How to get married online in New York (Step-by-Step Guide)

Getting married is one of the most exciting times in a couple's life, and the opportunity to do so in the beautiful and iconic state of New York only adds to the excitement. With its picturesque landscapes, bustling city life, and rich cultural heritage, New York is a popular destination for couples looking to exchange vows.

This article will guide you through the process of getting married online in New York and highlight why this option is perfect for couples looking to start their lives together in a beautiful and unforgettable way.

Are online marriages legal in New York?

During the height of the pandemic, former New York governor Andrew Cuomo issued an executive order allowing virtual wedding ceremonies. This executive order allowed New Yorkers to obtain a marriage license remotely and allowed clerks to perform ceremonies via video conference. However, as of June 25th, 2022, virtual ceremonies are no longer available through New York's local office. As of today, The Project Cupid initiative only caters to online marriage license applications and schedules for in-person marriage licenses and ceremonies.

But don’t worry, you can still get married online in New York through Courtly. In 2019, the Utah County marriage license office and Utah County information technology departments started a year-long effort to create a fully digital end-to-end marriage license issuance and recording process, as part of a campaign promise to "bring the Clerk/office Auditor's into the 21st century."

As of January 2020, Couples now have the option to apply for a marriage license, do the ceremony, and have the officiant submit the necessary paperwork for the marriage certificate all online. This Utah online marriage procedure did away with the requirement that a couple must physically visit the office to get and return their marriage license.

The best part? Anyone can get legally married online through Utah's process, since you don't have to be a resident! At the end of it, you will receive a legal US Marriage Certificate since marriages performed legally in one state are recognized across the country.

What if I want to have a traditional civil wedding in New York? What documents are required?

To have a traditional civil wedding in New York, both partners must first obtain a marriage license. To do this, you will need to provide the following information:

1. Evidence of identity - A legitimate state or federal ID, such as a driver's license or passport, can be used to demonstrate your identification.
2. Evidence of residency - If an applicant is a resident of New York, you only need to provide residence documentation for one application.
3. Social Security Number - Americans must provide identification that includes their Social Security number.
4. Witness - A witness at least 18 years old must be present for a couple to get a marriage license.

In addition to the above information, both partners must be at least 18 years old and not related by blood. If one or both partners are under 18, they may need to obtain permission from a parent or legal guardian. The marriage license will run you about $35 and may be purchased with a credit card.

However, be mindful that this cost does not accommodate the fuel spent on commuting, the ceremony, and the officiation.

Can I obtain a marriage license from New York without visiting in person?

Yes, you can obtain a New York City Marriage License online through Project Cupid. Marriage Licenses issued by Project Cupid are only valid for ceremonies in New York City. Other Counties within New York may have different requirements.

As of today, The Project Cupid initiative only caters to online marriage license applications and schedules for in-person marriage licenses and ceremonies. New York requires that you have a meeting with the County in order for them to issue you a Marriage License. New York does not perform online ceremonies. Here are the steps involved to get a Marriage License virtually:

1. Click START APPLICATION NOW” to the left. You will be redirected to the City Clerk's Marriage License application. When the application is complete, return here with your confirmation number and proceed.
2. Log in with an NYC.ID account or apply for one: An NYC.ID account is required to complete this process. You can log in with an existing account or create a new one.
3. Get verified online. In order to complete this process, both parties must provide documentation to confirm their identities and marital status. You’ll also need to answer a few personal questions to help us confirm that it's you.
4. Schedule a meeting with the City Clerk to review your application. Schedule an appointment that works for you from the available time slots.
5. Pay a Marriage License fee. Payment of the $35 Marriage License fee will be required with your credit card.

Since New York City has a large population and a popular wedding destination, scheduling an appointment with the County can be difficult. It's possible you won't be able to get an appointment for a few weeks.

Also, keep in mind that this does not include the process for finding an officiant, organizing, and having a wedding ceremony, which still has to be completed to be legally married. For your wedding ceremony, you will also be required to be within New York–meaning you, your officiant, and your witnesses will all be required to be located within New York. Your other guests may still join online.

If you want to skip all the bureaucracy and hassle, Courtly has optimized the whole procedure for you, providing you with a convenient way out. Using Courtly, couples may carry out the entire procedure remotely from any place. A legitimate US marriage certificate may be acquired quickly, easily, and with minimal documentation.

Are online marriages legal outside the United States?

If you want your wedding to be certified and/or recognized in a nation other than the United States, you might need to get an Apostille certification. An apostille guarantees that your marriage license is valid, verifiably legitimate, and recognized in all nations that have ratified The Hague Apostille Convention of 1961. Although distant appearance ceremonies conducted by a Courtly officiant are permitted by U.S. law, foreign countries or immigration authorities' approval of them may not always be recognized as valid, especially if your companion is a foreign national.

What is the step-by-step process to get married online in New York?

Using Courtly, couples may do the entire process online from any place. A legitimate U.S. marriage certificate may be acquired quickly, easily, and in most cases, in less than 48 hours, without any documentation.

1.Complete the sign-up procedure by creating an account.

It's as simple as ABC to register with Courtly to be married online! To join up, simply click the "Get Married" icon in the top right corner and follow the on-screen instructions. As soon as you create your account, you should be able to access it.

2. Upload your pictures and private data.

A government-issued I.D. with the applicant's name and birthday clearly displayed is required. In order to help you obtain your marriage license, our concierge will use our secure I.D. verification procedure. Our system accepts several types of I.D.s from more than 200 nations!

We will check for any ambiguities and work with the authorities to make sure everything is ready for your big day.

3. Decide on the ceremony's format, setting, and officiant.‍

It's time to act! Choose a venue and ceremony style that suits you. Depending on the time and day you select, we'll match you with one of Courtly's legally qualified US officiants.

4. After paying for your wedding package, you will get an email confirmation.

Make the payment and watch for Courtly's email of confirmation. When this is finished, the wedding bells should start to sound!

5. Join your family and friends online to celebrate your marriage!

Finally, get hitched online while lounging in your house (or any other place with a strong internet connection!). It should take roughly 15 minutes to complete the ceremony.

A digital copy of your U.S. marriage certificate will be sent to you immediately after your online wedding, and a printed copy will be sent to you within a few business days. Soon after the wedding, you may download your digital marriage license.

So, getting married online in New York is a fast and uncomplicated process. With just a few steps, you'll be able to complete the process with ease. All you need is a valid email address, identification, and your payment method. For more information about Courtly's effort in making New York online marriage possible, please visit our website.

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