
Create your dream ceremony with us today!
At Common Ground Ceremonies, we specialize in creating heartfelt wedding ceremonies and elopements, as well as sacred celebrations with a heartfelt and inclusive approach. We are based in the heart of New York City and we offer Officiant services around the Tri-State area, as well as elopement packages that are perfect for couples who are interested in getting married in NYC in places like Central Park, Brooklyn Bridge Park, or the Iconic Rockefeller Center Tree at Christmas time. Our aim is to make the planning process as smooth and easy as possible while delivering the highest level of service. We also travel to the location of your choosing and we perform ceremonies out of state and internationally. Our award-winning officiants offer non-denominational, interfaith, and spiritual services and will create a ceremony that best reflects your style and preferences, ensuring that your special day is memorable and meaningful for you and your guests. We offer Officiant services as well as all-inclusive micro-wedding and vow renewal packages always with a choice of top-notch professionals whom we also consider friends. For couples who are only looking for a simple signing (in lieu of the city clerk), we can meet at a convenient location for this service.
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.
