Same-sex marriage in the U.S. state of New York became legal on July 24, 2011, under the Marriage Equality Act, which was passed by the New York State Legislature on June 24, 2011 and signed by Governor Andrew Cuomo on the same day. The Marriage Equality Act does not have a residency restriction, as some other states do, and allows religious organizations to decline to officiate same-sex wedding ceremonies.
In 2006, the New York Court of Appeals ruled that the New York state constitution does not require same-sex marriage rights and left the question of recognition to the legislature. Following the 2006 Court decision, the New York State Assembly passed same-sex marriage legislation in 2007, 2009, and 2011. However, the New York Senate rejected same-sex marriage legislation in a 38–24 vote on December 2, 2009. After negotiations between Republican members of the Senate and Governor Andrew Cuomo, regarding protections against discrimination lawsuits for religious groups and non-profit organizations, the bill passed the State Senate by a vote of 33–29. The law took effect on July 24, 2011.
OFFICIANTS
(800) 935-3565 As wedding celebrants, we specialize in personalized, custom-designed weddings that can be religious, civil, interfaith, non-denominational or spiritual. We also speak Spanish, Italian & many other languages.
(914) 420-9280 (Yonkers, NY) The ceremony is the outward display of your love for each other. I promise a ceremony that is caring and warm, a touch of class and style, and your ceremony will always be inspiring and heart felt for all.
(917) 620-3014 (Brooklyn, NY) I perform customized wedding ceremonies that reflect the tastes and the beliefs of those I marry. Your wedding day is a very important day and I would like to be a part of that experience.
(914) 237-0045 (Yonkers, NY) I am an officiant, in the Christian tradition, officiating at Christian, Inter-faith and Civil wedding ceremonies.
(516) 313-3516 Rockville Centre, NY) As an attentive and discerning Wedding Officiant, I will write the ceremony that celebrates your love, honors your family and shares great joy with friends.
(631) 736-1371 (Coram, NY) Your personalized or customized wedding ceremony is as special as the love you share. The sacred journey you are about to take together, is one of the most important decisions of your life.
(718) 662-9059 (New York, NY) I officiate weddings at couple’s homes, halls, and restaurants. I officiate ceremonies in the Bronx, Manhattan, Brooklyn, and Queens and major cities of New Jersey.
(646) 648-0128 (New York, NY) Experience the truth and treasure of your love shared in an inspired ceremony you help design ~ from elegant to sweet to playful! A Love Story, a Costume theme, or an Adventure setting for your vow renewal.
(914) 506-0300 (Chappaqua , NY) My goal is to create a warm, personal & unique wedding ceremony for you. You may not even know what options are available. Let me take the mystery out of creating your personal wedding service.
(917) 435-1091 (Richmond, VA) Registered Wedding Officiant and Ordained Rabbi specializing in weekday elopements, non-denominational, and civil weddings, as well as traditional Jewish ceremonies.
(202).253-3629 (Bowie, MD) Rev. SJ Burns is a nondenominational wedding officiant, an avid supporter of marriage equality, and she has been serving a diverse community since 2004.Maryland Wedding Minister & DC, VA, NYC.
(516) 785-4191 (West Babylon, NY) The wedding ceremony shouldn't be the thing that you and your guests have to suffer through to get to the good part. I promise you a meaningful, enjoyable, ceremony that everyone will remember for years to come.
(203) 775-2669 (Brookfield, CT) Justice of the Peace, Connecticut in partnership with Non-denominational minister to provide the exact service you may wish, and in your budget. Our service area is Connecticut, along with Dutchess and Putnam Counties, NY.
(315) 345-5877 (Minioa, NY) I will happily perform a customized wedding ceremony rich in life, love and laughter at the location of your choice, exactly the way you want it within the faith of Christianity.
(201) 218-1915 (Rutherford, NJ) Jessie specializes in creating new, original rituals, as well as updating and modernizing traditional elements, so that every piece of the ceremony truly speaks to the couple and their relationship.
