FAQ / What form of ceremony is necessary?

There is no particular form or ceremony required except that the parties must state in the presence of an authorized member of the clergy or public official and at least one other witness who must be at least eighteen years old that they take each other as husband and wife. In fact, pursuant to Section 11(4) of the Domestic Relations Law, a marriage may be solemnized by a written contract. The contract must be signed by both parties and at least two witnesses and all signatures must be given within the state. The contract must state the place of residence of each party and of each witness and must state the date and place of marriage. The contract must be acknowledged by both the parties and the witnesses before a judge of a court of record of the State of New York.

Keywords: marriage,