I'm not sure what is about America, whether it's the TV and film, the long history of Irish emigrating to the US, or the exciting and seemingly glamorous culture but us Irish just love America. To celebrate the 4th of July today we have gathered a handy list with all you need to know about the top 6 destinations in America to get married in. The good news is getting married in America could not be easier! The majority of states have little or no requirements other than you simply bring along some ID. So whether you prefer the bright lights of New York or something more beachey in Florida we have you covered...
Las Vegas
Las Vegas is the classic choice for couples who want to elope, so as you might expect it is super simple to get married here. Hop on a plane pick your chapel, bring your fee and your passport and sin é.
- Las Vegas has no waiting period for getting married
- Proof of name and age will be required.
- The fee for a Marriage Licence is $60.
- For full information see the City Clerk’s Office.
Los Angeles
If you'd like to get married in the sun in America LA could be the destination for you. One of my favourite real weddings of this year was in downtown LA and it's a must see if your considering going state side: Natalie & Ian's LA real wedding.
- There is no residence or citizenship status requirement.
- Proof of name and age will be required.
- The fee for a marriage license is $91 for a public license and $85 for a confidential license.
- To obtain a marriage license you must both appear together to complete the marriage license application.
- Your licence will be valid for 90 days.
- If you have been divorced you must provide written proof of a divorce or the dissolution of a previous marriage is required, if the event occurred within the last two years or less.
- You may complete your marriage application online by clicking here
- For full details see the City Clerk's Office.
New York
New York is a hugely popular American wedding destination (our own Naoise picked NY for her ceremony). Go hipster and have a low key celebration in Brooklyn or go classic with a Central park celebration like in the movies...New York also makes for a fab mini-moon.
- You only need to be a resident of New York City for 24 hours in order to be legally married.
- The fee for a Marriage License is $35.
- Your license is then valid for 60 days.
- Proof of name and age will be required.
- In NY you can get married virtually anywhere. Just remember to plan ahead, get a permit and expect locals and tourists to be milling around during the ceremony. Central Park, Brooklyn Bridge etc.
- For full information see the City Clerk’s Office.
Florida
The home of Disney and glorious beaches, Florida has a real holiday vibe and would be a great choice for a relaxed, laid back wedding.
- There is no residence or citizenship status requirement.
- To get married in Florida, you both need to go together to the nearest clerk of the circuit court office to obtain a marriage license.
- Proof of name and age will be required.
- The marriage license fee is $93.50
- Your licence is valid for 60 days.
- If previously married, the date of divorce or date of spouse's death must be supplied. If the divorce or spouse's death occurred within the past 30 days, a certified copy of the divorce decree or death certificate is required.
Boston, Massachusetts
The Irish connection with Boston is indisputable so it's natural there is a wealth of Irish weddings here year on year. Luckily like the rest of the USA it couldn't be simpler to get hitched here and if you're looking for an epic venue check out the BPL (Boston Public Library) with the most amazing central staircase.
- You will need to fill out an "Intent to marry" form at the City Hall
- Proof of name and age will be required.
- The marriage license fee is $50
- Once you have filled this Massachusetts has a three-day 3 waiting period.
- Your license is then valid for 60 days.
- For full details see the City Clerk's Office.
Chicago
The windy city that is as famous for it's blues music as it's deep dish pizza, what's not to love?!
- You must both go to one of the County Clerk's six locations to fill out and sign a marriage license application.
- Proof of name and age will be required.
- The marriage license fee is $60.
- Your licence is valid for 60 days.
- If you have been divorced you must provide the date the divorce was finalized upon applying for a marriage license and a certified copy of your divorce decree.
- For full details see the City Clerk's Office.
Hawaii
The most tropical choice on our list Hawaii is a haven of relaxation, and once you arrive you can be married within the day!
- There is no residence or citizenship status requirement.
- Proof of name and age will be required.
- The marriage license fee is $60
- You must appear together before a marriage license agent in Hawaii to apply for a marriage license. The main location is the Health Department Building in Honolulu, on Oahu, but marriage agents are also located on Maui, Kauai and the Big Island.
- Your licence is valid for 30 days.
- If previously married, you must present the original divorce decree or spouse's death certificate to the marriage agent if the divorce was finalized or if the death occurred within 30 days of the application for a marriage license.
What do you think, is getting married in America the choice for you? If you'd prefer to get away but just not quite so far check out our guides to getting married abroad in France and Spain!
Helpful Information On Getting Married Abroad
This is just a general guide to get you through the basics, if you're seriously considering a wedding in Spain, it's imperative to do your homework, so check out the following websites for official information:
Image Credits:
EP Love via One Fab Day | Nelwin Uy via Green Wedding Shoes | The Sparrow Studio via Style Me Pretty | Hello Ms Lovely via Ruffled | Todd Wilson Images | Delesie via The Knot
