How To Get Married Online in New York (Step-by-Step Guide)

Getting married online has become an increasingly popular option for couples looking to start their lives together conveniently and uniquely, and New York, with its vibrant culture and diverse population, offers an ideal setting for couples to obtain their marriage licenses and embark on their journey of matrimony.

This article is designed to provide a comprehensive guide on the process of getting married in New York through online marriage services. It will also emphasize the advantages and benefits of opting for this option for your special day.

The Legality of Online Marriages in New York

During the worst part of the COVID-19 outbreak, Andrew Cuomo, who used to be the governor of New York, made a rule that let people have virtual weddings for a little while. The purpose of this order was to let couples get married remotely. They could apply for a marriage license online and have the ceremony on video conference.

Virtual ceremonies are not available through New York's local office since June 25th, 2022. Right now, Project Cupid is the official online system for getting a marriage license. But it only helps with scheduling in-person licenses and ceremonies.

Thankfully, couples in New York can still get married online using platforms like Courtly. In 2019, Utah County worked for a year to make the process of issuing marriage licenses fully digital. The marriage license office and information technology departments were involved. This initiative aimed to modernize the Clerk's office and bring it into the 21st century.

Since January 2020, couples in Utah can do everything for their marriage online. This new online marriage procedure lets couples get and return their marriage license without going to the city office.

The Utah online marriage process is open to everyone, no matter where they live. This means that couples from any state can take advantage of this option to legally marry online. When marriages are legal in one state, they are recognized nationwide, so couples get a valid US Marriage Certificate.

Traditional city hall wedding in New York

A traditional wedding in New York typically takes place at the city hall. To have a New York city hall wedding, both partners must obtain a marriage license. To obtain this license, there are specific pieces of information that you will need to provide:

1. To prove who you are, bring a state or federal ID, like a driver's license or passport.
2. If you or your partner lives in New York, only one of you needs to show proof of residency.
3. American citizens must provide identification containing their Social Security number.
4. When applying for a marriage license, you must have a witness who is at least 18.

Both partners must be 18 or older and not closely related by blood. If one or both partners are under 18, they may need to obtain consent from a parent or legal guardian. In New York, a marriage license costs about $35. You can usually pay with a credit card or money order.

But, the cost of the marriage license doesn't include other expenses like transportation and officiant fees. These are separate elements that couples should consider when planning their wedding.

Obtaining a marriage license online in New York

You can get a New York City Marriage License online with Project Cupid. But, remember, the online marriage licenses from Project Cupid only work for NYC weddings. Different counties within New York may have specific requirements.

Currently, Project Cupid only handles online marriage license applications and scheduling for in-person ceremonies. Couples in New York State must schedule an in-person appointment to the county to get a marriage license. Online wedding ceremonies are not possible with a New York-issued license.

Here is a step-by-step overview of how to get a marriage license virtually:

1. To begin the application, click on the button labeled "START APPLICATION NOW." This will give you access to the City Clerk's Marriage License application. Once completed, you will need to return with your confirmation number.
2. NYC.ID account: You will need an NYC.ID account to proceed. You can log in using an existing account or create a new one.
3. To verify identities and marital status, both parties need to provide documentation. Additionally, you will need to answer personal questions to verify your identity.
4. To review your application, schedule a meeting with the City Clerk. Choose a convenient time slot from the available options.
5. You must pay a $35 Marriage License fee, and you can make the payment using a credit card.

Note that securing an appointment with the County Clerk in New York City for a wedding may be challenging due to its popularity. There may be a wait time of several weeks.

It's important to know that getting a marriage license is one step in the process. To get married in New York, you must find someone to officiate the ceremony and plan it with your witnesses. But, other guests may join virtually.

Completing the wedding ceremony and legal requirements

Once you have your marriage license in New York, you need to find an officiant who matches your beliefs and preferences. This can include religious leaders, judges, or individuals authorized by the Universal Life Church. You can make the ceremony unique by discussing with your officiant and choosing the format, readings, vows, and any rituals or traditions you want. Remember to ensure that the ceremony takes place within the jurisdiction of New York, with you, your officiant, and witnesses physically present in the state.

