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~ The Paperwork ~

Amanda and Jimmy Danced their first dance in New York Harbor with the Manhattan Skyline and the Statue of Liberty lighting up their night!

While the depths of love you and your beloved share run far deeper than words can ever hope to express, there is still the licensing and paperwork, held so dear by the laws of man and state, to be dealt with. Yes, since the beginning of time it seems that there was always a contract!

The New York State Marriage License "http://www.health.state.ny.us/nysdoh/consumer/vr/married.htm" This first link is to the New York State Department of Health and the Information there is straight from the horses mouth so to speak! Domestic Partnership http://www.nycmarriagebureau.com/about/domesticpartnership.html This link is to the website of The City Clerk's Office. It defines domestic partnership and gives the details on how to get one in NYC. In October of 2006 Suffolk County began a county wide registry. For more information call 631-852-2000 Name Changes "http://www.weddinghelpers.com/newyorknamechangekit.html" Finally here is a link to a name change kit. It provides a list of everyone who needs notification so with or without purchase it seems like a handy thing to view Please be advised that there are precedent setting cases in New York State where couples who were married by internet ordained clergy, and others who had no physical congregation, or whose physical congregations did not meet the states criteria, were ruled never legally married, even after the certificate came from Albany stating the opposite. See McKinney's Law, New York State Domestic Law, Ravenel vs Ravenel, or consult your lawyer for more details. I'm not trying to sell you anything, and I'm not suggesting that if you have chosen a friend to marry you that you change who you have performing the public celebration of your marriage, but the paperwork is another matter. Leaving a backdoor open is no way to enter into a life long commitment. The fee at the City Clerks Office in Manhattan is $25.00 and most Long Island town clerks have a day where they will perform ceremonies for town residents at no charge to the couple. Please call your local town hall for more details. Protect yourselves and your future by making this decision carefully... Where can you ask if I am legally able to marry you? Manhattan is the only place that actually checks an officiant's authority. I am registered with the City of New York - Office of the City Clerk as Officiant #9484

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