State guide
New York
New York marriage licenses are issued by town or city clerks statewide, with New York City handled by the NYC City Clerk. The state has a 24-hour waiting period, but New York now also has local one-day officiant licensing options on several official municipal clerk pages.
Checked against official sources on October 4, 2026. Rules and links change; confirm with the office listed before you act.
- Who issues licenses
- Town or city clerk; in New York City, the City Clerk
- Waiting period
- 24 hours
- License valid for
- 60 days
- Witnesses
- 1 required
- License fee
- $40 outside NYC; $35 in NYC
- Friend or one-day officiant
- Some local New York clerks issue one-day marriage officiant licenses for a specific couple/date, as shown on official Buffalo, Yonkers, and Hempstead clerk pages.
Official resources in New York
Official statewide rules for licensing, waiting period, validity, witnesses, and authorized officiants.
Official officiant guidance, including return deadlines and NYC registration rules.
Official NYC page for marriage licenses and in-office civil ceremonies.
Official NYC fee page showing current marriage license and ceremony fees.
Official example of a New York local clerk page for a one-day officiant license.
Key facts for New York
- Apply in person to any town or city clerk in New York State.
- The ceremony cannot occur until 24 hours after issuance unless a judge waives the wait.
- A New York marriage license is valid for 60 days; active U.S. military can receive 180 days.
- At least one witness is required for the ceremony.
- The fee is $40 outside New York City; NYC posts a $35 marriage-license fee.
- Official sources reviewed did not show self-uniting marriage; NY requires an authorized officiant plus witness.
Courthouse ceremonies in New York
| County | Details |
|---|---|
| New York County | NYC Marriage Bureau offers in-office civil marriage ceremonies by appointment. |
| Erie County | Buffalo City Clerk schedules wedding ceremonies at City Hall or within Buffalo city limits. |
| Monroe County | Rochester City Clerk performs marriage ceremonies at City Hall by appointment. |
| Nassau County | Town of Hempstead Town Clerk offers small wedding ceremonies in its chapel. |
What to do next
- Decide whether to marry in NYC or elsewhere first, because fee schedules and officiant registration rules differ.
- If you want a friend to officiate, check your local clerk for a one-day officiant license before applying.
- Schedule the ceremony after the 24-hour wait unless you already have a judicial waiver.
Helpful guides
- How to get married at the courthouse
- What to bring when you apply for a marriage license
- Marriage license waiting periods and expiration dates
- Do you need witnesses for a courthouse wedding?