Questions couples ask me
Short, plain answers. For the legal side, the City Clerk's own site is the final word, and I link to it where it matters.
Do I need a marriage license in NYC, and how do we get one?
Yes. You need a marriage license before the ceremony, and it comes from the NYC City Clerk. The process starts on the City Clerk's own page, so begin there: NYC marriage license information. The City Clerk's page has the current steps, fees and what to bring. If anything confuses you, send it to me.
What's the waiting period after we get the license, and how long is it valid?
In New York there is a 24 hour waiting period between the moment the license is issued and the moment you can marry, and the license is valid for 60 days. Pick up the license a few days before the wedding so you aren't counting hours.
Do we need witnesses, and how many? Can you provide one?
Yes, you need one witness at the ceremony. If you don't have one, we provide a witness for $100, with at least 48 hours notice.
What do you do after the ceremony with the license?
I fill out and sign your license after the ceremony, in every package. You and your spouse then return it to the City Clerk. For how and when to return it and how to receive your certified copy, the City Clerk is the right place to ask, and the process starts on their page.
Can the ceremony be in Italian, or half and half?
Yes. I run ceremonies in English, Italian or both, and in the bilingual ones I go back and forth so nobody sits there lost. Italian and bilingual are available with Elopement with Personal Vows, Custom Wedding Ceremony and Premium Wedding Ceremony.
Is an Italian ceremony in New York legally valid, and what do Italian citizens do about recognition in Italy?
Yes. A ceremony performed in Italian by a licensed officiant in New York is a valid marriage, as long as the license is signed and returned to the City Clerk. Registering the marriage in Italy is a separate step. I work with a partner Italian wedding planning agency that takes care of it, along with the rest of the planning, and I'm happy to put you in touch.
Can you marry us in a park, on a rooftop, at our home?
Yes to all of those, with some rules attached. Public parks can have permit rules, and rooftops and private venues need the owner's okay. Tell me where you're thinking of and I'll tell you what applies.
How far ahead should we book?
Send me your date as soon as you have one and I'll tell you honestly whether I'm free. Booking a year ahead is not too early, and I can take a date as short as two days away. For last minute ceremonies there are some limits on what I can include, so tell me how soon your date is.
What's your deposit and cancellation policy?
A deposit is due when you sign my contract, and it is not refundable. The remaining balance is due no later than 30 days before the wedding. Once paid, the balance is not refundable either.
What if it rains?
The ceremony goes ahead rain or shine. If you want an indoor backup, the Green Boutique chapel in Brooklyn is available for an additional fee.
Still stuck? Send me your question or look at the packages.
Not sure which one? Send me your date and I'll tell you what I'd pick.