What a scary strange time we are living through. I hope that you and your loved ones are safe and staying healthy. If you had told me at the beginning of 2020 that we’d be spending weeks in quarantine and practicing something called social distancing if we go outside I would have looked at you like you were bonkers. But these are the times we are in.
As we navigate this new landscape, many questions arose about weddings. There are so many couples that were planning weddings, whether large or small that have had to postpone plans. As big weddings and even many elopements postpone, as many of my clients come from abroad, others still want tie the knot for a variety of reasons. Previously this hadn’t been possible as you needed to get your marriage license in person from the City Clerk’s Office which closed in mid March. However, no longer!
For those couples that are looking to get married, NYC now has a solution, enter Project Cupid!
As Mayor De Blasio said, “We need moments of joy now more than ever, and we won’t let a pandemic get in the way of true love. To all of the couples looking forward to tying the knot, know that your city is right here with you, throwing rice from afar.”
As I mentioned, in the past, the only way to get a marriage license in NYC was to do so in person at the City Clerk’s Office. While the people watching at the Clerk’s Office is the BEST, it often could be a rather long wait. Now however, as we all do our best to practice social distancing, waiting over an hour in a crowded city office for your marriage license wasn’t going to be a possibility. As of this week though, starting May 8th, all couples can now apply to receive their marriage license online! Hurray!
How does the process of getting a marriage license online in NYC work?
*Updated as of mid September 2020*
How do you apply for a marriage license in NYC online?
The complete step by step process for getting married and getting a marriage license online in NYC can be found on the Project Cupid Website. The City Clerk is issuing licenses through October online, and will be extending the process as needed. (It’s already been extended a few times).
To complete the process for getting your marriage license online in New York you will need to:
1. Complete your online application and receive your confirmation number.
2. Log-In with an NYC ID. (You can register for one online, or use a preexisting one.)
3. Get Verified online. This will entail answered some identifying questions, providing ID’s, and confirming your marital status.
4. Pay the $35 fee.
5. Schedule a virtual meeting with the City Clerk.
6. Upload your completed marriage license after your ceremony.
What if the dates are all filled up for appointments with the City Clerk?
I have found the best way to keep track of everything going on with Project Cupid is to follow them on Twitter (@NYCClerk). They post regularly when they will be releasing new dates and when new dates become available. Also, I have been told people often cancel, so check back regularly as something may open up.
Do you have to get your license from the NYC City Clerk to get married in NYC?
No! And this is a strategy that’s been working for some couples during Covid. While you may not be able to get an appointment with the NYC City Clerk, I have had couples have success going in person to other city hall offices in Long Island, the Hudson Valley, or even in Westchester. As long as your license is issued by the State of New York, you can get married in NYC.
Can we still have a City Hall wedding ceremony?
As of right now, no. But you can have any other officiant marry you from the comfort of your home, or in the location of your choice. According to the executive order signed by Governor Cuomo, any licensed officiant can perform your ceremony via video conferencing like Zoom. Luckily, I regularly work with several licensed officiants who are more then happy to do remote ceremonies and are thrilled to be participating in Project Cupid! If you’re looking for a list to start with, check out my post on NYC Wedding Officiants.
Does your witness have to be in the same space as you?
No, your witness, officiant and you both can all be in safely in your own home or wherever you chose to have your ceremony.
Does that mean we can be anywhere in the world and get married virtually?
NO. This is important. All parties involved; the couple, the witness, and the officiant MUST be physically located in New York State during the ceremony.
Also, when registering for your marriage license, the couple must be in the same physical space in New York State.
What are the eligibility requirements for a marriage license in NYC?
Please see the City Clerk’s website here: Marriage License Requirements in NYC for more information.
What do you do once you’ve been married?
You can log back into the site and upload your license signed by you and the officiant.
What about virtual wedding photography?
I’m so glad you asked! This is where I come in! I’m offering a few different options for couples interested in having their elopement via a virtual wedding ceremony or socially distanced wedding ceremony in NY. Send me an email and I can go over all the details!
Socially Distant Photography Session:
If you chose to have a small elopement, micro or mini wedding with you and your spouse in a location where I can photograph you safely, I’m happy to do so. I’ll be sure to be wearing a mask and following proper safety procedures.
I’m happy to talk with couples on the best solution for you to make sure your memories are documented in the best way possible! I’m so excited to have more happy couples in front of my camera again! Three cheers for LOVE!