Although you need to be there in person for the wedding, you can include loved ones online. By setting up a live stream or video conference, they can join and celebrate from anywhere.

Alternatively, Courtly offers a convenient and streamlined process for getting married. You can use Courtly to get married without going to the county office in person. This includes obtaining a marriage license, conducting the ceremony online, and receiving a valid US marriage certificate. Couples with busy schedules or who like online processes find this option helpful.

Online Marriage Licenses vs. Complete Online Marriages

An online marriage license and an online marriage are fundamentally different. An online marriage license is simply the document that authorizes a couple to get married. Some states enable couples to apply for and obtain this license via an online application, simplifying the administrative process. Nonetheless, even with an online marriage license, the wedding ceremony itself must still be performed in person, adhering to state laws and regulations.

Conversely, an online marriage, like those offered by Courtly, enables the entire marriage process to occur online. This allows both the legal documentation and the wedding ceremony to be conducted virtually, offering a convenient and contemporary alternative to traditional in-person ceremonies.

A step-by-step process for getting married online in New York through Courtly

With Courtly, couples have the convenience of completing the entire marriage process online, from anywhere in the world. Obtaining a legitimate U.S. marriage certificate has never been easier, as it can typically be acquired quickly and effortlessly in under 48 hours, without the need for extensive documentation.

Here's a step-by-step guide to getting married online with Courtly:

1. Sign up and create an account

To begin, simply click on the "Get Married" icon located in the top right corner of the Courtly website. Follow the straightforward on-screen instructions to create your account, and once done, you will gain access to your account.

‍2. Choose the format, setting, and officiant for your ceremony

It's time to personalize your wedding! Select a ceremony style and venue that resonates with your preferences. Depending on the time and date you choose, Courtly will match you with one of our legally qualified U.S. officiants, ensuring the legality and authenticity of your online wedding ceremony.

3. Make the payment and receive confirmation

After selecting your desired wedding package, proceed to make the payment. Once the payment is completed, you will receive an email confirmation from Courtly, marking the exciting beginning of your journey toward marriage. For complete information on our available wedding packages and add-ons, please check our Pricing Page.

4. Celebrate your marriage with loved ones online

Gather your family and friends virtually to celebrate your special day! With Courtly, you can tie the knot online from the comfort of your own home, or any location with a stable internet connection. The ceremony typically takes around 15 minutes to complete, creating a memorable and intimate experience.​​

Following your online wedding, you will receive a digital copy of your U.S. marriage certificate immediately, allowing you to start the legalities of your union right away. A printed copy of the certificate will also be delivered to you in 1-2 weeks. You can cherish and share your digital marriage license, commemorating the beginning of your marital journey.

With Courtly's seamless online process, couples can enjoy a hassle-free and efficient way to get married, making the journey toward matrimony a memorable and joyous experience.

The legality of online marriages outside the United States

To have your wedding recognized in another country, you might need an Apostille certification. An apostille serves as a guarantee that your marriage license is valid, legally authentic, and acknowledged in all nations that have ratified The Hague Apostille Convention of 1961. It ensures that your marriage document holds international validity and can be easily verified.

In the U.S., court officials can legally do ceremonies online. But other countries may not accept them. This is especially true if your partner is from another country. Sometimes, you may need to take extra steps to meet the specific rules of another country.

Getting an Apostille certification can address these concerns and ensure your marriage license is accepted abroad. But before using your marriage certificate, research and consult the authorities or embassies of that country to understand their recognition requirements.

Conclusion

Courtly offers a convenient and efficient solution for couples looking to get a marriage license in New York online. With Courtly's platform, couples can complete the entire marriage process remotely, eliminating the need for in-person visits and paperwork. The streamlined procedures and user-friendly interface make it easy for couples to register, submit documentation, select ceremony options, and celebrate their marriage online.

The innovative approach of Courtly embraces technology, providing a modern and convenient solution for couples who want to legalize their union in the digital age.