New York Marriage Licenses: 3 Filing Tips

Living in New York and planning a wedding?  Don’t forget to file for your marriage license prior to your big day!  Every state has specific regulations around marriage licenses, and New York is no exception.  Below are a few tips to make navigating the marriage license filing process a breeze.

Tip 1. Head to Your Town Clerk’s Office. Unlike most engaged couples in the U.S., New Yorkers need to apply for a marriage license at the town level instead of county level.

Tip 2. Don’t Procrastinate. There is a 24 hour waiting period for marriage licenses to be issued in the Big Apple, so please don’t wait until the day of your wedding to file!

Tip 3. Timing is Everything.  Marriage licenses issues in New York expire after 60 days.  So those of you chronic over achievers take note….filing too far in advance of your wedding can result in your license expiring before you take your vows (and create a legal headache).

Following these three tips will ensure that your marriage license application is accepted and your license is ready for when you say “I do”!