Marriage Licenses, Legal Ceremonies & Destination Weddings
- L Prestigious Events LLC
- May 24
- 4 min read
Engagement is filled with tons of emotion, anticipation, excitement, and the quiet realization that life is about to change in the most beautiful way. In the midst of creating your love story, dreaming about your future, and preparing to stand before the people who matter most, it’s important to pause and ensure every meaningful detail surrounding your union is fully prepared. This blog by Latasha Fields, Tri-State wedding planner was created to help engaged couples just like you navigate the legal side of marriage. Whether you’re planning a romantic destination wedding, an intimate ceremony, or a grand celebration, don't forget the legal stuff. Happy reading!
Many couples spend months planning the celebration but overlook the legal details until the last minute. By reading this informative blog now, you are already ahead of the process and setting yourselves up for a smoother, more confident wedding experience. The L Prestigious Events team is always invested in your understanding of planning.
Planning a wedding comes with exciting decisions — choosing a venue, selecting florals, curating music, and building a guest experience your loved ones will remember. However, before any celebration becomes legally recognized, couples must obtain a marriage license.
And while this process may initially feel overwhelming, remember — you do not have to navigate wedding planning alone. Many couples find peace of mind working with a wedding planners like us who can help guide them through timelines, vendor coordination, destination wedding logistics and ceremony details.
WHY A MARRIAGE LICENSE MATTERS
Did you know that a marriage license legally connects two lives together. It also protects both individuals legally and financially while establishing official marital status with the state. An official Marriage Certificate may later be required for:
• Name changes
• Health insurance updates
• Tax filings
• Banking and financial accounts
• Immigration matters
• Estate planning
• Social Security and government benefits
WHEN SHOULD YOU APPLY?
New York State requires a mandatory 24-hour waiting period between receiving the marriage license and having the ceremony performed. Couples should secure their license at least a few weeks before the wedding date to avoid unnecessary stress.
The license remains valid for 60 days after it is issued.
HOW TO APPLY FOR A MARRIAGE LICENSE IN NEW YORK
Both individuals must appear together when applying for the marriage license.
Bring:
• Valid government-issued photo identification
• Divorce decrees if previously married
• Death certificate if widowed
• Payment for the marriage license fee
Helpful websites:
IMPORTANT STEPS IF THIS IS NOT YOUR FIRST MARRIAGE
Ensure Your Divorce Is Finalized: Confirm that the divorce has officially been finalized and obtain a certified copy of the divorce decree.
Verify Name Changes: Ensure your identification matches your current legal documents.
Resolve Outstanding Legal Matters: Ensure there are no unresolved legal complications connected to prior marriages.
Keep Important Documents Organized:
Use Google to create a folder containing divorce decrees, updated identification, passport copies, and appointment confirmations.
DESTINATION WEDDINGS: WHAT COUPLES NEED TO KNOW
If you are planning a destination wedding outside of New York — especially internationally — it is important to understand the legal requirements of the destination before traveling.
Option 1: Legally Marry in New York Before Traveling
Many couples choose to legally marry in New York before their destination wedding celebration to avoid international paperwork complications.
Option 2: Obtain the Marriage License in the Destination Location
Some couples prefer for the destination wedding itself to be the official legal ceremony.
Common requirements for international destination weddings may include:
• Valid passports
• Birth certificates
• Divorce decrees
• Apostille certifications
• Translated legal documents
• Witnesses
• Residency waiting periods
Typical Cost Range for an International Marriage License:
• Caribbean destinations: approximately $50–$250 USD
• Mexico: approximately $200–$800 USD
• European destinations: approximately $300–$1,500+ USD
Questions Couples Should Ask Their Resort or Venue:
• Is the ceremony legally recognized?
• What documents are required?
• Are translations required?
• Who files the paperwork afterward?
CHECK PASSPORT EXPIRATION DATES EARLY
Several international destinations require passports to remain valid for at least six months beyond the travel date.
Couples should:
• Review passport expiration dates immediately after booking travel
• Confirm destination-specific passport requirements
• Allow enough time for passport renewals
WHAT HAPPENS ON THE WEDDING DAY?
At the conclusion of the ceremony:
• The couple signs the license
• The officiant signs the license
• Witnesses sign the license (space for two signatures)
WHO CAN LEGALLY MARRY YOU?
New York weddings may legally be performed by:
• Clergy members
• Judges
• Certain public officials
• Registered wedding officiants
WHO IS RESPONSIBLE AFTER THE WEDDING?
Once the marriage license is signed, the officiant is generally responsible for returning the completed document to the appropriate clerk’s office for filing. If this is not the case for you, ensure you send the license off certified with return receipt.
MARRIAGE LICENSE OFFICES ACROSS NEW YORK
NYC Marriage Bureau – Manhattan Office141 Worth Street New York, NY 10013
Brooklyn City Clerk Marriage License Office210 Joralemon Street, Room 205 Brooklyn, NY 11201
Queens City Clerk Marriage License Office120-55 Queens Boulevard, Room G-100Kew Gardens, NY 11424
Bronx City Clerk Marriage License Office851 Grand Concourse, Room B131Bronx, NY 10451
Staten Island City Clerk Marriage License Office10 Richmond Terrace, Room 311Staten Island, NY 10301
Nassau County Clerk’s Office240 Old Country Road Mineola, NY 11501
Suffolk County Clerk’s Office310 Center Drive South Riverhead, NY 11901
Westchester County Clerk’s Office110 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard White Plains, NY 10601
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