In New York City, a “City Hall wedding” does not actually happen inside City Hall, and there is no true “courthouse wedding” the way there is in other states. Civil marriages here run through the Office of the City Clerk, also called the Marriage Bureau, with an office in each of the five boroughs. This guide walks you through exactly how to get married in NYC in 2026: the license, the fees, the 24-hour rule, and how to decide between a bare-bones City Clerk ceremony and a personal officiant who can marry you almost anywhere.
1 City Hall vs courthouse: what NYC actually offers
People search for a “city hall wedding” or a “courthouse wedding,” but in New York City both really mean one place: the Office of the City Clerk, known as the Marriage Bureau. The Manhattan office is at 141 Worth Street, and there is a location in the Bronx, Brooklyn, Queens, and Staten Island too.
Two things to know up front. There are no walk-ins, so every step needs an appointment scheduled through the City’s official platform, Project Cupid. And a judge does not marry you at a courthouse here. Your options are a civil ceremony at the City Clerk or a ceremony led by any officiant New York authorizes, such as an ordained minister.
2 Get your marriage license on Project Cupid
Every NYC marriage starts with the license, and the only way to begin is the online application on Project Cupid, the City Clerk’s official system.
- Both partners complete the online application together.
- Book your appointment through Project Cupid. You can do the license appointment in person, and a virtual license option is also available.
- The license fee is $35, paid by credit card or money order to the City Clerk.
- Your license is valid for 60 days, starting the day after it is issued.
3 The 24-hour waiting period
Here is the rule that surprises couples the most. Once your license is issued, you must wait a full 24 hours before the ceremony can happen. The only way around it is a judicial waiver, which is a separate court step most people skip.
This 24-hour clock applies no matter who performs your ceremony, at the City Clerk or with a private officiant. So if you want to marry on a specific day, count backward and get your license at least a day earlier.
4 The ceremony: City Clerk or your own officiant
With a valid license and the 24 hours behind you, you have two ways to actually say I do.
Option A: the City Clerk ceremony
You book a ceremony appointment through Project Cupid, show up with your partner, a valid photo ID each, and at least one adult witness. The ceremony fee is $25. It is quick and official, but it is also a short, standard civil ceremony on the City’s schedule, not yours, and popular dates book up.
Option B: your own officiant
New York lets an authorized officiant marry you almost anywhere in the state during your 60-day license window: a rooftop, a park, your apartment, a restaurant, or a favorite spot in the city. You still need the license and at least one adult witness, but the ceremony is yours. You pick the time, the place, and the words.
5 What it costs in total
| Item | Cost | Required? |
|---|---|---|
| Marriage license | $35 | Yes, always |
| City Clerk ceremony | $25 | Only if you marry there |
| Your own officiant | Varies by package | Only if you marry elsewhere |
| Certified certificate copy | Small fee | Optional, useful for name changes |
So the cheapest legal path is roughly $60: a $35 license plus a $25 City Clerk ceremony. Choosing your own officiant trades that $25 civil ceremony for a personal one at a location you choose.
6 What to bring
- A valid, unexpired government photo ID for each partner.
- Your parents’ names and birthplaces for the application.
- If either of you was married before, the date and how it ended, by divorce or death.
- At least one adult witness for the ceremony itself.
Neither, technically. Civil marriages are handled by the Office of the City Clerk, the Marriage Bureau, with an office in each borough.
How fast can we get married?
As soon as the day after your license is issued, because of the 24-hour waiting period. Book your Project Cupid appointments early.
Can we get married somewhere other than the City Clerk?
Yes. An authorized officiant can marry you almost anywhere in New York during your 60-day license window.
Do we need a witness?
Yes, at least one adult witness is required at the ceremony.
Can we skip the 24-hour wait?
Only with a judicial waiver, a separate court step most couples do not bother with.
Want a ceremony that is actually yours?
Get your license from the City Clerk, then let us handle the ceremony, your date, your spot, your words, anywhere in NYC.
Planning something small and private instead? Read our guide on how to elope in NYC, or get inspired by the best places to get married in NYC.
More wedding guides: wedding officiant in NYC, how to elope in NYC, and best places to get married in NYC.
This article is general information, not legal advice. City Clerk fees, appointment availability, and requirements can change. Confirm current details with the Office of the City Clerk through Project Cupid before you make plans.