Getting Married in New York

Getting married in New York is incredibly romantic. If you’re planning your wedding in New York, there are a number of things to consider. Especially if you intend to elope in NYC. You can celebrate this special day in multiple ways, along with one of the many romantic activities in New York.

Eric's Index

1 Can you get married in New York?
2 Marriage Proposal in New York
3 A Romantic Day in New York
4 Romantic Restaurants in New York
5 Romantic hotels in New York
6 FAQ

Can you get married in New York?

Are you considering getting married in New York as a tourist and wondering about the possibilities? The good news is that it’s possible to get married in the Big Apple. You might expect it to be similar to getting married in the other American city famous for weddings, Las Vegas. However, the procedure in New York is slightly different.

NY Marriage Licence

If you want to get married in New York, you first need a ‘Marriage License’. This marriage licence is a legal document issued by the State of New York prior to the marriage. With this document, the State of New York authorises the marriage. You need to make an in-person or virtual appointment online for when you’re in New York to be able to get this license.

Marriage ceremony in New York

Next up is the marriage ceremony. The marriage itself must be performed by a wedding officiant, a person who has the authorisation to marry people in New York. You can also get married in one of the Offices of the City Clerk. For example, at the City Clerk’s Office in Manhattan, where you’ll probably see a ton of other newly married couples.

If you get married in New York, you will receive your Marriage Certificate. You don’t need to register your marriage in the United Kingdom, though. Your marriage will be legal and recognised back home if you followed the correct US legal process, and your marriage would also be allowed under UK law.

However, if you need to use your marriage certificate for official purposes in the UK (such as changing names on documents, taxes or other legal matters), you’ll need to get an Extended Marriage Certificate and have it apostilled.

Eric’s Tip: “If you decide to apply for the extended certificate, you don’t have to do it on the same day as your wedding. In fact, you need to go through a number of steps at different locations to make that happen. Enjoy your wedding day and take care of the rest later!”

Wedding Photographer in New York

During your marriage ceremony in New York, you shouldn’t miss out on a wedding photographer. Finding a good photographer in New York can be tricky and very expensive. One wedding photographer in New York I can recommend is Mirjam. I’ve known her for a long time and she will take photos of you during and after the big moment for a favourable rate!

Eric’s Tip: “I am not a wedding planner. Planning a wedding in New York takes a lot of time and energy. You can hire a company to do this, but you can also choose to do it yourself. Let me give you a few pointers in this post.”

Marriage Proposal in New York

There are plenty of romantic spots in New York, perfect for a proposal. Get down on one knee on the Bow Bridge in Central Park, for example. You can also book a photo shoot in Central Park to capture this special moment. You can message the photographer beforehand to discuss the time and exact location.

Another option is on one of New York’s observation decks. With stunning views of the city as the backdrop, it’s a moment you won’t forget anytime soon. You can also pop the question to your partner on the water. You could enjoy the food and stunning views of the Manhattan skyline on the luxurious Bateaux Dinner Cruise.

A Romantic Day in New York

A romantic day in New York is something you should experience together with your partner. From personal experience, I can recommend the spa on Governors Island. You can enjoy more than 20 wellness experiences along with the views of Manhattan.

Or go for an unforgettable experience, such as a helicopter flight over New York. Do you want to add a touch of luxury to your day when admiring the views from above? Together with your significant other, you can book a private helicopter tour in New York and soar over the city skyline with your very own pilot. What could be more romantic than that?

Romantic Restaurants in New York

Of course, a romantic restaurant is a great place for a proposal as well! Throughout New York, there are lots of dining options and bars for a romantic night out. I’ve listed all my favourite romantic restaurants in New York that are perfect for this occasion.

Romantic hotels in New York

What better way to complete your wedding in New York than with a romantic overnight stay? There are plenty of excellent hotels all over the city. Take a look at my selection of the most romantic hotels in New York.

FAQ

Yes, you can get married in New York. There are a few things you need to arrange to do this, like planning an appointment to get your marriage licence.

Getting married in New York as a tourist involves a few steps: getting your marriage licence, having a ceremony (which can also be a quick stop at the Office of the City Clerk), and, if you want, getting an extended certificate and having it apostilled.

Yes, you can get married in New York as a tourist travelling on an ESTA. Every visitor who plans to get married in New York needs to make some arrangements though.