New York City has been the epicenter of the LGBTQ+ movement for decades. It’s no surprise that the city has always been a top destination for gay and lesbian couples looking to get married. However, same-sex marriage was legalized in New York state in 2011, and since then, LGBTQ+ couples have been able to tie the knot legally. Here’s everything you need to know about getting gay married in NYC.
Step 1: Check Your Eligibility
Before you can get married in New York City, you need to make sure you meet the eligibility criteria. In particular:
- You and your partner must be at least 18 years old.
- You and your partner cannot be related by blood, marriage or adoption.
- You need to have a valid government-issued ID (such as a passport or driver’s license) to prove your age.
Step 2: Obtain a Marriage License
Once you’ve confirmed you’re eligible to get married, you’ll need to obtain a marriage license. To do this, you need to:
- Fill out the online Marriage License Application with basic information about you and your partner.
- Appear together in person at the Office of the City Clerk.
- Pay a fee of $35.00 by credit card, money order, or certified check.
- Present a valid photo ID and your proof of age.
Once the application has been processed and approved, the couple will receive a Marriage License which is valid for 60 days.
Step 3: Plan and Arrange the Wedding Ceremony
After obtaining a Marriage License, you can start planning and making arrangements for your wedding ceremony. You can either choose to have a small, private ceremony or an elaborate one. In New York City, you can get married in a variety of settings, including:
- A City Clerk’s Office.
- A public park or garden.
- A historic site or cultural institution.
- At a private residence or commercial venue.
- On a public street or plaza.
Step 4: Find an Officiant
In New York City, you can have a wide variety of officiants perform your wedding ceremony. This includes a member of the clergy, a judge, or a marriage officiant from the Universal Life Church. The person who officiates the ceremony must be authorized by the state of New York to solemnize marriages.
Step 5: Plan for a Witness
You’ll need at least one witness to your wedding ceremony. The witness must be at least 18 years old and must provide a valid photo ID.
Step 6: After the Wedding Ceremony
After the wedding ceremony, the officiant will sign the Marriage License and file it with the City Clerk’s Office. You can purchase a copy of the Marriage License online or in person from the City Clerk’s Office after the ceremony. The certificate serves as legal proof of marriage.
Conclusion
Gay marriage is legal in New York City, and the process for getting gay married is very similar to heterosexual marriages. As long as you meet the eligibility criteria and obtain a Marriage License, you’re free to get married in the city. Whether you’re planning an elaborate ceremony or a small, private one, New York City offers many beautiful settings to exchange vows.
FAQ
Are gay marriages legal in New York?
Yes, gay marriages are legal in New York. The Marriage Equality Act, which took effect on July 24, 2011, allows any couple to obtain a marriage license and get married in the state regardless of their gender.
Before the Act was passed, same-sex couples in New York had no legal recognition or protection under the state’s marriage laws. However, the Act changed that by opening up marriage to all couples, regardless of their gender or sexual orientation. Since its passage, New York has become the sixth state in the United States to legalize gay marriage.
The Act provides all the same rights and responsibilities to same-sex couples that are afforded to different-sex couples who are married in the state. This includes everything from inheritance rights to the ability to make medical decisions for one’s spouse.
The passage of the Marriage Equality Act was a significant milestone in the fight for equal rights for the LGBTQ community. It represented a major step forward in the struggle for full legal recognition and protection for same-sex couples.
While progress has been made in recent years, there is still much work to be done to ensure that all LGBTQ individuals and their families have the same rights and protections as everyone else in society. Nonetheless, the legalization of gay marriage in New York was a significant victory for advocates of same-sex marriage, and it demonstrated that progress is possible even in the face of adversity.
How to get a courthouse wedding nyc?
If you are looking for a simple and affordable way to get married in New York City, a courthouse wedding is a great option. Courthouse weddings are perfect for couples who want to keep things low-key and avoid the stress and expense of a big wedding. Here are the steps you need to take to get a courthouse wedding in NYC.
First, you will need to obtain a marriage license from the City Clerk’s office or complete the online pre-application form at the nyc.gov/cupid website. The license costs $35 and is valid for 60 days. Both parties must apply in person at the City Clerk’s Office and provide proper identification, such as a driver’s license or passport.
Once you have obtained your marriage license, you must schedule an appointment to get married at one of the city’s courthouses. You can make an appointment online via nyc.gov/cupid or by phone. Marriage ceremonies are conducted by a judge and appointments are available from Monday to Friday, 8:30 am to 3:45 pm. There are a limited number of appointments available each day, so it’s recommended that you schedule your appointment well in advance to ensure availability.
On the day of your scheduled appointment, you and your partner must arrive together at the courthouse with the same proper identification that you brought when you obtained your marriage license. You must also bring at least one witness who is 18 years of age or older. If you don’t have a witness, the courthouse may be able to provide one for you.
During the ceremony, you and your partner will be joined in matrimony by a judge. The ceremony is brief and typically lasts around 10 minutes. You will exchange rings and sign the marriage license in the presence of the judge and your witness.
After the ceremony, you will receive a new marriage certificate that includes your new legal name, if you have changed it. You should order additional copies of your marriage certificate if you need them for legal or administrative purposes.
Getting married at a courthouse in NYC is a convenient and inexpensive option for couples who want to tie the knot without breaking the bank. By following these simple steps, you can have a beautiful and memorable wedding day in one of the city’s historic courthouses.
What documents do you need to get married in nyc?
To get married in New York City, you and your prospective spouse must have one form of proper identification in order to apply for a Marriage License. If you are a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, you may provide one of the following forms of identification:
– Birth certificate
– Baptismal record
– Naturalization record
– Census record
– Citizenship card
– Driver’s license
– State ID card
– Passport
– U.S. military ID card
– Employment authorisation card
– Resident Alien card
– Mexican Consulate ID card
If you are not a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, you will need a passport or driver’s license from your country of origin or a valid photo ID issued by your consulate. In addition to proper identification, state law also requires documentation of proof of age. Since all forms of proper identification are also acceptable proof of age, holders of proper identification will not need additional documentation.
If you are between the ages of 18 and 21, a parent or legal guardian must appear with you at the time the application is made to give written consent to the marriage. If the parents or guardians can’t be present, they must submit notarized affidavits. If you or your prospective spouse are under the age of 18, you must have written parental consent and have an order from a judge of the Supreme Court or Family Court allowing the marriage.
Once you have assembled the necessary documents, you must make an appointment with the Office of the City Clerk and go together to apply for your Marriage License. The license is valid for 60 calendar days and can be used anywhere within the state of New York. After the ceremony, the officiant, you, and your spouse must sign the license and return it to the Office of the City Clerk within five days. Once it has been recorded, you can purchase a certified copy of the Marriage Certificate if needed for legal purposes such as changing your name or applying for benefits.
