Clerk (Brooklyn is the largest borough). Outside NYC, town and city clerks charge $40. Waiting period: 24 hours after the license is issued before the ceremony. A judge can waive it; the waiver is free from the borough County Clerk. How long it is valid: Valid for 60 calendar days starting the day after issue. Active-duty military may get 180 days with proof at application.

New York counties set their own fee. The fee shown is from Kings (Brooklyn, New York City), the largest county; ask your county clerk for its fee.

New York marriage license rules

The rules below restate official pages, linked with the date they were read. Last checked October 30, 2026. Rules and fees change, and this is not legal advice: confirm with the clerk where you apply before you rely on a rule.

Fee: $35 at the New York City Clerk (Brooklyn is the largest borough). Outside NYC, town and city clerks charge $40. (Source: portal.311.nyc.gov, checked October 30, 2026)
Premarital education discount: None stated on the official pages we read. Check with your county clerk. Official page
Waiting period: 24 hours after the license is issued before the ceremony. A judge can waive it; the waiver is free from the borough County Clerk. (Source: portal.311.nyc.gov, checked October 30, 2026)
How long the license is valid: Valid for 60 calendar days starting the day after issue. Active-duty military may get 180 days with proof at application. (Source: health.ny.gov, checked October 30, 2026)
Where the license can be used: The ceremony can be held anywhere in New York State. (Source: portal.311.nyc.gov, checked October 30, 2026)
Witnesses: At least one witness besides the officiant must be present when the couple state they take each other as spouses. (Source: health.ny.gov, checked October 30, 2026)
Who may officiate: Officials listed in Domestic Relations Law section 11, including judges, mayors, marriage officers and ordained clergy. Anyone officiating inside New York City must register with the City Clerk. (Source: health.ny.gov, checked October 30, 2026)
Officiants ordained online: Not stated here. Ask the county clerk before you rely on an online ordination. Official page
Age: Must be 18 or older to marry in New York State. (Source: portal.311.nyc.gov, checked October 30, 2026)
ID and documents to bring: Each person needs valid ID: driver license, non-driver ID, IDNYC, military ID, passport, naturalization certificate or similar. Expired documents are not accepted. (Source: portal.311.nyc.gov, checked October 30, 2026)
Where to apply: Both partners appear in person (appointment) at any NYC Clerk borough office, or by virtual appointment through Project Cupid. Outside NYC, apply at any town or city clerk. (Source: portal.311.nyc.gov, checked October 30, 2026)
Online application: An online application is started first, but both partners must still appear in person or at a virtual appointment. The online application expires after 21 days. (Source: portal.311.nyc.gov, checked October 30, 2026)
Certified copy of the marriage certificate: In NYC, apply to the City Clerk. Elsewhere in the state, order from the issuing town or city clerk ($10) or the state Department of Health ($30). (Source: health.ny.gov, checked October 30, 2026)

Common questions

How much is a marriage license in New York?

$35 at the New York City Clerk (Brooklyn is the largest borough). Outside NYC, town and city clerks charge $40. New York counties set their own fee. The fee shown is from Kings (Brooklyn, New York City), the largest county; ask your county clerk for its fee.

Is there a waiting period to get married in New York?

24 hours after the license is issued before the ceremony. A judge can waive it; the waiver is free from the borough County Clerk.

How long is a New York marriage license valid?

Valid for 60 calendar days starting the day after issue. Active-duty military may get 180 days with proof at application.

Do you need witnesses to get married in New York?

At least one witness besides the officiant must be present when the couple state they take each other as spouses.

Who can officiate a wedding in New York?

Officials listed in Domestic Relations Law section 11, including judges, mayors, marriage officers and ordained clergy. Anyone officiating inside New York City must register with the City Clerk.

How do you get a certified copy of a New York marriage certificate?

In NYC, apply to the City Clerk. Elsewhere in the state, order from the issuing town or city clerk ($10) or the state Department of Health ($30).

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