(845) 266.6076 (Rhinebeck, NY) We can help you design your ceremony with minimal stress and some guaranteed laughs and tears of joy. The ceremony can be of many different faiths or none at all.
(631) 987.5347 (New York, NY) If you are seeking an alternative to mainstream religious practice, if you would like to celebrate the milestones of your life in a way that is in keeping with your beliefs, then I can help you create a your ceremony.
(347) 255-1055 (Elmwood Park, NJ) Your ceremony will represent all that you both cherish, and the lasting journey that you will embark. It will represent your personalities, your beliefs, your culture, and your traditions.
(631) 351 6192 (Huntington, NY) Individualized ceremonies - Honoring and respecting all religious traditions and spiritual paths, bringing your families together. I perform religious and civil unions and can perform ceremonies in Spanish as well.
(631) 332-4623 (Lake Grove, NY) My Wedding Ceremonies are all about you, the Bride & Groom. It’s your day and I want you and all of your family and friends to remember your beautiful ceremony for the rest of their lives.
(203) 826-7121 (Danbury, CT) Licensed to perform ceremonies in Connecticut as a JP, & New York as a Minister. I'm here to serve as your officiant on your special day. I have different ceremonies you can choose; and customize to your wishes.
(516) 650-2013 (Hicksville, NY) When you select me as your wedding Officiant, you will receive extremely personalized service designed to meet or exceed your every expectation as well as pay attention to the smallest detail.
(914) 941-1616 (Ossining, NY) Your marriage ceremony can be a straightforward declaration of vows - or custom tailored to your needs, philosophy and vision.
(917) 576-4829 (Monroe Twp, NJ) We primarily serve the following counties in NJ: Bergen, Hudson, Middlesex, Monmouth, Somerset and Ocean; also registered in NY. We perform weddings on both land and water.
(516) 413-4555 (Bayside, NY) As a Captain and wedding officiant, I am here to help you create the wedding of your dreams. A day to remember, a day to cherish forever, a day that will reflect the journey of love.
(607) 382-6971 (Penn Yan, NY) I travel within a 40 mile radius of Penn Yan New York. Additional travel will need to be discussed.
(585)324-0230 (Rochester, NY) Western and Central New York State (Buffalo, Rochester, Syracuse, Finger Lakes NY areas) since 1989.
(888) 214-3821 (Westchester Cty, NY) Ordained Reform Rabbi officiating Jewish wedding ceremonies for Jewish couples and interfaith couples who have chosen Judaism as their one faith.
(917) 620-6307 (New York, NY) My goal is to support you, so that on your special day you will feel relaxed, ready, and truly present to give your heart, to experience every moment, and celebrate!
(888) 493-3738 (Long Island, NY) Your wedding should be as simplistic, elaborate, elegant or as casual as you desire. I would be honored in performing your wedding ceremony.
(732) 705-7297 (Jackson, NJ) I will customize your Full Service Ceremony to meet your needs. It can be as long or as short as you wish. It can include special Readings, personalized wedding and ring vows as well as any theme you wish.
(518) 583-4668 (Saratoga Springs, NY) Because your ceremony is created especially for you, we can include elements from many cultural traditions and spiritual practices. The ceremony we design together will be a unique reflection of your love.
(201) 741 -0881 (North Arlington, NJ) Pastor Reihl offers warm, beautiful wedding ceremonies throughout New Jersey and in NY & Pennsylvania.
(917) 692-5085 (Oakland Gardens, NY) Let's create a memorable wedding ceremony that respects the wishes, desires and traditions of the bride, the groom, and their families.
(646) 753-2959 (New York, NY) I honor all faiths and all people, and believe that any two people, who choose to dedicate their lives to one another in matrimony, or in spiritual union, deserve the most memorable ceremony possible.
(505) 307-6893 (Albuquerque, NM) Solemn or sacred, playful and romantic, whatever your vision, I can be a great resource to you. I am ordained in an Interfaith, non-denominational tradition that honors all faiths, traditions and rituals.
