Prior to the law, laypeople seeking to officiate weddings often got ordained through online ministries.
Give NowAny New Yorker over 18 can apply for a “one-day designation,” allowing them to officiate a marriage in New York state under new legislation signed into law by Gov. Kathy Hochul.State law previously allowed only certain individuals to officiate marriages, including clergy members, the mayors of cities or other municipalities, or judges.
"Joining individuals in marriage is a beautiful moment that should be shared with an officiant selected by the spouses-to-be," Hochul said in a Wednesday press release. "By signing this legislation into law, we are eliminating any barriers to becoming an officiant so friends and family members can share such a meaningful time with loved ones of their choosing and have their marriage recognized under New York state law.
A memo from Hochul approving the legislation notes that town and city clerks, who are primarily responsible for issuing marriage licenses, will oversee the new application process for one-day officiants. The law goes into effect at the end of March.Donate today and receive a free Gothamist t-shirt.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Hochul says ‘I do’ to letting any adult officiate New York weddingsGov. Kathy Hochul has signed into law legislation allowing ordinary New Yorkers to officiate weddings.
Read more »
Amazon warehouse workers get 'big win' with New York law on quotasA new law in New York aims to protect warehouse workers from possibly unlawful quotas.
Read more »
Military police enforce driving ban in snow-stricken BuffaloPresident Joe Biden offered federal assistance Monday to hard-hit New York, while Gov. Kathy Hochul toured the aftermath in Buffalo — her hometown — and called the blizzard “one for the ages.”
Read more »
New York prepares for possible flooding from snowmelt while the West girds for heavy rain and snowNew York Gov. Kathy Hochul directed state agencies to prepare for potential flooding caused by warm temperatures expected to melt the snow that pummeled the western part of the state.
Read more »