How to Elope in NYC as a Foreigner or a U.S. Resident: A Complete Step-by-Step Guide
Dreaming of saying "I do" in New York City?
You're not alone. Every year, thousands of couples — both from the U.S. and from around the world — choose NYC for its energy, romance, and unforgettable views. But how do you actually elope in New York? Don’t worry — it’s easier than you think, and we’re here to guide you every step of the way.
At One Wedding House, we specialize in planning elopements and micro weddings in NYC for couples from all over the world — whether you live here or are flying in for the adventure of a lifetime. This guide is tailored for both U.S. residents and international couples planning to elope in NYC.
Step 1: Who Can Get Married in New York City?
The good news? Almost anyone can elope in NYC
If you live in the U.S.:
Whether you’re from New York or another state, you’re eligible to get married in NYC.
All you need is:
A valid ID (driver’s license, state ID, or passport)
Your partner’s ID
You’ll follow the same process for applying for a marriage license
If you’re visiting from abroad:
Yes — New York City allows non-U.S. citizens and tourists to get legally married here. As long as you’re in the U.S. legally (even on a tourist visa), you can get married.
You don’t need:
A Social Security Number
Proof of residency
A U.S. address
You will need:
Valid passports
A translator if your documents are not in English
We help you navigate all of this — and we accompany you if needed.
Step 2: Apply for a Marriage License
To get married in NYC, you must first apply for a marriage license through the City Clerk’s office.
Book an appointment for an in-person visit (we help you with that).
Bring your ID (passport or driver’s license) and confirmation page.
You must wait 24 hours after getting your license before you can legally marry.
Tip for international couples: If you're flying in for a short trip, we’ll help schedule your license appointment, ceremony, and photos around your travel dates.
Tip for U.S. residents: You can apply up to 60 days in advance and plan your elopement at your own pace.
Step 3: Choose Your Ceremony Style
You have two main options:
Option 1: City Hall Elopement
Simple and quick. You arrive at the Manhattan Marriage Bureau, wait in line, and say your vows in front of a government official. It takes about 15 minutes.
Option 2: Custom Elopement with a Private Officiant
Get married in Central Park, on the Brooklyn Bridge, at Top of the Rock — or anywhere in the city. You can bring your own vows, have photos and video, flowers, music — the full experience.
Our team includes licensed officiants, photographers, videographers, florists, and planners who make the whole day seamless, whether you're local or traveling in from abroad.
Step 4: Celebrate — and Legalize Your Marriage at Home (if needed)
After your ceremony, you’ll receive your official marriage certificate.
If you live in the U.S.:
Your marriage is automatically legal across all states. You don’t need to do anything else.
If you live outside the U.S.:
You may need an apostille to make your marriage legally recognized in your home country. We can take care of this for you — and we’ll ship the completed certificate with apostille straight to your home, wherever you are in the world.
Why Choose One Wedding House
We help couples from the U.S., the UK, Australia, Europe, and all over the world elope in NYC every single week.
Here’s what sets us apart:
Packages from $2,000 to $9,500
Licensed officiants
10+ iconic NYC locations to choose from
Local team who knows the best light, views, and timing
We speak English, Russian, Spanish — and we understand international paperwork
We work with both locals and destination couples
Start Planning Your Elopement Today
Whether you’re based in New York or visiting from overseas, you deserve a day that feels effortless and unforgettable. We’ll handle the paperwork, the planning, and every little detail.
Contact us today to start your NYC elopement journey.
