Getting Married Out of State?
Your Guide to Planning a Wedding in New York
Can you get married in a different state than where you live? Yes, you can. And whether it’s family roots, college or careers that bring you here, Central New York is a hidden jewel in this state’s crown.
On 3,4000 gently rolling acres about 30 minutes east of Syracuse, you’ll find Turning Stone Resort Casino. New York’s most-awarded resort boasts the finest in accommodations, world-class entertainment, more than 20 restaurants and a collection of venues that is second to none. With four distinct seasons and plenty of natural beauty, it’s a beautiful choice for an out-of-state wedding.
One more thing about a New York State wedding – it’s hassle-free. Getting married in another state can be complicated, but the State of New York has a simplified process. And when it comes to planning a wedding, that’s music to most couples’ ears.
Why Have the Marriage Ceremony in Another State?
A couple of generations ago, it was a lot more common for everyone’s family and friends to live within easy driving distance of one another. That’s not the case for a lot of people in today’s world. College, marriages and jobs can move people far from where they grew up.
Choosing a central location for the wedding is a very considerate gesture. Couples with a lot of traveling guests may want to select a place that everyone can get to easily.
But that’s just one reason a couple might choose a destination wedding. Some couples dream about getting married in a particular type of setting and providing guests with an experience they’ll never forget. For others, the marriage laws in their home state may require too much red tape or fees.
And let’s not forget one of the oldest and most romantic reasons for an out-of-state wedding – eloping. There are still people who want to slip away for a private wedding with no one in attendance or just a few close friends.
The fact of the matter is there are almost as many reasons for choosing an out-of-state wedding as there are couples getting married. But something all of them should remember is Central New York – in particular, Turning Stone Resort Casino – can make any wedding unforgettable.
Is a Marriage in One State Valid in Another?
Marriage is one of the areas that falls under the principle of “comity” which essentially says that each of the United States will respect the laws of the others. When it comes to getting married, a couple with a legally obtained marriage license and marriage certificate from any of the 50 states will have their marriage recognized by the other 49.
What is a Marriage License?
In the United States, a marriage license is an official, state-issued legal document indicating that a couple has met the legal requirements for marriage as set by the state issuing the license. An example requirement is having reached the age of consent, which is 18 in all 50 states (various states allow younger people to marry under certain special circumstances or with parental consent).
If you’re getting married out of state, be sure to find the locations where you can obtain a license and make a plan (now) to secure that in plenty of time. These are government offices so you won’t want to slide in minutes before 5:00PM the day before your ceremony, or you’re likely to leave empty-handed. Either member of the wedding couple typically can pick up the license.
What’s the Difference Between a Marriage License and a Marriage Certificate?
Here’s a great way to understand the difference between these two documents: The license comes before the marriage and the certificate comes after the marriage. Sort of the way a learner’s permit leads to becoming a legal driver:
- As mentioned above, a marriage license is a document that says a couple has met the legal requirements for marriage; a license is also only valid for a specified period of time.
- A marriage certificate is the permanent record of a marriage having taken place. It is signed by the couple, the officiant of the wedding, and two witnesses.
Can I Get a Marriage License Online?
Some states allow couples to apply for marriage licenses online but it’s not a strictly clickand-go process. For instance, the couple may have to go to a notary public to have the license notarized. In another scenario, the state issuing the license may allow the application to happen online but still require the couple to pick up and sign the license in person.
When it comes to New York, you can apply for a license online if you’re getting married in New York City and then pick it up in person. In the rest of the state, you need to do the whole process in person.
Couples should always check directly with the state in which they want to be married.
Understanding New York’s Marriage Laws
Marriage License Requirements
Here are the basic rules regarding a New York State marriage license:
- The two people getting married need to be at least 18 years old.
- You must apply in person to any town or city clerk in the state (New York City allows online applications).
- Outside of New York City the marriage license fee is $40, which includes providing the marriage certificate to be filled out after the wedding.
- A New York marriage license is valid for 60 calendar days, beginning the day after it is issued (this may be extended for military members on active duty).
- Check with the NYC City Clerk for New York City requirements.
Residency Requirements
You don’t have to be a resident of New York State to get married here.
Waiting Period
A wedding cannot take place within the first 24 hours after the marriage license has been issued.
Officiant Requirements
The rules on who can legally marry a couple in New York are set down in Section 11 of the New York State Domestic Relations Law. We don’t want to miss listing anything, so this is a good site to check before selecting an officiant. Also, remember that license you picked up? Don’t let the officiant or any required witnesses leave before signing and dating the document (cue the photographer, as this is a special moment).
Planning Your Out-of-State Wedding in New York
Is My Out-of-State Marriage Valid in New York?
As long as an out-of-state marriage was contracted and performed legally, it will be recognized in New York. Just think of all those couples who have come from other states to honeymoon at Niagara Falls over the years. They didn’t get turned away for getting married elsewhere.
Special Considerations for Out-of-State Couples
The only truly unique situation for out-of-state couples getting married in New York is the 24-hour waiting period. Unless there’s time for a pre-visit to get the license, couples need to make sure they’re in the state long enough before the ceremony for the license to be valid.
Other than that, all they need is a valid marriage license, a valid officiant, a public statement that they want to get married, and a witness to hear them make it.
Choosing Your Dream Wedding Venue in New York
Venues at Turning Stone – The Perfect Setting for Your Special Day
Whatever your personal style, whatever atmosphere you want to provide for your wedding guests, however many people are on your guest list, Turning Stone Resort Casino has a venue that will provide the perfect setting. Weddings at our multi-award-winning resort literally come in all shapes and sizes.
Whether you’re surrounded by scenic greenery on the Great Lawn, enjoying the elegance of our ballrooms, marveling at scenic views from the Shenendoah Clubhouse or settling in for an intimate gathering at one of our Exit 33 lounge venues, New York’s most-awarded resort will make you’re wedding everything you want it to be.
Tips for a Stress-Free New York Wedding
Planning Timeline
There’s a lot to do for any wedding, and a destination wedding adds another layer of coordination for the travel involved. Unless you’re in a hurry to elope and start your life together, experts say you should give yourself about a year to plan a wedding.
Whether or not you decide on Turning Stone Resort Casino as your wedding venue, we want to help you make your wedding planning as smooth as possible. Please print a copy of our wedding planning blog for a handy explanation of everything you need to get done in that one year timeline.
Navigating New York’s Weather
There’s no bad time to get married in New York State. Every season has its own unique beauty. Even in the winter, when Central New York can get a blanket of snow, the scenery is serene. In fact, many couples love holiday weddings – just think how beautiful the resort will already be as a backdrop to your ceremony.
The sweet spot for your New York State wedding is April through early November. Those months offer the emerging beauty of spring, the lush greenery of summer and the vibrant colors of fall.
Whatever time of year you choose, Turning Stone Resort Casino will give your guests plenty of wonderful ways to enjoy themselves when they aren’t celebrating with you.
Your Dream Out-of-State Wedding Awaits in New York
Central New York is a popular destination all year long, especially during wedding season. Call 888.361.7958 and speak with a Turning Stone Resort Casino wedding coordinator about the unforgettable experiences we can create for you and your guests. You can also fill out our wedding info request form. We can’t wait to talk about your wedding, and look forward to welcoming you to Central New York.
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