How To Get Married In New York City

Getting married in any state in the country is quite easy. Aside from the fact that marriage mates will have to plan for their ceremony, sending out invites, and also shop, they also need to attend to the legal sides of the wedding. To ensure that their wedding is recognized by the law, they’d have to apply for a marriage license as well as for a marriage certificate.

Most people over the years have completely misplaced these two varying concepts. Some have argued that a marriage license is exactly the same as a marriage certificate. You will find it surprising to know that they are quite different in so many ways. To explain better, a marriage license is a document that shows that a couple is getting married. It is the document that these prospective marriage mates will have to sign if they want their marriage to be recognized by law. A marriage certificate, on the other hand, shows that they are married. Unlike a marriage certificate, a marriage license can be gotten in New York at the City-County clerk’s office. Applicants will have to pay a visit to the clerk to apply for this license. Before that is done, they’d have to prepare themselves first.

According to the New York State laws, prospective marriage mates must meet the already predetermined requirements that have been outlined hu the state. In addition to that, they must be eligible for marriage. For a couple to be eligible, they must;

1. They must be 18 years or older. Prospective marriage mates that are below this age will not be allowed to get married in New York except on very rare occasions. An underage couple can get married if they are able to get legal consent from their parents or from a judge. Substantial reasons must be given for the consent. In addition to this, there must be proof that the couple has all it takes to care for themselves financially. Only on these occasions can people under the age of 18 get married.
2. Prospective marriage mates must not be blood relatives. That is, they must not be related by blood in any way. Marriages between relatives may hold in New York if the mates are not closer than third cousins, if they are old (probably above 50), and have been tested to be unable to give birth.
3. Since the 2015 same-sex bill was passed, same-sex marriages can be held in New York and in the other 49 states of the country. This simply means that individuals of the same sex can legally get married in New York.

How To Go About The Marriage License

Since we’ve talked about the eligibility requirements, this section will offer you a guide on how to get a marriage license.

Step 1; Set A Date

This is the most important step. you have to set a date and venue for your wedding before applying for this license.

Step 2; Visit The County Clerk

This is the very first step to take if you are to obtain your license. To help you out, you can look up your county in the city directory. While most states may charge between $39 or $150, to get your marriage license in New York, you’d be required to make a payment of $40.

Depending on certain factors, you may be required by the clerk to come with a witness who must have known you and your other half for at least six months. While visiting the clerk, you are required to come with proof of identity. In addition to this, you’ll be required to present a valid driver’s license, passport, and birth certificate.

While visiting the clerk, it is advised that you are present with your fiance. Except for certain circumstances that have been stipulated by law, you are required to appear with your spouse.

Step 3; Fill The Application

With the number of people getting married in New York is increasing annually, there is every possibility that you may have to wait for a long time before you obtain your license from the clerk. To prevent this long wait, it would be best to book an appointment earlier with the clerk. Once you have the form, the next thing to do would be to fill it out.  Be sure to visit www.usmarriagelaws.com for more information