Guide To Getting Married In Westchester
Plan to get married in Westchester, NY?
There are a few things to keep in mind so your big day goes off without a hitch.
In this comprehensive guide, I'll cover everything you need to know to get married in Westchester county.
As a Westchester wedding officiant, I guide all of my couples through this exact marriage process. Book a complimentary consultation today so we can create your dream ceremony together.
Obtaining a Marriage License in Westchester, NY
The first step to getting married in Westchester is getting the license.
In order to do so, you and your partner will need to visit the Westchester County Clerk's Office and complete the application process.
The following documents are required to obtain a marriage license in Westchester:
Proof of identity for both partners (government issued ID)
Proof of age for both partners (certified copy of birth certificate)
Proof of residency for both partners
Social security numbers for both partners
If either partner has been married before, the date and place of their last marriage must be provided
Once you have gathered all of the required documents, you will need to make an appointment to apply for your marriage license.
Use this list of contact information for all the local Westchester city, town, and village clerks.
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To get married in Westchester, NY, both partners must be at least 18 years old, provide proof of identity and age, and obtain a marriage license from the Westchester County Clerk's Office.
Blood tests are not required.
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The average fee is $40 but fees may vary between the towns and villages in the county.
Should you get your license in Westchester?
If you’re not a resident of Westchester county, chances are you have to go through NYC project Cupid to get your marriage license.
Why?
Because many Westchester town clerks only grant marriage licenses to Westchester residents.
While NYC city clerk grants to anyone with a government issued ID.
However for an appointment with a NYC city clerk (whether in person or online) you must be physically together and in New York State for the marriage license appointment.
If you are an out-of-state resident I highly recommend getting legally married where you live to avoid the hassle.
A marriage license is only valid in the state it was issued in.
If you received your marriage license in Rye, NY for example, you can have a legal marriage anywhere in NY (from Brooklyn to Buffalo).
However, If you received your marriage license in Jersey City, you CAN NOT get married legally in New York or any other state besides New Jersey.
What Happens Next?
You will receive your license on the same day of your appointment. It’s your job to keep it safe until your wedding day.
A licensed professional officiant should sign it and you will need two witnesses. You and your witnesses will need to provide IDs to your officiant.
In comparison: if you received an NYC marriage license only one witness is required.
Once the signing is complete your wedding officiant will mail the marriage license back to the city clerk and you will receive your official certificate in the mail within three weeks.
Your marriage certificate will be mailed to the address you provided on the application.
You’ll need to fill out a separate application to get certified copies of your marriage certificate so you can:
Change your name
Update bank accounts and credit cards
Have copies for your records
Each copy is an additional charge. Contact your town clerk to find out.
Finding the Perfect Wedding Venue in Westchester, NY
The next step in planning your Westchester wedding is to find the right venue.
Westchester has a variety of beautiful locations to choose from, including historic estates, lush gardens, and elegant ballrooms.
When selecting a venue, consider the following factors:
Guest count
Budget
Style and ambiance
Availability on your desired wedding date
Location and accessibility
Catering and bar options
To get a better idea of the various venues available in Westchester, schedule tours and attend open houses. This way you’ll get to see the venue in person and get a feel for its style and atmosphere.
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Yes, 2 witnesses are required to sign a marriage license in Westchester, NY.
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No, you can’t get married at a courthouse in Westchester County. NYC still offers this service.
Hiring a Wedding Officiant in Westchester, NY
Working with a professional wedding officiant can help bring your dream ceremony to life!
…and make the process less stressful.
A marriage officiant can help you navigate the license process, figure out what ceremony fits you, and ensure that it all goes smoothly..
Also, If you’re having a big wedding (around 100 guests or more) then I highly recommend using a wedding planner. Having a pro planner on your team can make a difference in executing the wedding of your dreams.
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No, your loved one will need to become an officiant first. NY state only recognizes marriages officiated by an ordained minister.
Alternatively you can have a quick legal license signing and then have whomever you want perform the ceremony on your wedding day.
Planning the Perfect Westchester Wedding
With your marriage license, venue, and wedding planner in place, you're ready to start planning the details of your wedding.
From selecting your wedding party and hiring vendors to creating a menu and choosing decorations, there are many decisions to be made.
To make the process easier, consider creating a wedding timeline and budget. This will help you stay on track and ensure that everything gets done in a timely and organized manner.
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No, premarital counseling is not required by law in Westchester, NY, but it is always recommended for couples to participate in some form of counseling before taking such a big step.
A Beautiful Beginning
Getting married in Westchester, NY is a wonderful way to start your life together as a married couple.
With its beautiful venues and experienced vendors, its the perfect county in NY to make your wedding day dreams a reality.
So why wait? Start planning your Westchester wedding today!
