Officiating a wedding in New York
Registration, the license, and who returns it — the essentials for officiants.
Informational only. Informational only, not legal advice. Confirm the current rule with the county clerk or issuing office that handles the license.
Reviewed July 2026 · Issuing office: health.ny.gov
Can you officiate, and is registration required?
New York City requires officiants to register with the City Clerk before performing a ceremony within the five boroughs; the rest of the state generally does not require prior registration for authorized clergy. The license comes from a town or city clerk.
Who returns the license, and by when
The officiant completes and returns the original license to the issuing town or city clerk (usually by mail), within five days of the ceremony; confirm the window with the issuing clerk.
Suggested return window: about 5 days after the ceremony. Confirm the current deadline with the issuing clerk.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you have to register to officiate in New York?
Inside New York City you must register with the City Clerk before performing a ceremony in the five boroughs. Elsewhere in the state, authorized clergy generally do not register in advance. Confirm with the clerk where you will officiate.
Where does the marriage license come from in New York?
From a town or city clerk. It is the officiant’s responsibility to complete and return the original after the ceremony.
Who returns the marriage license in New York, and by when?
The officiant returns the original license to the issuing town or city clerk, usually by mail, within five days of the ceremony. Confirm the window with the issuing clerk.
Never miss a return deadline
RiteBinder's license tracker keeps every state's note in front of you (free, no card). On Solo it also turns the signed license into a task and reminds you before the deadline.
Confirm the current rule with the issuing office:health.ny.gov.