(Note: Marriage License Information At The Very Bottom Of This Page) 

      (Note II: An article "Tips on Conducting Your Own Wedding Rehearsal" Next to Bottom)
       

    My fee is based primarily on the location of the ceremony and the travel distance from my  Freeport home.  It is also affected by my membership in my Long Island professional minister's association which periodically establishes guideline fees for professional services. (Note: For the least expensive I have a small chapel room for small ceremonies—click Page 5 below.)  My fee varies based on weekend v. weekdays, and the time of the year.  For brides and grooms who have been referred by other couples, and can provide their names and wedding date, I will offer a discount from my usual fee based on the above criteria.  Regardless of location there is a premium for major holidays and February 14th.  It is quoted as a total amount.  

   My fee includes: 
    1)  Taped ceremony music (processional and recessional only—), if you need it, in case your music people are not set up in time or not set-up in the same area as the ceremony.  [For the techie-minded, my system is all wireless and battery-powered, can be used inside or outside, with an MP3 (digital) player as the music signal source; the controls are hidden in my clothing and behind my open ceremony book; the thousand dollar speaker is placed toward the back and to one side of the guests.]   You can bring your own CD('s) to the Ceremony Planning Interview (or mail if there is no Interview)  from which I transfer your musical choices to my computer and then to my system, and return your CD('s) at the wedding or mail them back as you prefer.  If you do not own the music selection(s) you want, and neither do I, I can probably download them from the Internet; I am willing to try—if successful the cost to do so is approximately $1 per song, which I am willing to absorb since there will be no more than three (processional music for everyone but the bride, the bride's special music, and the recessional).  In my collection I have a list of 40 selections to choose from—listed toward the bottom of this page—and they may be obtained on two CD's in person at the Interview ($15 donation), or  BY ANYONE reading this page by mail ($20 donation, includes postage within the United States).  Again, see below.  
    2)  A parchment paper certificate (it has no legal purpose) in Old English lettering as a gift given at the ceremony.  
     3)   A personal Ceremony Planning Interview meeting with you by your coming to my Freeport home—not my going to your location—to review your draft ceremony in detail. [For this appointment park your car on the half-circular driveway (entered from Miller Avenue) at the west side door at the red awning—see photos on Page 5.]  You are not limited to the ceremony material in my Wedding Packet (see below); you may bring material from your own (Internet) research. Usually one meeting is enough but more can be scheduled as you wish.  We go through every section together. In this process I might make suggestions on wording and on other elements to include—such as a candlelighting, roses to the mothers, Moments of Remembrance (of those who cannot be present because of distance, personal circumstances or death), a Family Circle [to include a child(ren) of a newly "blended" family], and in case of interfaith when the bride or groom has a Jewish background a Wine Ceremony with the traditional prayer in Hebrew, if wanted, and the breaking of the glass.  Some couples have incorporated into their service "A Wedding Sand Ceremony," "A Release of Butterflies" and "A Release of Doves."  We can include if you wish other rituals from your respective family / religious backgrounds. We then put it all together in an appropriate sequence, with you making the final decisions on how the ceremony will flow as a whole. We three then rehearse ceremony positioning, ring exchange, etc. as many times as you wish so you will be comfortable on your wedding day. We thereby achieve the purpose of a meaningful ceremony, an experience you, your families, and your guests will remember with good feelings in the years to come. 

    A Ceremony Planning Interview is not required.  If for any reason it is not practical to meet in person, such as  time and distance, all details can be arranged by email—FAX as a last resort also is possible—and of course phone.  Again, a personal meeting is very helpful, but I don't require it.  Just as my fee does not include my coming to you for the Ceremony Planning Interview, neither does it include an on-site rehearsal [but either can be arranged for an additional amount; it is less if on a weekday or weeknight versus a weekend (Friday 4 p.m through Sunday night)]...do take note of my article at the bottom of this page: "Tips on Conducting Your Own Wedding Rehearsal." 

