MARRIAGE LICENSES

Procedure for Obtaining a Marriage License in New York

Individuals who are about to be married in the state of New York will need to abide by some procedural recommendations before their nuptials can take place. One item which must be checked off the marital to do list is that of obtaining a marriage license. The following paragraphs will highlight the steps a couple needs to take in order to get their marriage license.

Where to Go

A marriage license is a document which can be obtained in various places throughout the state. Basically, the individuals simply need to appear as a couple at their local town or city clerk’s office in order to obtain a marriage license.

What Needs to Be Done

When the two individuals go to the town or city clerk’s office they will need to do very little in order to have a marriage license issued. The couple will need to complete the application that is provided by the town clerk or city clerk. Then the application needs to be reviewed by the couple for accuracy and once reviewed, it will need to be signed by both individuals. The signature is something which needs to be completed by both the future bride and groom and cannot be signed by another individual via a power of attorney. It is also important to note that the couple must appear in person and cannot have a notarized marriage license affidavit substitute for the real thing. For more information on the specific procedures regarding obtaining a marriage license and what documents one should bring with them, a couple should contact their town or city clerk’s office.

When It Becomes Effective

The marriage license becomes effective immediately upon the completion and signing thereof. However, it is important to point out that even though the marriage license is effectively immediately, the couple must abide by a state waiting period prior to marriage. The state requires that couples must wait 24 hours after the signing of their marriage license to legally be wed.

The marriage license is a necessary item for the couple to obtain prior to being able to get married. However, it is something that is quite an easy task to complete and is well worth the trip to the clerk’s office.