Marriage Licenses

Obtaining a Marriage License

A couple who intends to be married in New York State, regardless of the residence of either of the parties, may apply in person for a marriage license at the Town of Hempstead Town Clerk's Office. The application for a license must be signed by both parties to be married in the presence of a clerk. A representative cannot apply for the license on behalf of the married couple. This applies even if the representative has been given Power of Attorney. Notarized marriage license affidavits signed by persons to be married cannot be substituted for their personal appearance.

After downloading and completing an application, please call the Marriage Office to schedule an appointment. Tel: (516) 812-3014

Requisitos para una Licencia de Matrimonio (español).

All foreign documents must be presented with a certified translation.

Proof of Age & Identity

A person is required to establish proof of age and identity by submitting to the issuing clerk one of the following age-related documents. (all age-related documents must be original and foreign documents must be translated to English and certified):

  • Baptismal Record
  • Birth Certificate
  • Census Record
  • United States Naturalization Certificate

And one of the following identity-related documents (all identity-related documents must be original and all documents must be valid/un-expired.):

  • Driver's License
  • Employment Picture I.D.
  • Immigration Record
  • Passport

Previous Marriages

Information regarding previous marriages must be furnished in the application for a marriage license. Marriage license applicants whose previous marriage(s) ended in divorce, annulment, or death of a spouse, must provide proof of dissolution of all previous marriage(s) by presenting a certified copy of Decree of Divorce or a Certificate of Dissolution of Marriage filed with a court of competent jurisdiction or certified copy of Death Certificate for each previous marriage. This includes whether the former spouse or spouses are living and whether the applicants are divorced and, if so, when, where, and against whom the divorce or divorces were granted. All records regarding previous marriages must be certified. No photocopies are allowed.

Cost of a Marriage License

The marriage license fee is $40, which includes the issuance of a Certificate of Marriage Registration. This certificate is automatically sent to the applicants within 15 days after the completed license is returned by the officiant (the person who performs the marriage ceremony). It serves as notice that a record of the marriage is on file.

Payment may be made in cash or by local check or money order made payable to Kate Murray, Town Clerk.

If you wish to pay the marriage license fee using a credit card, a $1.55 credit card processing fee is charged for a total of $41.55.

Waiting Period

Although the marriage license is issued immediately, the marriage ceremony may not take place within 24 hours from the exact time that the license was issued. When both applicants are 16 years of age or older, the 24-hour waiting period may be waived by an order of a Judge of the Nassau County Supreme Court or a Judge of the Nassau County Court. If either person is under 16 years of age, the order must be from a Nassau County Family Court Judge. 

License Validity

A typical marriage license is valid for 60 days, beginning the day after it is issued. Military personnel on active duty, as well as other extreme circumstances, may qualify for an extension of time on the marriage license. Couples can acquire a waiver for the 24 hour waiting period. Please call 516-812-3014 if you have questions concerning the license.