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HELP!!! Girls who had their officiant ordained online...

smilealways Posted:

HELP!!! Girls who had their officiant ordained online...

I have a question about New York laws. We're getting married in Suffolk County just east of Riverhead. What do I need to do to make it legal? My friend has already done the ordaining process, but this is what the NY law states as far as I can tell:

Marriages may be performed by a clergyman or minister of any religion. However, a 1972 court case said that in order for a marriage to be valid, the minister must have an actual church in the state of New York or at least a stated meeting place for worship or any form of religious observance. According to the City Clerk, filing ordination credentials in not required. To be eligible to perform weddings, you must be officially recognized by your (New York) parish to be able to perform that function. No other proof of that authority is required.

Ministers do not have to be licensed except that before performing marriages in New York City, the minister must register his or her name and address in the office of the city clerk of the city of New York. --- Ministers must complete a marriage certificate and return it to the town or city clerk who issued the marriage license within 5 days after the marriage. --- For questions see the town or city clerk. Because of recent problems in New York please check with your local office concerning filing requirements.

What did you all do? Please help!!!! Thanks!
bumbleb Posted:

Re: HELP!!! Girls who had their officiant ordained online...

My Uncle got ordained through the Universal Life Church online. We are getting married in Roslyn and the county clerk said it was legit. All we need to do is show his certificate. They also send a letter if needed. I know in NYC you must register but that is not the case on Long Island. As far as 'having a meeting place' this could be any address. When you get your license you will give it to your officiant to sign and then once it is on file it gets mailed back to you. Hope this helps. There are a couple of girls who did this. Try FM ing Heidla (although she was in NYC).

Chrissy
smilealways Posted:

Re: HELP!!! Girls who had their officiant ordained online...

Thanks for the info! Anyone else know of anything different?

wc0143 Posted:

Re: HELP!!! Girls who had their officiant ordained online...


Posted by bumbleb

My Uncle got ordained through the Universal Life Church online. We are getting married in Roslyn and the county clerk said it was legit. All we need to do is show his certificate. They also send a letter if needed. I know in NYC you must register but that is not the case on Long Island. As far as 'having a meeting place' this could be any address. When you get your license you will give it to your officiant to sign and then once it is on file it gets mailed back to you. Hope this helps. There are a couple of girls who did this. Try FM ing Heidla (although she was in NYC).

Chrissy



That's where we had DH's uncle ordained. We got married in Northport and got our license in Smithtown ... no issues.
AnniesSS Posted:

Re: HELP!!! Girls who had their officiant ordained online...

My cousin is an interfaith minister and is registered in NY to perform weddings... so she can do them anywhere in NY. I know she took classes and whatnot to be a minister. Not too sure on the particulars tho.

Goldi1021 Posted:

Re: HELP!!! Girls who had their officiant ordained online...

One of my friends had her brother ordained as a minister. It was lovely to see family participate in this capacity. One of my cousins is a rabbi and there is a strong likelihood, that we will ask her to officiate at our ceremony.

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