AWARD-WINNING NYC OFFICIANT FOR 17 YEARS
Acclaimed Wedding Officiant in New York
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Simple Marriage License Signings, Elopement Ceremonies, Luxury Weddings, Destination Weddings, Bilingual Ceremonies, Interfaith Weddings, Vow Renewals, Custom Baby Naming Ceremonies, pre-marital coaching, and Sound Healing
Common Ground Ceremonies was founded in 2010 by Rev. Dr. Samora, a highly-acclaimed NYC wedding officiant, interfaith minister, expert relationship coach, speaker, and author. She is a native New Yorker with a multicultural and multi-faith background (Jewish, Muslim, Catholic, Buddhist, Indigenous) who was raised to respect all paths and faiths. This eventually led her to being ordained as an Interfaith minister at The New Seminary, where she now holds the role of Associate Director. Dr. Samora identifies as "spiritual but not religious" and in 2010 she established Common Ground Ceremonies to provide services to people of all faiths and backgrounds, reflecting her own background and desire to support and embrace diverse communities. Her services always reflect her deep commitment to honoring everything as sacred. Dr. Samora delivers heartfelt ceremonies that honor each ceremony as unique and special.
Multicultural, Interfaith Weddings, and More
Rev. Dr. Samora and her team offer personalized ceremonies and specialize in non-denominational, interfaith weddings, bilingual, French, and Spanish weddings honoring diverse cultures, beliefs, and values. We are LGBTQ+-friendly and are committed to supporting every person's right to love (and marry) whom they love. In addition to weddings, we perform vow renewals, alternative baptisms and baby namings, Celebration of Life services, new home blessings, and other milestone celebrations. Most importantly, we take the time to work closely with you to ensure a ceremony that reflects your wishes.
Prepare For a Lifetime of Love
Preparing for your marriage is the most important decision you can make. It equips you with tools for success and ensures a strong foundation is built right from the start. Dr. Samora provides private 1:1 Pre-Marital Coaching sessions.
Eloping in NYC? Let us be your guide!
Getting married or renewing your vows in Manhattan's iconic Central Park is the most romantic place in the world and is featured in so many timeless movies. Brooklyn Bridge Park in Dumbo, with the stunning Manhattan skyline views, is also a great choice. (See our recommendations) During the holiday season, there's nothing more magical than the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree. Common Ground Ceremonies offers year-round elopement packages designed to make your celebration seamless and unforgettable. Let us guide you to the perfect location with expert services like photography, videography, florists, musicians, day-of coordination, and more to ensure your wedding is a momentous occasion to cherish forever.
"Marry Us Now" and Courthouse Witness Services
If you are looking for a simple marriage license signing or courthouse-style wedding, we offer a "Marry Us Now" Special. For a small fee of $250 (witness is additional), we will meet you at a mutually convenient location to sign and complete the necessary paperwork, saving you an additional 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.
"Can I Get a Witness?" Service
If you are traveling to New York from abroad or out of town and need a professional witness for your courthouse or elopement ceremony, we offer this service for $250. The fee includes travel and walking you through the process at the city clerk's office. We will even take a few pics for you.
From Local to Global, We Travel for Love
Brooklyn Officiant, Westchester Officiant, New Jersey Officiant, Long Island Officiant, Connecticut Officiant
New York City is a fabulous destination for your wedding celebration, and we perform weddings in Brooklyn, Manhattan, Queens, the 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, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, and the surrounding areas, and we travel to your preferred destination, be it out of state or abroad. We will travel wherever love leads you.
New Offering!!
Sound Healing & Spa Packages
Planning a big event can be overwhelming, and to provide some relief, we now offer wellness services. Dr. Samora has been a professional energy healer and sound therapist for over 20 years. She is now extending her healing services as 1:1 sessions, couples sessions, or a full group sound bath ceremony at a space of your choosing, at a beautiful Manhattan penthouse near the Empire State Building, or as part of her partnership with Spa Castle. For a more luxurious experience, book one of our spa days at Spa Castle in College Point, NY. Treat your family and wedding party to a full day at the spa and feel the instant calm and restorative benefits leading up to the big day.
PREFERRED VENDOR AT
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.
