No question, New York State is an incredible place to get married. If you’re wondering how to get married in New York State, you’ve landed in the right place. I’m an experienced New York wedding photographer, and I’ve put together a complete guide to getting married here, along with some of my favorite tips.
In this blog post, you’ll find
- How to Get Married in New York State
- Your New York State Marriage License
- Should I Elope or Have a Wedding?
- How to Plan a Wedding in the Adirondacks
- Your New York Wedding Photographer
How to Get Married in New York State
How you get married in New York State depends on a few factors. For example, will you elope or have a wedding? I break down the legal logistics, pros and cons of elopements and weddings, and things to consider if you want to get married in the Adirondacks. (In my opinion, the Adirondacks are absolutely stunning and highly underrated.)
Your New York State Marriage License
The first thing you’ll need to get married in New York State is your marriage license. You can get yours at any town or city clerk’s office. Both applicants have to be present. The fee for licenses outside of New York City is $40.
Luckily, New York State’s waiting period is only 24 hours. If you’re travelling from out of state to get married, this won’t add much time to your trip.
For more information on New York State marriage licenses, head to the state’s website.
Should I Elope or Have a Wedding?
This is one of the most important questions when you’re deciding how to get married in New York State. There are pros and cons to elopements and weddings. I eloped, and it was amazing! But I also love *big* weddings. It’s all about figuring out which is best for you.
Elopement Pros
- You can make it happen on a tighter timeline.
- The focus really is just on you and your partner.
- You get to spend the day doing your favorite things.
Elopement Cons
- You won’t have all the classic wedding moments (which could be a pro depending on how you feel).
- Some people might be bummed to miss your ceremony.
- Unless you’re having a courthouse wedding, your plans might be at the mercy of the elements.
Wedding Pros
- You can invite all your favorite people.
- It’s probably easier to incorporate cultural traditions that you value.
- You can dance the night away with your friends!
Wedding Cons
- There are a lot of eyes on you, which can be hard for introverts.
- A bigger event means more logistics to figure out in planning.
- You’re probably looking to spend more than you would for an elopement.
How to Plan a Wedding in the Adirondacks
As an Adirondack wedding photographer, I’m more than a little partial to this region. It’s got stunning mountains, endless rivers and lakes, and a laidback atmosphere. Here are a few things to keep in mind if you want to get married in the Adirondacks.
When to Get Married in the Adirondacks
Winter
I’ll be frank. Winter can be tricky in the Adirondacks. Some of the mountains have snow on the peaks for most of the year. You can imagine how icy, snowy weather can throw a wrench in any wedding plans. If you like the idea of a snowy winterscape for your wedding photos, though, it’s hard to beat the Adirondacks.
Spring
Spring is gorgeous in the Adirondacks. March is dryer than April for those planning outdoor celebrations, but it’s still cold. May’s temperatures average in the 60s and can be perfect for avoiding sweat in your wedding clothes.
Summer
The temperatures average in the 70s in July, but it’s still nice and cool at night. If you have an outdoor wedding, you’ll want to plan some shady spots whether it’s under trees or a tent.
Fall
Fall is my favorite season for weddings! The mountains burst with oranges, reds, and golds as the leaves change. In the evening, you can snuggle up next to a fire with s’mores.
Adirondack Wedding Venues
If you’re figuring out how to get married in New York State, you’ll need a wedding venue. I’ve photographed some unforgettable backyard weddings. The Adirondacks have some great venues, too! I’ve highlighted a few in my blog.
Your New York Wedding Photographer
Are you looking for a photographer to document your wedding in New York State? I’m Sarah, an Adirondacks wedding photographer. I live for the shadow and light, and the quiet moments that most people miss. I’d love to photograph your celebration. Inquire with me!
Maybe you’re a little untraditional, a little witchy, a little wild. Maybe you don’t mind
getting your dress a little dirty, running through a field, twirling in the rain, or feeling
the earth beneath your feet as you say your vows.
Maybe you see beauty in contrast — light and shadow, color and mood,
softness and grit. You don’t care about perfection; you care about how it feels.
That might mean walking down the aisle beneath towering pines, hiking to say your
vows with Lake George stretching out below you, or stealing a quiet moment in a
sun-drenched field, just the two of you. Maybe it’s a candlelit barn that’s seen a hundred
years of stories before yours, its walls holding echoes of the past as you start something new.
Some places hold history. Some places hold energy.
And some places feel like they were waiting just for you.
Some love stories glow. Others burn.
Yours does both.
