New York 2021 Marriage License Requirements During Covid

Virtual Marriage Licenses

For couples getting married in New York in 2021, LLG Events has outlined everything you need to know for getting a virtual marriage license.

Some important things to note:

All offices of the City Clerk NYC Marriage Bureau are closed to the general public until further notice
All couples who intend to get married in NY state must obtain a state marriage license

Couples can now apply for a marriage license online. Executive Order No. 202.20, signed by Governor Cuomo on April 18, 2020, authorizes New York state to use videoconferencing technology to enable couples to apply for a marriage license.

Couples must be physically located in New York State during the videoconference in order to be issued a marriage license. In addition, the Executive Order also permits the performance of marriage ceremonies using such technology.

Although the City Clerk’s Office is not currently conducting marriage ceremonies, a couple can choose their own licensed marriage officiant (the person who performs the marriage ceremony) and have a marriage ceremony using videoconferencing. This allows the couple, the marriage officiant, and the witness to each be located in a separate place. Please note that all participants in the marriage ceremony (the couple, the officiant, and the witness) must be physically located in New York State during the marriage ceremony.

Virtual marriage license process

How Much Does a Virtual Marriage License Cost?

The standard fee is $35.00.
You must get married within 60 days following the end of NY’s State of Emergency (180 days for active military personnel)
Can be used only in New York State

What to Know When Applying for a Virtual Marriage License in New York:

Your typical requirements of appearing at the Office of the City Clerk in person are no longer required - New York State is now offering virtual marriage licenses instead.