Getting married will now be easier in New York, since anyone over the age of 18 will be able to formalize a union, according to a law approved yesterday by Democratic Governor Kathy Hochul.
The law massively extends a privilege previously granted only to clergy, members of the state judiciary and elected officials.
Prospective officiants must only be over 18 years of age and apply for a one-day state authorization to marry a coupleunder the new law, which had already passed both houses of the legislature with bipartisan support last spring.
“New Yorkers married by a friend or family member no longer have to worry regarding whether or not their marriage is legally valid thanks to the passage of this legislation,” said Assemblywoman Sandy Galef (D-Ossining) of the bill that sponsored with State Sen. Alessandra Biaggi (D-Bronx).
“Couples in New York will now have the opportunity to be married by their friends or family, allowing them to further involve their loved ones on their special day.” defended Biaggi.
“By signing this legislation into law, we are removing any barriers to becoming an officiant so friends and family can share such a meaningful moment with loved ones of their choice and have their marriage recognized under New York State law.” said Hochul, who has presided over several weddings as governor.
The new law also overturns a previous ban on federal judges from officiating weddings in New York state. In 2019, then-Governor Andrew Cuomo vetoed a law extending the privilege, saying he might not accept the idea of then-President Donald Trump-appointed judges helping couples get married.
Now, federal judges can declare two people legally married, as long as they apply for a license like all other adults, he said. New York Post.
In July of last year, Cuomo signed a law that raised the minimum age of marriage to 18, effectively outlawing child marriage in New York. That law also fines anyone who issues a marriage license to an ineligible person, which is considered a misdemeanor.
During the pandemic, in April 2020 the governorate of New York authorized weddings to be held by video conference. Subsequently, the then mayor Bill de Blasio and the City Council formulated the “Cupid Project” to set up a virtual appointment system for licenses.
