How to Elope in New York City

Step-by-Step Guide

1. 1

   Step 1: Decide on a few locations for your ceremony keeping in mind the number of guests that you will have in attendance.

   If you will have more than 20 people in your wedding party, you may need a permit for some outdoor locations.
2. 2

   Step 2: Contact a New York State licensed wedding officiant to secure a date and time for your ceremony.

   ,, Certificate of Naturalization, valid U.S.
   
   Permanent Resident card, valid U.S.
   
   Employment Authorization card, birth certificate and divorce papers (if applicable).
   
   Expired forms of identification will not be accepted. , See Name Change Options on the Office of the City Clerk's official website. , You also have the option of paying by credit card. , The license is valid for 60 days. ,,,, Include the official date and time. ,,,
3. 3

   Step 3: Verify the officiant’s identification number with the City Clerk’s office at 212.669.2778.

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   Step 4: Gather identification such as a valid driver's license

5. 5

   Step 5: a non-driver's identification card

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   Step 6: learner's permit (NY State only)

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   Step 7: Active Duty United States military identification card

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   Step 8: valid passport

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   Step 9: Decide if you will change your name.

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    Step 10: Purchase a $35 money order to pay for the marriage license from a post office

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    Step 11: bank or drugstore.

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    Step 12: Go to one of the City Clerk's Offices with your partner to apply in person for your marriage license 24 hours before the ceremony.

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    Step 13: Choose two legal witnesses over 18 years of age.

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    Step 14: Decide if you will exchange rings and/or write your own vows.

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    Step 15: Enjoy your wedding ceremony.

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    Step 16: Sign your marriage license along with the witnesses and wedding officiant in black ink only.

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    Step 17: Write down the issue information including the number

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    Step 18: date and time located in the top right corner of the marriage license for your records.

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    Step 19: Have the wedding officiant make a copy of the license and mail it in the self-addressed envelope provided by the City Clerk's Office within 5 days of the ceremony.

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    Step 20: Wait 2-3 weeks to have the license mailed back to you.

Detailed Guide

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