“Shhhh... Don't tell.” I have been asked to marry couples behind closed doors.
There has been increasing number of couples are planning secret weddings and 'just us' elopements...
I have been asked to conduct a marriage in private and I make sure to keep these things in mind… I will verify each person's age and identity with a Photo ID or Driver's License & compare to the marriage license.
This is always a good idea, but it's especially useful when there aren't witnesses at a ceremony. NYC require two witnesses to sign a marriage license after the ceremony. If the couple don't want any friends or family to know, I will provide the witnesses who won't spill the secret. No witnesses, No problem . I will choose a private location to lead the couple through the declaration of intent, pronouncement, and signing the license. Some couples might want to conduct their ceremony in their home, a quiet park, or another out-of-the-way or out-of-town venue. I will make sure not to take photos or share identifying details about the ceremony on social media. (Duh!) This one might seem obvious but it's easy to get swept up in the moment after performing a marriage ceremony. I’m normally so happy to complete a successful ceremony, I want to tell the world.
Remember! Marriage licenses are public records.
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