AWARD-WINNING OFFICIANT FOR 12 YEARS IN A ROW
Award-Winning Wedding Officiant in NYC
Simple Marriage License Signings, Elopement Ceremonies, Luxury Weddings, Destination Weddings, Bi-Lingual Ceremonies, Interfaith Weddings, Vow Renewals, Custom Baby Naming Ceremony
Common Ground Ceremonies was founded in 2010 by Rev. Dr. Samora a highly acclaimed NYC wedding officiant, interfaith minister, pre-marital counselor, expert relationship coach, and the Assoc. Director of The New Seminary for Interfaith Studies and Director of The Interfaith Temple where she cultivates and trains students to build a culture of inclusivity and connection. A true native New Yorker, Dr. Samora (aka "The Lovesmith"), comes from a multicultural and multi-faith family and her vision was to offer ceremonies and celebrations to all people, no matter their faith (or non-faith), beliefs, or backgrounds. Dr. Samora's mission is to bring unity and harmony to our world by finding common ground and connecting hearts through sacred ceremonies. Common Ground Ceremonies is committed to providing services that make your special celebration as extraordinary and unique as possible. With a personalized and inclusive approach, we specialize in creating heartfelt wedding ceremonies, elopements, vow renewals, baby blessings, and any milestone celebrations, always reflecting your beliefs and preferences. Based in New York City, we also travel to provide services to support you in making your day memorable and special.
Elevate Your Love Story with an Unforgettable Ceremony
Your love knows no boundaries, and your wedding ceremony should reflect that. Rev. Dr. Samora, award-winning NYC officiant, and her diverse team of celebrants are masters in creating personalized ceremonies including non-denominational, interfaith, bi-lingual, and indigenous ceremonies that honor your backgrounds, beliefs, and values. We are an LGBTQ+-friendly business that believes in "Love is Love". As a staunch Human Rights Advocate, Rev. Dr. Samora has included on her team a Spanish-speaking officiant, as well as a Native American ceremonialist to offer indigenous ceremonies for all occasions. In addition to wedding ceremonies, Common Ground Ceremonies offers Vow Renewals, Alternative Baby Blessings, Celebration of Life services, indigenous land acknowledgments, house blessings, and other exciting moments that call for celebration. And most importantly, we take the time to understand your needs, style, and preferences, working closely with you to design a ceremony that speaks directly to your hearts. Your guests will be captivated by the heartfelt moments and meaningful rituals that make your special day a truly unforgettable experience. For those of you who value preparation and wish to start your marriage with powerful tools, Dr. Samora also offers private Pre-Marital Coaching and her new online DIY pre-marital coaching program called "The Marriage Success Blueprint Program™" to support you in building a strong foundation for your marriage in the comfort of your own home, and at your convenience,
Let Us Help You Choose the Perfect Setting for Your Elopement in NYC
Imagine getting married or renewing your vows surrounded by the breathtaking beauty of Central Park, with its lush greenery and romantic setting. Or perhaps in the now-popular Brooklyn Bridge Park, located in between the iconic Brooklyn and Manhattan Bridges serving as symbols of your eternal love with the stunning Manhattan skyline in the background. And let's not forget the magical allure of the Rockefeller Center Tree during the enchanting holiday season. At Common Ground Ceremonies, we offer elopement packages designed specifically for couples seeking to exchange vows in these extraordinary locations. Let us guide you to the perfect spot, ensuring your wedding is a momentous occasion to cherish forever.
We offer All-Inclusive Wedding Packages for Effortless Celebration
If you looking for an easy and uncomplicated celebration, we offer all-inclusive packages for elopements, micro-weddings, and vow renewal ceremonies. With a carefully curated team of top-notch New York City wedding professionals (whom we consider friends), we bring together a team that knows how to turn your vision into reality. From photography and videography to floral arrangements and live musicians, Common Ground Ceremonies will orchestrate an unforgettable celebration leaving you free to enjoy every magical moment. Our "Marry Us Now" Special is perfect for couples who only want a simple signing. For a small fee of $250, we will meet you at a mutually convenient location, to sign and complete the necessary paperwork and save another trip to the city clerk's office. Let us take care of the legal part, so you can save time and focus on the joy and excitement of your special day.
From Local to Global, We Travel for Love
Brooklyn Officiant, Westchester Officiant, New Jersey Officiant, Long Island Officiant
New York City is a fabulous destination for your wedding celebration, and we perform weddings in Brooklyn, Manhattan, Queens, Bronx, and Staten Island. We are also available to provide our services outside of New York. We provide officiant services throughout New Jersey, Westchester, Long Island, and the surrounding areas, and we travel to your preferred destination, be it out of state or abroad. Wherever your love takes you, we are available to celebrate your sacred union.
Your Unforgettable Wedding Awaits
At Common Ground Ceremonies, we are passionate about creating extraordinary wedding experiences that are as unique as the couples we serve. Let us be a part of your love story and craft a wedding ceremony that surpasses your expectations. Contact us today to begin your unforgettable journey toward a meaningful and personalized celebration of your love.
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Instructions on how to obtain your Marriage License and Park Permit in NYC
LICENSE INSTRUCTIONS
A New York State marriage license is valid for 60 days (except for active military personnel for whom the validity runs for 180 days) and can only be used in the State of New York. All couples must wait a full 24 hours from the time the marriage license is issued before a marriage ceremony can be performed unless a judicial waiver is obtained.
To book an online appointment and begin the application process online go to the following link (valid for 21 days)
You must be able to show valid proof of I.D. (i.e., driver’s license, passport, etc.) and proof of divorce (if applicable). The fee for a Marriage License is $35 by credit card or money order payable to the City Clerk. Your marriage is not official until the license is signed after the ceremony. After it is signed, the license must be filed with the office to receive the legal certificate. The signed license may be mailed (can take up to 4-6 weeks) or submitted in person.
For International couples, you must file the license in person in order to obtain the extended license and Apostille (if required)
PARK PERMIT INSTRUCTIONS
Central Park and many of the city parks require a permit to hold special events. A permit is only required for a group of 20 people or more, however, a permit is still recommended to reserve a specific location. It takes approximately 30 days to receive the permit, so plan in advance. The permit can be obtained at the following link
The fee for the Permit is $25. If you prefer Common Ground Ceremonies to obtain the permit for you, there is an additional administrative fee of $25 applied.