(518)355-7361 (Schenectady, NY) This is your special day and your wedding ceremony should be all about you, be it formal, spiritual or just a simple ceremony.
(330) 398-9450 (Youngstown, OH) Your dream wedding can be as simple or as detailed as you desire. There is no limit to what can be done regarding customization. I truly am open to all suggestions.
(646) 404-7453 (Brooklyn, NY) I love working with couples to create a ceremony that reflects their love, life and hopes for their future. Your ceremony will be yours, guided by our work together.
(201) 563-5544 ( North Haledon, NJ) We’ll create a personal, light hearted, & meaningful wedding ceremony that speaks of your unique relationship, & presents a beautiful gift of inspiration to those you have chosen to share this day with you.
(716) 867-1003 (Buffalo, NY) I will help you design your wedding ceremony uniquely for you . No 2 ceremonies alike! Let’s meet for coffee and see if we are a good match!
(845) 251-1109 (Boiceville, NY) We will help you create the Wedding ceremony of your dreams. We believe a wedding ceremony is a significant and spiritual event in the lives of two people, a sacred rite to celebrate your love, unity and harmony.
(718) 312-8424 (New York, NY) Civil Marriage Officiant, New York City, New York State, including Brooklyn, Queens, Manhattan. Will also travel to Niagara Falls, also licensed in Canada.
(484) 602-5477 (Emmaus, PA ) You need an Officiant who has the knowledge and experience to put a ceremony together for you or one who offers Customized Ceremony Packages allowing you to express your affections for each other.
(518) 810-6410 (Clifton Park, NY) “Professional Wedding Officiants, with the Personal Touch”. Last minute wedding ceremony Specialists.
(732) 356-0101 (Bound Brook, NJ) British accent, sophisticated yet spontaneous, warm and welcoming… if this sounds like your ideal wedding officiant, give me a call. I specialize in interfaith and non-denominational marriage ceremonies in PA and NJ.
NEW YORK STATE LAWS
DOM – Domestic Relations
Article 3 – (10-25) Solemnization, Proof and Effect of Marriage
§ 11-b. Registration of persons performing marriage ceremonies in the city of New York.
Every person authorized by law to perform the marriage ceremony, before performing any such ceremonies in the city of New York, shall register his or her name and address in the office of the city clerk of the city of New York. Every such person, before performing any marriage ceremonies subsequent to a change in his or her address, shall likewise register such change of address. Such city clerk is hereby empowered to cancel the registration of any person so registered upon satisfactory proof that the registration was fraudulent,
or upon satisfactory proof that such person is no longer entitled to perform such ceremony.
§ 11-c. Marriage officers.
1. Notwithstanding the provisions of section eleven of this article or any other law, the governing body of any village, town, or city may appoint one or more marriage officers who shall have the authority to solemnize a marriage which marriage shall be valid if performed in accordance with other provisions of law. Nothing herein contained shall nullify the authority of other persons authorized to solemnize marriages.
2. The number of such marriage officers appointed for a municipality shall be determined by the governing body of the municipality. Such marriage officers shall be eighteen years of age or over, and they shall reside in the municipality by which they are appointed. A marriage officer shall have the authority to solemnize a marriage within the territory of the municipality which makes the appointment.
3. A marriage officer may receive a salary or wage in an amount to be determined by the governing body of the municipality which appoints him or her. In the event that a marriage officer receives a salary or wage, he or she shall not receive any remuneration or consideration from any other source for performing his or her duties. In the event that a marriage officer does not receive a salary or wage, he or she may accept and keep up to seventy-five dollars for each marriage at which he or she officiates, paid by or on behalf of the persons married.
4. The term of office of a marriage officer shall be as determined by the governing body which makes the appointment but shall not exceed four years. A marriage officer shall serve at the pleasure of the appointing authority and may be removed from office with or without cause on ten days written notice filed with the clerk of the municipality and sent by
registered mail return receipt requested to the marriage officer.
