Love Without Borders: How to Elope in NYC as a Foreigner
Photo by Grace Taylor Photography
There’s something truly magical about eloping in New York City—the iconic skyline, vibrant energy, and endless possibilities for a ceremony that reflects your love story. If you and your partner are traveling to NYC to say “I do,” congratulations!
As an international couple, ensuring your marriage is legally recognized in your home country is essential. Depending on your location, you may need an extended marriage certificate or an apostille marriage certificate to validate your union abroad.
As your officiant, I’m here to guide you through every step—helping you navigate the legal requirements so your NYC elopement is not only unforgettable but also legally binding both in the U.S. and back home.
Let’s walk through the process so you can focus on what really matters—celebrating your love! Keep reading to learn everything you need to know about making your NYC marriage official worldwide.
Step 1: Getting Your Marriage License
Before you can officially say “I do,” you’ll need a New York State Marriage License, which can be obtained at any of the five borough offices. If you’re staying in Manhattan, the City Clerk’s Office at 141 Worth Street is a convenient choice.
❗️Important update: At the moment, all marriage license appointments are by appointment only, so be sure to plan ahead!
💡But here’s a tip—if Manhattan’s office is fully booked, why not turn the detour into an adventure?
Feeling romantic? Walk across the Brooklyn Bridge and visit the Brooklyn Clerk’s Office—it’s a scenic and unforgettable way to start your wedding day.
Not up for the walk? Hop on the 2, 3, 4, or 5 train for a quick ride to Borough Hall instead.
🗽Find your nearest City Clerk’s Office and schedule your appointment here.
Marriage License Details:
Apply Online First: Submit your application via Project Cupid and book your in-person appointment.
Cost: $35 USD, payable by credit card. (City Clerk Fee Schedule)
What You Need: Valid ID (passport for international couples).
Waiting Period: There’s a 24-hour waiting period after you receive your license. If you’re short on time, you may be able to apply for a judicial waiver to skip the wait.
Expiration: Your license is valid for 60 days.
Once you have your license, you’re ready to get married! That’s where I come in.
Step 2: Creating Your Perfect Ceremony
When you book Simply Weddings NYC, your ceremony is more than just signing paperwork—it’s a moment that reflects your love, your story, and your vision.
Flexibility: You’re not restricted to office hours or government buildings. Want a sunrise ceremony in Central Park? A golden-hour elopement on a rooftop with a skyline view? A cozy, intimate moment in a chic hotel suite? The choice is yours.
Personalized Experience: I work with you to create a ceremony that feels like YOU—whether that means a simple vow exchange, incorporating traditions, or making it a full-blown romantic experience.
Stress-Free Process: I don’t just officiate—I handle everything from issuing your license after the ceremony to walking you through the steps to expeditiously obtain your marriage documents while you’re still in New York. No guesswork, no stress—just a seamless experience.
This is your wedding day, and I believe you deserve more than just a quick, impersonal exchange. With me as your officiant, your NYC elopement will feel special, effortless, and completely tailored to you.
Step 3: Making It Legal in Your Home Country
If you’re traveling from another country, you’ll likely need additional documentation to ensure your marriage is legally recognized at home. This means obtaining an Extended Marriage Certificate (also known as a Marriage Record for Foreign Use) and an Apostille.
How to Get Your Extended Marriage Certificate
What is an extend marriage certificate?
Basically, the extended certificate includes more information; from your parents’ names and countries of birth to your officiant’s name and title. It’s typically used in foreign jurisdictions for adoption, passport, and dual citizenship applications among other kinds of adulting.
You can request it at the City Clerk’s Office after your wedding.
Cost: $35 for the first record and $30 for each additional record.
I recommend scheduling this appointment as soon as we set your wedding date so you can handle everything smoothly while you’re still in NYC.
How to Get an Apostille (International Authentication Certificate)
What is an Apostille?
Apostille is a French word meaning certification. Essentially, it’s the completion of city, state, and federal seals on the certificate ensuring that it will be recognized as valid in your country. Under the Hague Convention, signatory countries have agreed to recognize public documents issued by other signatory countries if those public documents are authenticated by the attachment of an internationally recognized form of authentication known as an Apostille. All that means is that you’ll need “Seals of Approval” from our government to affirm that your marriage is LEGIT.
Once you have your Extended Certificate, follow these steps:
✔️Verify Your Certificate – Bring your certificate to the New York County Supreme Court (60 Centre Street, New York, NY 10007) for signature authentication. Fee: $3 (cash, credit card, or money order).
💡 Pro Tip: The lines at the Supreme Court can be long. If the main entrance is packed, ask security about alternative entrances—it could save you time!
The Notary is also closed on Wednesday— so plan your trip accordingly
✔️Apply for the Apostille – Take your verified certificate to the New York State Department of State (123 William Street, 2nd Floor, New York, NY 10038). Fee: $10 per document, payable by money order.
Can You Get an Extended/Apostille Marriage Certificate by Mail?
Yes! If there are no time constraints and you’ve decided that you’ll complete this process well after your NYC adventure, you’ll need to do the above process via mail.
This will take an estimated 3 months. It’s called SNAIL MAIL 🐌 for a reason, folks!
1. Mail your original “short form” marriage certificate in a pre-paid self-addressed envelope along with this form request and payment to:
ATTN: Record Room
City Clerk of New York
141 Worth Street
New York, NY 10013
Make sure to follow the instructions on the second page of the request form. You’ll need to request at least one copy of the “EXTENDED FORM” but you can get multiple and pay the necessary fees ($35 for first copy/$30 for additional copies).
💡 Pro Tip : Include tracking for peace of mind.
2. Once you receive the “extended form” marriage certificate, you’re going to have to send it with a $3 money order payable to the following NY County Clerk address:
New York County Clerk
60 Centre Street, Room 161
New York, NY 10007
They will then take 2-5 weeks to mail it back to you.
3. Once you receive the certified authorization of your marriage certificate, you will need to complete the Apostille Request form and attach the marriage certificate that the NY County Clerk returned to you. Include a pre-paid self-addressed envelope along with payment of $10 per document via credit card, check, or money order.
You only need one document, but if you’d like additional copies for any reason, feel free to request extras!
4. Mail the completed Apostille Request form, certified marriage certificate, a pre-paid self-addressed envelope, and payment to the following address:
New York Department of State
Division of Licensing Services
Apostille and Authentication Unit
P.O. Box 22001
Albany, NY 12201-2001
You’ll likely receive your extended aka apostilled marriage certificate within another 4-6 weeks.
What if we Don’t Have Enough Time to Process My Apostille?
Short on time to process your apostille—No worries! Send me an email at hello@simplyweddingsnyc.com, and I can help you explore alternative options to get your paperwork handled smoothly.
Final Thoughts – Your NYC Elopement, Done Right
Eloping in New York is an incredible experience, and my goal is to make it as romantic, seamless, and stress-free as possible for you.
✔ I will guide you through the entire process—from getting your license to making sure your marriage is legally recognized abroad.
✔ Your ceremony is custom-crafted to be meaningful, memorable, and exactly what you want.
✔ You get complete flexibility—no waiting rooms, no rushed ceremonies, just a wedding that feels like yours.
So, if you’re dreaming of an NYC elopement, let’s make it happen! I’m here to help you celebrate your love—New York style.
📩 Ready to book? Let’s chat!
