New York City Elopement Blog

Any public space in New York City is mostly available to the general public; however, there are some considerations if you are thinking on using these public spaces for your wedding ceremony. We all have the right to use any public space on a first come, first serve basis.

​Any gathering over 25 people requires a permit. I highly suggest to apply for a special events permit at the NYC Parks Department . If you would like your wedding ceremony location, e.g. Wagner Cove, Cop Cot, Washington Square Park, etc., to be "guaranteed" and be "yours" for the duration of your marriage ceremony, in addition to be guaranteed a certain date/time, then yes apply for a permit. 

 Many people forego the permitting process because elopements are small, informal, fun and take less time. Believe or not people in the city are very nice and accommodating to couples getting married and move over to let you have your moment. And like good New Yorkers that we are, we mind our business, haha!

 Keep in mind you're not the only eloping couple thinking the same. So you may even see other couples "waiting their turn" to get married in the same space, specifically in the warmer months and fall. If you are wanting to elope in New York City's iconic places like Central Park, or the steps of the New York City Public Library, the smaller the headcount the better.

​If you have no problem waiting your turn, go with the flow person, you are open to a "plan b" location, and have less than 25 people, you don't need a permit. Most of my elopements are in public spaces and are done with no permit. 

 If you're planning ahead, have a larger party, want a more formal vibe, guaranteed space, and with at least 30 days of anticipation, you will need a special events permit.

Here is the link  where to apply. Or I can do it for you, depending on the package you select for a nominal fee.

While it may not be required in your home country, in my experience all international tourists that live in another country are highly encouraged to obtain an apostille from the Department of State of New York while you are in NYC. Perhaps in the future you may need to "prove" your marriage to international courts for an immigration, adoption, estate, and/or probate process. With an apostille from the Department of State completed prior to you flying back to your home country, you have the "proof" validated for international court use. The good news is that we are located in New York City. The City Clerk and the Department of State, are both just a few blocks away from each other. No worries, I'll help you get all your appointments along the way.

​Anyone that is wanting to get married in New York City that is a tourist living in another country, plan on staying at least 5 to 7 days in NYC. Here is an eloping itinerary that I recommend:

- Day 1: Your arrive in NYC

- Day 2: Attend your marriage license appointment (a business day)

- Day 3: Let 24 hour grace period pass (enjoy the NYC)

- Day 4: Get married ( Officiant signs off and go celebrate)

- Day 5: This is a three part day (business day). Part one, go in person to the record room with a morning appointment at the city clerk to process your signed marriage license. You will receive a "foreign use" also known as a "long marriage certificate" instantly after processing. Part two, you will then walk over to another building and get that foreign use marriage certificate "wet-signed" by the city clerk that same day. Part three, you will attend an appointment that you booked prior at the Department of State to receive your apostille on that wet-signed foreign use marriage certificate you just got. You should be done with all of this by early afternoon on the same day as well. The good thing is you're getting married in the capitol of the world, this three-step process and all these important departments are only 1 block away from each other!

​These appointments may be tricky, but no worries, I will guide you along the way.

If so, read through the "getting your marriage license" section below and it explain your first steps.

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