Last updated: 2026 • Official Source ↗
Quick answer
New York City: For New York City, the listed marriage license fee is $35. The waiting period is 24 Hours, and the license is valid for 60 Days. Use the official source before applying, because local offices can change fees, appointments, and ceremony rules.
New York City's listed marriage license fee is $35. The waiting period is 24 Hours, and the license has a 60 Days validity window. Compared with the US city average of $66, New York City is $31 below average and ranks 21 of 86 for lowest listed cost.
If you are searching for a courthouse wedding in New York City, start with the marriage license. Civil ceremony appointments, city hall options, officiants, and return rules are handled locally, so confirm ceremony availability with the official office before choosing a date.
Official details can change without much notice. Treat this as a planning guide and verify with the linked office before you apply.
In New York City, the Office of the City Clerk manages civil marriage ceremonies. You can schedule a ceremony at the Manhattan City Clerk's office or one of the other boroughs. The process is straightforward but requires an in-person appointment for the license application.
Visit the NYC City Clerk Project Cupid website to book a Marriage License Appointment. Walk-ins are allowed but wait times can exceed 3 hours.
Both parties must be present at the City Clerk's office. You will fill out the application and take an oath.
Once the license is issued, you must wait 24 full hours before the ceremony can take place.
Return to the clerk's office with one witness (over 18) to have the ceremony performed. Ceremony fee is $25.
| City | License Fee | Wait Time |
|---|---|---|
| New York City | $35 | 24 Hours |
| Rochester, NY | $40 | 24 Hours |
| Wilmington, DE | $30 | 24 Hours |
| New Orleans, LA | $27 | 24 Hours |
| Baltimore, MD | $35 | 48 Hours |
The listed marriage license fee for New York City is $35. Fees can change, so verify the amount with the official office before applying.
New York City: The waiting period is 24 Hours. If you are planning a civil or courthouse wedding, build that timing into your date planning.
Courthouse, city hall, or civil ceremony availability depends on the local office. The marriage license is the first step; use the official source to confirm ceremony appointments and local rules.
Only if they are registered as an officiant with the City of New York.
No, blood tests are not required for marriage licenses in New York State.
Return to the City Clerk's office to request a duplicate record for a fee of $10.