How International Couples Can Get Married in New York City

Aug 31

Written By Lia

Thinking of eloping to New York City from abroad? You’re not alone. Every year, thousands of international couples choose NYC for their wedding. The city is iconic, the photos are unmatched, and the process is simpler than you might expect—if you know what to do.

At Cakewalk, we specialize in tiny, stylish weddings in New York City. For our international couples, the most common question we get is: “Will my marriage in New York City be legal in my home country?” Let’s break down exactly how the paperwork works, what you need to know, and how a Cakewalk wedding compares to a City Hall ceremony in NYC.

Step One: Get Your NYC Marriage License

To be legally married in New York, you need a marriage license from the New York City Clerk’s Office. Here’s what to expect:

Where to apply: At the Manhattan Marriage Bureau (141 Worth Street) or online through the NYC Clerk’s Office website.
Cost: $35 fee, payable by credit card or money order.
When to apply: Your license is valid for 60 days. There’s a 24-hour waiting period before you can use it.
What to bring: A valid passport or government-issued ID. If you’ve been married before, bring divorce decrees or death certificates.

Step Two: Your NYC Ceremony

Once you have your marriage license, you need an authorized officiant to perform your ceremony. That’s where Cakewalk comes in. Unlike City Hall, where the ceremony is quick, impersonal, and strictly scripted, a Cakewalk wedding is:

Customizable: You can write your own vows, choose your location, and shape your ceremony.
Guest-friendly: We welcome up to 20 guests—double what City Hall allows.
Photo-ready: A professional photographer is included in every Cakewalk.

Step Three: Registering Your Marriage

After your ceremony, your Cakewalk officiant will file your marriage license with the Clerk’s Office. Then you’ll receive an official marriage certificate from NYC. This certificate proves you are legally married in the United States.

For International Couples: Will NYC Marriages Be Legal Abroad?

Here’s where things can vary:

Most countries recognize a NYC marriage certificate.
Some require an apostille (an official international certification for documents). In NYC, you get this from the New York Department of State.
Others may require translation or additional filing with your local government.

👉 We always recommend you contact your consulate or embassy in advance to confirm what you’ll need. Every country is different, and Cakewalk cannot provide legal advice about foreign recognition.

Why International Couples Choose Cakewalk

No red tape: We handle the NYC side—your license, your officiant, and your filing.
Custom experience: Say your vows in Central Park, on the Brooklyn Bridge, or outside your favorite record store.
Built-in photography: You’ll leave with editorial-style wedding photos that capture NYC at its best.
Flexibility: Rain or shine, weekday or weekend, we’ve got backup locations and a seamless plan.

Quick Comparison: City Hall vs. Cakewalk

👉 Learn more in our full guide: City Hall vs. Cakewalk Weddings in NYC.

Final Thoughts

For international couples, getting married in New York City is not only legal—it’s unforgettable. The key is making sure you’ve got your NYC marriage license, that you understand how your home country will recognize it, and that you choose a wedding experience that reflects you.

A Cakewalk wedding gives you all the magic of New York, the ease of a fully-planned elopement, and the reassurance that your paperwork is taken care of. All that’s left is to say I do.

Lia https://cakewalk.love