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A FEW WEDDING TECHNICALITIES YOU NEED TO KNOW
Application for your marriage license: If you intend to be wedded in NYS, you may apply in any town or clerk's office within the state. The application must be signed by the bride and groom while witnessed by the Town or City Clerk. Phone ahead to ascertain the cost and acceptable form of monetary exchange (checks are usually unacceptable).
Ceremony location: NYS marriage licenses may only be used within NYS. Also, always check for the accurate site address you will need to provide on the license, and investigate what the license requires in terms of County, Township, or Village. In regards to off-land ceremonies such as on a boat, the boat will need to be docked in a port that has a specific address.
Issues of timing: 1) A marriage ceremony cannot take place within 24 hours from the exact time of license issuance. 2) Once a license is issued to you, it is valid for 60 days, beginning on the day after its issuance.
Regarding age: 1) No marriage license will be issued to those under 14 years of age. Proof of age may be required. 2) For those between 14 and 18 years of age, there are various requirements regarding written consent of either one or both parents and/or the Supreme or Family Courts. See below: "For further information". 3) If both applicants are 18 years or older, no consents are required.
Previous marriages: You must provide information regarding your previous marriage(s) when applying for your license. Phone ahead to your City or Town Clerk to discover exactly which documents, such as a certified copy of the Divorce Decree or a Certificate of Dissolution of Marriage, need to be presented.
Ceremony and witness requirements: There are 4 elements in the ceremony that make a marriage legal. 1)The "Intent", when the couple states in the presence of an authorized member of the clergy or public official and at least one other witness that they accept each other as husband and wife. 2)The "Pronouncement" by an authorized clergy member or public official that the couple has become husband and wife. 3)The license MUST be signed by the authorized officiant while in the presence of the bride and groom and witness(es). Make all necessary preparations to NOT forget the license for the ceremony. Your officiant will probably request it previous to the ceremony to ensure safe-keeping and efficiency during all the commotion - believe me, you will be glad to have one less thing to think about. 4)There are usually 2 witness signature lines given on the license. However, only one witness is required and at no minimum age. Do consider that at least one witness be of a competent enough age that s/he would be able to testify in court in regards to what s/he witnessed.
Officiants: There are many authorized officiants who can validate your marriage declaration and license. For a complete listing, see below: "For further information". Do note that ship captains are not authorized to perform marriage ceremonies in NY unless properly authorized i.e. ordained.
For further information: For a complete listing of the laws regulating marriage procedures, please see NYS Domestic Relations Law, Section 11. It is available in your public library, or you can contact your City or Town Clerk.
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