Frequently asked questions

Yes - that's the whole point. The City Clerk's office only performs ceremonies Monday to Friday, so a Saturday or Sunday wedding legally has to happen with a private registered officiant. That's me.

Yes. I'm ordained and registered with the New York City Office of the City Clerk, which is required to perform a marriage anywhere in the five boroughs. Being ordained alone isn't enough inside NYC - the City Clerk registration is the part that makes your signatures count.

Apply online through Project Cupid at nyc.gov/cupid, then finish in person. It's $35, both of you need to be present, and there's no residency requirement - tourists and out-of-state couples are welcome.

Yes - 24 hours between getting your licence and the ceremony. After that your licence stays valid for 60 days, so there's room to plan.

Just one, aged 18 or over, with valid photo ID. Their name has to be listed in advance when you book the ceremony - you can't grab a stranger on the day anymore. If it's just the two of you, I can be your legal witness.

Yes. The witness service works on its own - for City Hall appointments or park ceremonies - or as an add-on to a ceremony with me.

Usually no. In almost every NYC park, a small ceremony (generally under 20 guests) needs no permit and costs nothing. You just can't reserve or block off the spot, so we pick a quiet time. Two exceptions need a $25 permit: Central Park's Conservatory Garden, and any group over 20 - I'm happy to arrange those.

Anywhere in the five boroughs - a park, a bridge, a rooftop, the library steps, your apartment. Popular spots include Central Park (Wagner Cove), Brooklyn Bridge Park, Prospect Park, Washington Square, the High Line, and Fort Greene Park.

Ceremonies start at $450 on weekends; a witness-only signing starts at $200. You'll get a straight quote for your specific plan - no packages you didn't ask for. The $35 licence is paid separately to the City.

About 15 minutes, though it's entirely up to you. It can be a quick sign-and-go or a fuller personalised ceremony with readings and your own vows.

Absolutely. We can write the script together, keep it traditional, or go fully personal - religious, secular, interfaith, or somewhere in between.

For weekend dates, especially spring, summer, and Valentine's, 4-8 weeks is ideal. Last-minute is often possible too - reach out and I'll check availability.

We sign the licence together, and I return it to the City Clerk within five days. Your official marriage certificate arrives by mail a few weeks later.

Completely. Same-sex marriage has been legal in New York since 2011, and every couple is welcome here.

In most cases yes, a New York marriage is recognised internationally. Some countries ask for an apostille on an extended certificate; I can point you to how to get one.

We'll keep an eye on the forecast and either move to a covered spot, shift the time, or pick an indoor location like Grand Central or your apartment. Your day still happens.