Wedding FAQ: NY Marriage Licenses, Officiants + Ceremony Planning
Getting married in New York comes with a surprising number of questions. How do you get a marriage license? Who's allowed to officiate? Do you really need a witness? We've married 500+ couples across Rochester, Buffalo, and the Finger Lakes since 2014, so we've heard them all. Here are the answers, in plain English.
Don't see your question? Reach out. We love talking ceremonies.
Getting Your NY Marriage License
Where do we get a marriage license in Rochester, NY?
Any town or city clerk in New York State can issue your license, and you can use it anywhere in the state. In Rochester, that's the City Clerk's Office at City Hall, 30 Church Street, Room 100-A. Getting married in Buffalo or the Finger Lakes? You can still get your license in Rochester, or at any town clerk closer to home. Call ahead, since hours and appointment rules vary by office.
How much does a marriage license cost in New York?
Outside New York City, it's $40. That includes your Certificate of Marriage Registration, which the clerk mails to you after your officiant files the license.
What do we need to bring to get a marriage license?
Both of you need to show up in person. Nobody can apply on your behalf. Bring proof of age and identity, like a certified birth certificate and a current photo ID. If either of you was married before, bring your divorce decree or a death certificate. Each clerk has its own list, so check with your office first. In Rochester, the City Clerk asks for a certified birth certificate with a raised seal plus a government photo ID.
Is there a waiting period after we get the license?
Yes. You have to wait 24 hours from the exact time your license is issued before the ceremony can happen. Don't pick up your license the morning of your wedding.
How long is a New York marriage license good for?
60 days, starting the day after it's issued. If one of you is active-duty military, it can be extended to 180 days. Our tip: grab your license 2 to 4 weeks before the wedding so it's one less thing on your list.
Do we need a blood test?
Nope. New York doesn't require a blood test or physical exam.
How many witnesses do we need, and who can be one?
At least one witness has to be present at your ceremony. Your Honor Attendant is a classic pick. Some clerks, including Rochester's, ask that witnesses be at least 18, so choose an adult to be safe.
Who files the marriage license after the wedding?
Your officiant does. New York law requires the signed license to be returned to the clerk who issued it within 5 days of the ceremony. Every Flower City Ceremonies package includes filing your license for you. See our packages.
When do we get our marriage certificate?
Outside NYC, the clerk mails your Certificate of Marriage Registration within 15 days of receiving the filed license. Haven't seen it in 4 weeks? Call the clerk who issued your license. You'll need a certified copy for name changes, which costs $10 from the issuing clerk.
Can we use a New York license to get married in another state?
No. A New York license only works for ceremonies held in New York State.
Choosing Your Officiant
Who can legally officiate a wedding in New York?
New York's Domestic Relations Law lists who can marry you: ordained clergy, judges, mayors, appointed marriage officers, and a few other officials. Since 2023, any adult 18 or older can also get a One-Day Marriage Officiant License from a town or city clerk.
Can a friend or family member officiate our wedding?
Yes! Your friend can apply for a One-Day Marriage Officiant License after you've picked up your marriage license. Fees and steps vary by clerk, so they should call ahead. Want your favorite person up front without the pressure of doing it all alone? Our Keepsake Collection gives friend and family officiants professional support.
The Mentor ($129): A 1-on-1 coaching session on pacing, posture, and public speaking, plus a ceremony blueprint and a "what-if" guide.
The Manuscript ($149): A fully original ceremony script written just for you, with stage directions and a keepsake copy.
The Signature ($249): The complete experience. We write the story and train the storyteller, with everything in The Mentor and The Manuscript.
Do we need a professional wedding officiant?
You don't legally need one, but a pro makes a real difference. We write your ceremony from scratch, keep the timing tight, guide your wedding party, and handle the legal paperwork so nothing gets missed. Couples tell us all the time their guests thought we were a family friend.
Do you do non-religious ceremonies?
Absolutely. We write non-religious, spiritual, and interfaith ceremonies, and we're happy to weave in faith traditions, readings, or cultural rituals that matter to you. It's your ceremony, built around your beliefs.
Are you an LGBTQ+ inclusive wedding officiant?
Yes, always. We're proud LGBTQIA+ allies, and every identity, pronoun, and chosen family is honored with care. We use the language that fits you, from Partner 1 and Partner 2 to Honor Attendant and Flower Bearer. Learn more about our LGBTQ+ ceremonies.
What areas do you serve?
We officiate weddings across Rochester and Monroe County, Buffalo and Western New York, and the Finger Lakes. See our Rochester, Buffalo, and Finger Lakes pages for details.
How far in advance should we book our officiant?
As soon as you have a date and venue. Summer and fall Saturdays book up fast, often 9 to 12 months out. Weekday and winter dates usually have more flexibility. Check your date.
Planning Your Ceremony
How long is a wedding ceremony?
Most ceremonies run about 15 to 30 minutes. That's long enough to tell your story and short enough to keep guests comfortable, especially at outdoor summer weddings. Readings, unity rituals, and personal vows add time, so we'll help you find the right length.
What does a wedding ceremony include?
A typical order: processional, welcome, your love story, a reading or two, vows, ring exchange, the declaration, the kiss, and the recessional. The only legal must-haves in New York are you both saying you take each other as spouses, in front of your officiant and at least one witness. Everything else is yours to shape.
Should we write our own vows?
If you want to, yes! Personal vows are often the most memorable part of the day. Aim for 1 to 2 minutes each, and practice reading them out loud. Our Love Story Experience includes one-on-one vow writing help. Prefer something simpler? We'll write traditional or modern repeat-after-me vows for you.
What is a unity ceremony?
A short ritual that symbolizes two lives joining, like a handfasting, sand blending, wine box, or tree planting. They're a beautiful way to include family or honor a tradition. Since we custom-write every ceremony, we can help you create a unity ceremony that's totally unique to the two of you. We've even done a margarita ceremony! Our Love Story Experience includes help choosing and planning yours.
Do we need a wedding rehearsal?
If you have a wedding party, a rehearsal makes the day run smoothly. Everyone learns where to stand, when to walk, and how the ceremony flows. Rehearsals are included in our Love Story Experience.
Can we elope in Rochester, Buffalo, or the Finger Lakes?
Yes, and we love a good elopement. You still need a marriage license, the 24-hour wait, and one witness, but that's it. A lakeside dock, a park, your backyard: we'll come to you. Learn about elopements.
How do I change my last name after the wedding in NY?
The easiest way is to write your new name on your marriage license application. Your options include your spouse's last name, a former last name of either of you, or a hyphenated or combined name. Neither of you has to change your name. After the wedding, use a certified copy of your marriage certificate to update Social Security first, then the DMV.
How can we prepare for marriage, not just the wedding?
Try our Before You Say I Do questions. They're a fun way to talk through the big stuff together before the big day.
Still Have Questions?
We've got answers, and probably a few good stories too. Whether you're getting married in Rochester, Buffalo, or the Finger Lakes, we'd love to hear about your plans.