Everyone can now hold a wedding ceremony in New York: Hokul signed the law

Gov. Kathy Hokul signed on Wednesday bill, allowing any adult resident of the Empire State to host weddings. Previously, this privilege was granted only to the clergy, members of the state judiciary and elected officials. New York Post.

“New Yorkers who were married by a friend or family member no longer need to worry about whether their marriage is legally valid thanks to the passage of this law,” Assemblywoman Sandy Galef said. She co-sponsored this bill with State Senator Alessandra Biaggi (D-Bronx).

“Couples in New York will now be able to have their wedding ceremony performed by their friends or family members. This will allow even more involvement of loved ones in your special day,” said Biaggi.

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Potential masters of ceremonies over the age of 18 will be required to apply for a one-day state permit under the new law. Last spring, it was approved by both legislative chambers with bipartisan support.

“By signing this law, we are removing any barriers to allowing friends and family members to share such meaningful time with loved ones of their choice. And recognize their marriage in accordance with the laws of the State of New York, ”Hokul explained. By the way, she herself presided over several weddings as a governor.

The fight for the equality of marriage officials began in September 2005

Galef then attended a California wedding where the groom's sister was the master of ceremonies, according to the legislative memo. Thus, she initially submitted her legislation for New York the following year.

Some of her colleagues had reservations about supporting the measure, Galef said. And especially when it came to allowing non-clergy to control weddings amid other legislative battles over issues like same-sex marriage, which was legalized in 2011.

The final hurdle was getting Hokul to sign the bill. This happened after legislators agreed to certain changes that will take place in the legislative session as early as January.

Hokul's office confirmed that the changes would allow local officials, rather than the State Department, to consider applications as a one-day wedding official along with a $25 fee.

Bill Removes Previous Ban on Federal Judges from Weddings in New York State

The new law also lifts the ban on federal judges from holding marriage ceremonies in New York. In 2019, this ban was already wanted to be canceled by a separate law, but then-Governor Andrew Cuomo vetoed it. He did not want New Yorker marriages to be arranged by judges appointed by Donald Trump, because Cuomo could not stand him.

That ban has now been lifted, and federal judges can get permission to perform marriage ceremonies.

Not only would the change in the law have sentimental value, but it would also help New Yorkers save themselves the trouble of using wedding judges with questionable credentials, Galef said.

“People have been using Universal Life ministers, online ministries and ministering throughout the day,” she explained, “and that was a problem. For example, with people getting a divorce. Or those who adopted a child, whether they are married or not.”