New York City, NY

Marriage Preparation in New York City

Join 8.3 million residents preparing for married life. Before Yes helps New York City couples have essential conversations before saying "I do."

NYC issues over 50,000 marriage licenses annually, making it one of the busiest marriage bureaus in the country.

Download on App Store Take Free Quiz

New York Marriage License Requirements

$35

License Fee

24 hours

Waiting Period

60 days

License Validity

Blood Test Required

Requirements may vary. Contact your local New York county clerk for current information.

Why New York City Couples Choose Before Yes

Northeastern couples often balance traditional family expectations with progressive values.

🏠

Flexible & Private

Work through questions together at home, at your favorite New York City coffee shop, or anywhere you're comfortable. Four distinct seasons mean planning for both cozy indoor conversations and outdoor activities.

💰

Save on Preparation

With the average New York City wedding costing $76,000, Before Yes offers comprehensive marriage preparation at a fraction of traditional counseling costs.

🎯

Address Local Challenges

High cost of living means financial planning conversations are especially crucial for NYC couples. Before Yes helps you navigate these conversations with 100+ research-backed questions.

👫

Compare & Connect

Multi-generational families often live nearby, making extended family discussions especially relevant. Use Couples Mode to answer questions independently, then compare responses to spark meaningful conversations.

Essential Topics for New York City Couples

Before Yes covers the conversations that build a strong marriage foundation.

🏥

Health & Wellness Physical and mental health

💕

Intimacy Emotional and physical needs

🎉

Social Life Friends and activities

🏠

Living Situation Where and how to live

🎯

Life Goals Your shared vision

💬

Communication Styles How you handle disagreements

❤️

Core Values What matters most to you

💼

Career Ambitions Work-life balance

👨‍👩‍👦‍👦

Extended Family In-laws and boundaries

Getting Married in New York City?

Popular Venue Types

rooftop venues
historic landmarks
loft spaces

Best Seasons

The most popular wedding seasons in New York City are fall and spring.

Romantic Getaway

Plan a pre-wedding getaway to the Hudson Valley to reconnect and discuss your future together.

New York City Marriage Preparation FAQ

What is the marriage license fee in New York City?

The marriage license fee in New York City, New York is $35. There is a 24 hours waiting period after obtaining your license. Your license is valid for 60 days.

How long should we prepare for marriage?

Most relationship experts recommend 3-6 months of intentional marriage preparation. This gives you time to work through important topics like finances, family planning, and communication styles before your New York City wedding.

Is premarital counseling required in New York?

Premarital counseling is not legally required in New York, but it's highly recommended. Many couples find that preparation significantly improves their relationship satisfaction.

What topics should New York City couples discuss before marriage?

New York City couples should discuss finances (especially given $76,000 average wedding costs), family expectations, career goals, and lifestyle preferences. High cost of living means financial planning conversations are especially crucial for NYC couples.

Free Marriage Preparation Resources

Start preparing for your New York City wedding today.

📊

Ready to Start Your Marriage Journey in New York City?

Join couples across New York preparing for marriage with Before Yes. Download free and start having the conversations that matter.

Download on App Store

Marriage Preparation in Other Cities

Los Angeles Chicago Houston Phoenix Philadelphia San Antonio San Diego Dallas Austin San Francisco Seattle Denver View All Resources →