How to Officiate a Wedding in New York City

Last week I emceed my friends’ wedding as a one-day marriage officiant. Here’s exactly what needs to happen for that, nothing more and nothing less, in plain English.

1. The couple gets a marriage license. They go here and choose “Marriage License”. Either in-person or virtual will work. The virtual flow still requires an in-person appointment anyway. The license will be valid for only 60 days, so the appointment should be scheduled to occur <60 days before the wedding. The next available appointment slot may be a month or more from today, so plan accordingly.
2. The officiant gets an officiant license. They print and complete the officiant application, which requires the marriage license number from the previous step¹. The officiant goes here and chooses “Marriage Officiant” to schedule an appointment. They just need to be 18 years old—no exams or fake churches.
3. At the wedding, everyone signs the officiant license. That’s two spouses, the witness(es), and the officiant. The license has space for two witnesses, but only one is legally required. Any adult guest can be a witness.
4. The officiant exchanges both licenses for a marriage certificate. They go here and schedule a “Record Room” appointment² at the same physical office as in step 1. This must take place within 5 days of the wedding.

These instructions assume that you don’t mind talking to city employees face-to-face. Alternatively you can fill out the paper forms and money orders by yourself, send them back and forth via snail mail, and cross your fingers.