§ 12. Marriage, how solemnized.
No particular form or ceremony is required when a marriage is solemnized as herein provided by a clergyman or magistrate, but the parties must solemnly declare in the presence of a clergyman or magistrate and the attending witness or witnesses that
they take each other as husband and wife. In every case, at least one witness beside the clergyman or magistrate must be present at the ceremony.
The preceding provisions of this chapter, so far as they relate to the manner of solemnizing marriages, shall not affect marriages among the people called friends or quakers; nor marriages among the people of any other denominations having as such any particular mode of solemnizing marriages; but such marriages must be solemnized in the manner heretofore used and practiced in their respective societies or denominations, and marriages so solemnized shall be as valid as if this article had not been enacted.
§ 13-b. Time within which marriage may be solemnized.
A marriage shall not be solemnized within twenty-four hours after the issuance of the
marriage license, unless authorized by an order of a court of record as hereinafter provided, nor shall it be solemnized after sixty days from the date of the issuance of the marriage license unless authorized pursuant to section three hundred fifty-four-d of the executive law. Every license to marry hereafter issued by a town or city clerk, in addition to other requirements specified by this chapter, must contain a statement of the day and the hour the license is issued and the period during which the marriage may be solemnized.
It shall be the duty of the clergyman or magistrate performing the marriage ceremony, or if the marriage is solemnized by written contract, of the judge before whom the contract is acknowledged, to annex to or endorse upon the marriage license the date and hour the marriage is solemnized. A judge or justice of the supreme court of this state or the county judge of the county in which either party to be married resides, or if such party is under
sixteen years of age, the judge of the family court of such county, if it shall appear from an examination of the license and any other proofs submitted by the parties that one of the parties is in danger of imminent death, or by reason of other emergency public interest will be promoted thereby, or that such delay will work irreparable injury or great hardship upon the contracting parties, or one of them, may make an order authorizing the immediate solemnization of the marriage and upon filing such order with the clergyman or magistrate performing the marriage ceremony, or if the marriage is to be solemnized by written contract, with the judge before whom the contract is acknowledged, such clergyman or magistrate may solemnize such marriage, or such judge may take such acknowledgment as the case may be, without waiting for such three day period and twenty-four hour period to elapse. The clergyman, magistrate or judge must file such order with the town or city clerk who issued the license within five days after the marriage is solemnized.
Such town or city clerk must record and index the order in the book required to be kept by him for recording affidavits, statements, consents and licenses, and when so recorded the order shall become a public record and available in any prosecution under this section. A
person who shall solemnize a marriage in violation of this section shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and upon conviction thereof shall be punished by a fine of fifty dollars for each offense, and in addition thereto, his right to solemnize a marriage shall be suspended for ninety days.
§ 17. Clergyman or officer violating article; penalty.
If any clergyman or other person authorized by the laws of this state to perform marriage ceremonies shall solemnize or presume to solemnize any marriage between any parties without a license being presented to him or them as herein provided or with knowledge that either party is legally incompetent to contract matrimony as is provided for in this article he shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction thereof shall be punished by a fine not less than fifty dollars nor more than five hundred dollars or by imprisonment for a term not exceeding one year.
§ 18. Clergymen or officer, when protected.
Any such clergymen or officer as aforesaid to whom any such license duly issued may come and not having personal knowledge of the incompetency of either party therein named to contract matrimony, may lawfully solemnize matrimony between them.
§ 19-a. Marriages on vessels; reports and records.
The master, chief officer, ship’s surgeon, or the company, corporation, charterer, or person having the management and control of any vessel which shall arrive at the port of New York, shall report, in writing, to the city clerk of the city of New York within three days after the arrival of such vessel the marriage of any resident of such city occurring thereon at sea, and shall file with such clerk a transcript of the entry made in the log book of such vessel in respect to any such marriage.
