How to Hire a Wedding Officiant for your New York Elopement
You’ve made your decision, you’re going to get married in New York City! Hurray!
As a New York elopement photographer, I often find myself in the role of helping couples through the process of getting married in New York and helping them find other quality vendors so they can have the best possible experience.
No matter what kind of wedding you’re having, a tiny elopement or a big affair, there are four things you actually need to have to get married in New York.
- You and your spouse to be!
- A marriage license, applied for 24 hours beforehand.
- A witness. In New York you have to have one witness over the age of 18. You can have two if you like, but one is required. (I’m always honored and happy to be a witness free of charge!)
- An officiant. In New York state you have to have a licensed officiant to perform the ceremony and sign off on the paperwork.
This post is all about number four, your wedding officiant. If you’re getting married at City Hall, you can skip this part. They’ve got this handled for you.
However, if you’re considering getting married outside the clerk’s office, you will need to find your own New York wedding officiant. (If you’re not sure, check out this post about Where to Elope in NYC for the pros and cons of a City Hall Wedding) Over the years I have worked with tons of great officiants and am always happy to provide clients with a list of some of my favorites. I’m happy to add an officiant to any elopement photography package to make the process as simple as possible for you! The other way to hire an elopement officiant in New York is to reach out to different officiants and find the one you like best. I’m happy to offer all my photography couples a list of my preferred vendors who I know are trustworthy an excellent at their craft. If you’re looking for more information about what you need in an officiant for your wedding in New York, read on!
Do you need to hire a wedding officiant in NYC?
If you want to get married in New York City and plan to get married outside the clerk’s office, you’ll need to have an officiant to marry you. Some people are worried about this process, but it’s really quite simple. Officiants can make the ceremony as personable or as quick as you like, they can help you through all the paperwork you’ll need to get married in NYC, and they can make the process super easy!
Do you need a professional New York City wedding officiant? While not required, for many couples however, it can be nice to have a wedding officiant who knows the process in NYC, is familiar with the paperwork and knows how to file it properly. They can also help you with any questions you may have and of course excel at giving a ceremony in front of a crowd or just the two of you, whichever you prefer. They know the cues to give the audience, step out of the way for the kiss, and are experts at what they do!
Does your wedding officiant have to register with the City Clerk in NYC?
If you have a friend or family member who has been ordained online, is a member of the clergy, or who is a judge they can of course perform the ceremony. However, whoever is your officiant MUST register with the City Clerk. I have had a few couples in the past miss this part, only to find their marriage is not actually legal. Make sure whoever is officiating your wedding is registered with the city, or they can not actually sign your paperwork for a legal marriage.
Does a wedding ceremony in NYC have to be religious?
Nope! That’s totally up to you. If you’d like a religious ceremony, there are officiants who can do that. If you prefer a secular ceremony, that’s great too! Many officiants can incorporate religious elements if desired, but it’s not a requirement for a wedding ceremony unless you chose to do so. The great part about hiring a wedding officiant is you can have the ceremony you want. Quick and easy, more personal, readings or not, religious or secular, it’s up to you!
Where can my NYC wedding officiant marry us?
Wedding officiants in New York can marry you inside or outside, in a religious venue or in a city park. The great part about eloping or getting married in NYC is you can get married wherever you like; from the top of Rockefeller Center to the Staten Island Ferry. Central Park, the Brooklyn Bridge, a little neighborhood garden or your favorite street corner; if it’s a public space it’s more then likely fair game! Check out my post on the best places to elope in NYC for more ideas!
Will my wedding officiant support my LGBTQ wedding?
Any officiant I work with or recommend will always be accepting of all couples. I make sure to vet all vendors first to make sure they are supportive of all backgrounds so you don’t have to.
What should you keep in mind when hiring a wedding officiant in New York?
Some officiants love to play to a huge crowd, others prefer to work with tiny ceremonies. Some are more comfortable with religious ceremonies then others. Set up a call or email with any officiants you’re interested in and you can get a feel for what kind of ceremonies they prefer and if your personalities are a match.
Do you offer NYC elopement packages with a wedding photographer and an officiant?
Of course. If you’d like to add an officiant to your elopement photography package, I can definitely do this for you! I can provide a list of officiants available on your date if you’d like to speak with them on your own to develop a more personal ceremony. Alternatively, if you’re looking for a simple ceremony, I have a flat rate addition to an officiant on to your New York Elopement photography package and you can book everything together!
Who should we hire for our wedding officiant in NYC?
I’m glad you asked! Having photographed weddings elopements in New York for nearly two decades I have lots of experience working with a ton of different officiants in the city. Some of my favorite officiants are listed below. As a reminder, any officiant I work with will always be supportive of LGBTQ weddings.
Wedding Officiants in NYC I Love:
Hope Mirlis: A More Perfect Union
Christopher Shelley of Illuminating Ceremonies
Daniella VillaRamos and Karla Villar from Once Upon a Vow, both bilingual in Spanish and English.
Reverend D for those looking for a more offbeat vibe
Looking for more information on How to Elope in NYC? Check out my Guide to New York Elopements and Other Tips for Clients for everything you need to know!
