A Complete Guide on How to Get Married in New York

When it comes to planning a wedding in New York, the Empire State dazzles with a multitude of scenic venues, outstanding vendors and details that make your big day unforgettable. Before diving into the fun stuff, though, you've got to learn how to get married in New York.

That includes squaring away info on securing a New York State marriage license (spoiler: it's not too hard), familiarizing yourself with all the various parts of the state (there's so much beauty both in and out of the Big Apple), and reading up on New York wedding ideas from local professionals to ensure your nuptials go brilliantly. We're covering all that right here.

In this article:

• How to Get a Marriage License in New York
• Notable Wedding Locations in New York
• How to Plan a Wedding in New York Step-by-Step

How to Get a Marriage License in New York

Choosing a venue and hiring your vendors is only part of the planning process—you'll also need to ensure your NY wedding license is ready to go. Fortunately, the process is pretty straightforward and licenses last two months after being issued. While the marriage license process varies from the boroughs of New York City to the Hamptons, Upstate New York and beyond, general requirements remain the same.

So, what do you need to get married in New York? New York marriage laws require you to show proof of age through official documentation or photo ID, and both parties must be present at the county clerk with all documents to sign in person. If you have been previously married, you must provide proof of marriage records, annulment, divorce decree or death certificate to certify that your previous marriage has ended.

FEATURED VIDEO FROM THE KNOT

In New York State, a marriage license costs $40. This fee also includes the price of a copy of your marriage certificate. You'll get your marriage license instantly from any county clerk, but note there is a 24-hour waiting period and a 60-day expiration period.

A marriage ceremony in New York must be performed by a certified officiant. A copy of your marriage license is actually included in the license fee, so you will receive the certificate 15 days after the license is issued. This varies only if you were married by the City Clerk of NYC, in which case you would need to request one online. You can also order a certified copy from the New York State Department of Health's Vital Records, but this does not include any marriage certificates from the five boroughs.

Notable Wedding Locations in New York

Whether you've got your heart set on Long Island's coastal beaches, like the idea of heading upstate for some incredible mountain scenery or want a metropolitan shindig courtesy of the Big Apple, you've got tons of New York wedding venues to choose from. Here are some of the most popular places to consider when getting married in New York.

New York City

One of the world's most high-profile cities, the Big Apple is the ultimate destination for an unforgettable metropolitan wedding. New York City offers everything from glamorous rooftop venues with skyline views to iconic landmarks like Central Park and The Plaza Hotel. Couples can choose between historic ballrooms, trendy lofts and intimate garden spaces. From Brooklyn to the Bronx to Manhattan to Queens to Staten Island, NYC's unparalleled diversity allows you to craft a wedding that's as unique as your love story.

The Hamptons

For a sophisticated seaside wedding, The Hamptons are a perfect choice. This upscale area on Long Island features elegant beachfront venues, beautiful vineyard estates and romantic farmland for every kind of wedding ceremony. The coastal views and luxury accommodations make it ideal for a stylish yet relaxed celebration.

Hudson Valley

Beloved for its charming, picturesque landscapes, the Hudson Valley is a top contender for nature-loving couples. Think cascading hills, rustic barns and historic estates! Many venues here emphasize farm-to-table cuisine and eco-friendly touches, perfect for those looking to create a meaningful and sustainable celebration.

Catskills

The Catskills is a haven for rustic and outdoor weddings thanks to its idyllic mountain views, cozy lodges and charming farm venues. Ripe with romance, this region is another ideal place to get married in New York for couples who love adventure. Along with the earthy views, it affords opportunities for hiking, fishing and outdoor activities for guests to enjoy.

Finger Lakes

For a wedding surrounded by serene lakes and scenic vineyards, we have to say that the Finger Lakes region is pretty unbeatable. This area of New York State is known for its wineries, waterfront venues and peaceful countryside, and it's easy to incorporate the region's world-class wine and fresh, locally sourced food into your celebration.

Buffalo/Niagara Falls

You can let nature put on a spectacular show by planning a wedding in New York in the Buffalo and Niagara Falls area. Couples can exchange vows overlooking the majestic falls or choose from chic nearby venues in the vibrant Buffalo area. This part of the state offers a mix of historic charm, waterfront settings and world-famous scenery, making it a memorable destination for you and your guests.

How to Plan a Wedding in New York Step-by-Step

So you've learned about New York marriage license laws and reviewed some of the top places to tie the knot—now it's time for a step-by-step guide on how to get married in New York State.

