How to Elope Legally in The Catskills

Eloping in The Catskills gives you a stress-free and fun experience! But what about the legal details? I’m here to tell you everything you need to know about eloping legally in The Catskills before you say “I Do”! 

For more details on eloping in The Catskills, check out my packages below!

Marriage Laws in The Catskills

The first thing you’ll want to do is find out the requirements for eloping in New York State. Here are some of the marriage laws for New York! I find New York marriage laws to be very straightforward and easy to understand, but I’m always available for any questions you may have.

Age Requirement:

Both applicants must be 18 years of age or older. Marriages of minors under 18 years of age is prohibited in the state of New York. You will be asked to provide documentary proof of your age.

Residency:

You do not have to be a resident of New York State to apply for a marriage license. However, you do have to apply for the marriage license in person at any town or city clerk in the state. 

Familial Restrictions:

A marriage may not take place in New York State between an ancestor and descendant, siblings (full or half blood), an uncle and niece or nephew or an aunt and niece or nephew, regardless of whether or not these persons are legitimate or illegitimate offspring.

Previous Marriages:

If you had a previous marriage, a certified copy of the Decree of Divorce or a Certificate of Dissolution of Marriage may be required by the clerk issuing the marriage license.

Waiting Period:

The marriage ceremony cannot take place within 24 hours from the exact time that the license was issued. The 24-hour waiting period may be waived by a judge or justice of the Supreme Court of New York State or the county judge of the county in which either party to be married resides.

Marriage License Length:

A marriage license is valid for 60 calendar days, starting the day after it was issued. If a party to the marriage is active U.S. military, the solemnization period may be extended to 180 calendar days if proof is provided. 

Witnesses:

The parties must state in the presence of an authorized public official or authorized member of the clergy and at least one other witness that each takes the other as his or her spouse. There is no minimum age for a witness. However, in selecting a witness, choose at least one person who you feel would be competent to testify in a court proceeding as to what he or she witnessed.

For more detailed information, here is the website from the state:

https://www.health.ny.gov/publications/4210/index

Obtaining your Marriage License

To elope legally, you’ll need a marriage license from a town or city clerk in New York State: These are the steps on how to get one:

New York Residents & Out of State Couples: If you intend to be married in New York State, you must apply in person for a marriage license to any town or city clerk in the state. The application for the license must be signed by both applicants in the presence of a town or city clerk. The marriage license can only be used in the state of New York.

Make sure to check with the town or city clerk to see what identification they will need you to bring (driver’s license, passport, state ID, etc).

Fees: If the marriage license is issued by a town or city clerk in New York State outside of New York City, it costs $40. This fee includes the issuance of a Certificate of Marriage Registration.

Signing your Marriage License

Now that you have your marriage license, it’s time to make things official! 

New York State law requires an officiant as well as another witness to sign the marriage license. I am ordained and can legally sign your marriage license as an officiant or as a witness! 

Family members are typically a witness if they are present, but you can always ask a stranger that’s nearby as well!

Submitting your Marriage License

To make your marriage official, you will need to submit your signed marriage license after your elopement! 

Make sure to return your signed marriage license to the town or country clerk office that you issued the marriage license at, whether that be in person or by mail. From there, the town or county clerk office will process and register your marriage!

Requesting a Certified Copy of your Marriage License

If you are changing your name legally, you may want a certified copy of your signed marriage license once it has been registered. This can be requested for a small fee from the town or county clerk office that registered the marriage license!

An elopement experience that you’ll always cherish

Eloping in the Catskills is an unforgettable experience that will create everlasting memories! I’m along for the ride to help you have a stress-free elopement day! I’ll be helping you obtain and submit your marriage license and I can answer any questions that you may have. Let’s start planning an elopement day that is true to you!

Check out my Catskills Elopement page to learn more about eloping in the Catskills!