Here’s a complete guide on getting married at the Manhattan City Clerk’s Office (141 Worth St, NYC):
📄 Step 1: Obtain a Marriage License
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Apply online or in person via NYC.ID and the Project Cupid portal.
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Provide personal info (address, parent names, marital history) and present valid photo ID for both parties (passport, driver’s license, etc.)
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Pay $35 by credit card or money order.
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You’ll either attend a virtual appointment or go in person—if virtual, both partners must be in the same room, physically in New York, with IDs ready.
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Receive your license by email or printed (in person) — then wait at least 24 hours before marrying, but you must use it within 60 days.
🗓 Step 2: Schedule Your Ceremony
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Via Project Cupid, book a “Marriage Ceremony (In‑Person)” slot—appointments are mandatory, released ~3 weeks ahead every Monday around 9 AM ET.
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Slots are Mon–Fri, 8:30–11:30 AM & 1:00–3:30/3:45 PM. Fridays are popular.
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You can book your ceremony even before obtaining your license, but must obtain the license at least 24 hours before your ceremony date.
👰♀️ Step 3: On the Day of Your Ceremony
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Arrive at City Hall ahead of time; security screening is required.
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Bring the following:
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Printed marriage license
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Photo IDs for both partners and the witness
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$25 ceremony fee (credit card/money order)
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At least one witness aged 18+, also with ID.
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Ceremony typically lasts 2–5 minutes. Officiated by a clerk, includes standard vows, optional ring exchange.
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After signing, the clerk issues the marriage certificate on-site.
👥 Guest & Witness Policy
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Official policy requires one witness, but some couples report bringing up to 4 guests total (including witness and photographer)
Tip: Ask to verify guest count when booking—rules can change.
⏱ Timeline & Duration
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License appointment to ceremony: expect about 2 weeks wait.
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Ceremony day (waiting + ceremony): generally 30–60 minutes total.
🧾 Step 4: After the Ceremony
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The clerk automatically submits the signed license to the City Clerk’s office.
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You receive the official Certificate of Marriage on the spot; certified copies arrive by mail within ~20 business days.
📋 Quick Checklist
| Task | Details |
|---|---|
| Apply for license | Online or in person via Project Cupid |
| Payment (license) | $35 by credit card/money order |
| Wait period | 24 hours |
| Book ceremony appointment | Project Cupid, ~3 weeks ahead |
| Payment (ceremony) | $25 by credit card/money order |
| Entry requisites | License, IDs (couple + witness), witness |
| Ceremony duration | 2–5 minutes |
| Guests | 1 witness + up to 3 additional guests (verify) |
| Receive certificate | Immediately on-site (short form), full copy by mail |