1. Figure Out Your Budget

Nailing down your budget isn't exactly exciting, but it's the first order of business when planning a wedding. The cost of a wedding in New York State varies dramatically depending on factors like the venue, number of guests and preferred vendors. Use The Knot Budget Advisor to help pinpoint your costs: It uses real, recent data from couples who've been married in your area.

"It's all dependent on what someone wants," says Michelle Fernie, chief creative planner at Michelle Elaine Weddings. "For example, if you want a waterside tent for 100 guests in Southampton, you can expect to spend $500k. However, if you're going for something more demure—a la Carrie Bradshaw with a chic restaurant setting—you could be well under $10k depending on final guest count, decor and if you choose a buyout versus just a large reservation."

Jon Lemon, owner of JC Lemon Photography, agrees, noting that you really don't have to "blow the bank" when getting married in New York. "Despite being at the higher end of the average cost per wedding nationally, New York has an extreme depth of variety in terms of vendors and especially venues," he says. "This means couples can usually find a venue that closely fits their guest count and vibe, keeping costs down. There is also a very healthy market for weddings with less than 100 guests, with venues and vendors speaking to these clients directly with their offerings and services."

2. Book a Venue & Secure Your Date

Once you know how much you plan to spend on your wedding, allocate a portion of the budget to your venue and get to searching. Determine which part of the state you want to get married in, zero in on three to five good fits, and then reach out for information and tours before locking it in.

As for when you can get married in New York, the state does have four seasons so take that into consideration. Arguably, the best time to get married in New York State is during late spring (May to June) and early fall (September to October) when the weather is mild and the natural scenery is at its peak with blooming flowers or vibrant fall foliage. These seasons also provide stunning backdrops for outdoor ceremonies, from vineyard weddings in the Finger Lakes to charming barns in the Hudson Valley.

To be safe, Fernie says to have a plan in place just in case weather occurs. "Plan for everything," she says. "If you're getting ready at a hotel and need transportation to your church and then to your reception, have a plan in place for every time you and your guests are being transported—for example, umbrellas for rain or shade."

She also says to be conscious of potential sweating—pay for that hair and makeup touch-up—and suggests that men bring a second button-down to change into later. And you could have a beautiful, snowy winter wedding, but if you're in NYC, that could be a dirty, slushy mess instead.

Pro Tip: In New York City, you can hold a ceremony on public property without a permit but with a few restrictions. "This means couples can get married in Central Park or directly on the street corner where they fell in love," Lemon says. "This makes for extremely personal and awesome ceremonies that embed couples right into the energy of NYC."

3. Hire Your Vendors

Whether you're looking for specialized vendors or more covering the basics, you can find just about everything you could think of in New York State. The beauty of the state's diversity lies in the vast variety of its vendors, allowing you to easily find whatever you're looking for within your price range. The Knot Vendor Marketplace is your best friend when searching for vendors.

Keep in mind that many vendors are booked one to two years in advance, says New York photographer Terrie Alfieri. "If you know that a certain vendor is a priority—this is subjective, but generally speaking venue, caterer, photo, video, planner, entertainment—I highly recommend booking one and a half to two years out, if possible."

She adds that a wedding gown can take several months to arrive and often requires alterations, so most bridal salons recommend ordering the dress about a year prior. "Vendors that are less of a priority—again, subjective, but like your florist, hair and makeup, invitations, suits—should be booked in the six to 12-month window leading up to your day," Alfieri says.

4. Consider Transportation & Traffic

It's best to keep events as close together as possible to avoid issues with transportation and—in the case of New York City itself—traffic. "New York traffic will easily erase any definition of arriving anywhere based on the distance," notes photographer Julian Ribinik. "Sometimes, you can drive a mile for an hour, so make sure to account for that and cushion your timeline the best you can—or, better yet, trust your planner or photographer." If you're out of the city, provide some guidance for guests and consider hiring transportation if there's a decent stretch between ceremony and reception.

5. Lean Into the Essence of New York

When getting married in New York, it only makes sense to infuse as much of the local flavor as possible! "If you're getting married in New York, lean into the New York vibe and have a celebration that is uniquely you," Alfieri says. "Don't feel pressured to follow protocol—do it your way! Only include aspects of a wedding that bring you and your partner joy; you can't go wrong."

Incorporate New York State or city touches into your big day with locally inspired cuisine—like a bagel and lox bar for brunch or miniature New York-style cheesecakes for dessert. For decor, consider iconic elements like a vintage yellow cab photo booth or centerpieces featuring seasonal blooms from Hudson Valley farms, and delight guests with experiences such as a live jazz band for a nod to NYC's music scene.