                                                                                                  * * * 

    The next step is to determine if I'm available on your wedding date.  Feel free to phone (516-546-6920) until 11:00 p.m. my time (but later if it is urgent—urgent); of course you can leave a taped message at any time.  Be sure to include the name and address of ceremony location and the start-time of the service.  Of course email can be sent anytime: revwentz@verizon.net 
     If I am available I would quote you my fee as a total amount, and if you wish to proceed I would then hold your date and time and send  my Wedding Packet by postal mail or email using several attachments (email is used particularly if time is short and you live out-of-state; email is a must if you live abroad).  The Wedding Packet includes a general information page, three ceremonies (Civil, Brief Religious, a longer traditional), six readings, fee and date confirmation, Old English certificate sample, taped music list, map with written directions to my home, and my credentials.      If—after a reasonable time has passed for you to have received my Wedding Packet—I do not hear from you and I have another inquiry in your time frame I would phone you first before giving your time to anyone else; at this time I would need an immediate decision one way or the other whether you wish my services. (If you do, you then must send the deposit within one day, as outlined above, OVERNIGHT EXPRESS MAIL or WESTERN UNION.)  And then if we have not talked directly and I have left you a message, and I do not hear from you within a time deadline the same day I phone, I would give your time to another inquiring couple.  Getting married involves checking telephone messages and email frequently.  
    After you receive my Wedding Packet and you decide you wish my services [note the option of a "Get-Acquainted meeting" outlined below]  you would confirm with a deposit [payable to "James Wentz"]—non-refundable—usually $100; $50 in my Home Chapel [a personal check is OK for the deposit provided it is mailed at least one month prior to your date; otherwise a money order or Western Union (see below) is required].  The balance is payable on your wedding day by cash / certified personal or bank check / money order / travelers checks. [I'm not set-up to accept credit cards.]      Please enclose your email address with your deposit if I don't already have it.  I will phone or email you upon receipt of your deposit.  
   Note: If your ceremony is some months away or the location is a long distance from my home I may require a deposit (personal check OK) of approximately one-half of the total fee (I will inform you of the amount).  At the other extreme, if your ceremony is scheduled on just a few days notice the required non-refundable deposit is $100 and it must be in the form of a money order or certified personal or bank check and it may be necessary to send it by overnight Express delivery (FedEx, etc.)—also, it can be dropped off in cash at my home in person by appointment—OR sent by
     Western Union -  www.westernunion.com —(Note: it is possible to use a U.S. based credit card online) 
   Info you need from me to send money: 
      1) Receiver: James Wentz; 
      2) Expected payout location: Freeport, New York, USA; 
      After you have sent the money  YOU  MUST   phone or email me the 10 digit MTCN (Money Transfer Control Number) Number on your receipt, so that I can go online and determine when the money is ready for pick-up.
    Info I need to receive your money: 
     1) Sender's (Your) First Name; 
     2) Sender's (Your) Last Name; 
     3) Sender's (Your) telephone number; 
     4) City/state/country money sent from.
     5) Actual amount (you are sending)  
   You must phone or email me in advance if you are sending the deposit by Western Union.

      If you wish to have a Get-Acquainted Meeting before making your decision to use my services this is possible under the following two conditions: 1) that we meet within days of your receiving my Wedding Packet; 2) if you choose not to leave a deposit at the conclusion of our get-acquainted meeting—which is OK, there is no obligation—then beginning the next day if I have an inquiry for my services in your time-frame, I would phone you and if you wish to keep me on hold for the possible use of my services you must mail the standard $100 deposit (a personal check is OK provided it is mailed not less than one month prior to your ceremony; otherwise a money order is required) and sent by overnight express delivery, or Western Union (see above).  You agree to notify me as soon as you make your final decision whether you wish for me to perform your ceremony.    

                                                                             ***

    FOR  COUPLES  WHO  LIVE  ABROAD . . . an email address is necessary; either your own or a friend's.  The first step is to determine if I'm available on your wedding date.  Feel free to phone (516-546-6920) until 11:00 p.m. my time (but later if it is urgent—urgent).  You can leave a taped message, but I will not phone you back—you must email me with all the necessary information—be  sure to include in addition to your names, the name and address of ceremony location and the start-time of the service. My email address is: revwentz@verizon.net .
   I will email you back whether I'm available, and if so I will quote you my fee as a total amount.  You email me back if you wish to proceed and then I will then hold your date and time and email my Wedding Packet using several attachments.  The Wedding Packet includes a general information page, three ceremonies (Civil, Brief Religious, a longer traditional), six readings, fee and date confirmation, Old English certificate sample, taped music list, and my credentials.  Note: for the ceremony text you are not limited to my material; google "Wedding Ceremonies." 

      If—after sending my Wedding Packet and I do not here from you right away, and I have another inquiry in your time frame I will email you (I will not phone) before giving your time to anyone else—and then, within 24 hours of the previous email I need to receive your immediate decision one way or the other whether you wish my services.  If I do not hear from you within that 24 hour span I will give your time to another inquiring couple.  
    If you do wish my services, you then must send the deposit within one 24 hour day.  (The deposit is $100US and non-refundable. If your ceremony is more than six weeks away I suggest you obtain an international money order (such as American Express) payable to "James Wentz" and postal mail it to me—OR, if you have family / friends in the States I will accept their personal check if time permits for the check to clear (at least a month)—OR, by
     Western Union -  www.westernunion.com —it is possible to use a U.S. based credit card online.  Otherwise their website can direct you to the nearest Agent Location (there are more than 170,000 worldwide in 190 countries). 
   Info you need from me to send money: 
      1) Receiver: James Wentz; 
      2) Expected payout location: Freeport, New York, USA; 
      3) After you have sent the money phone or email me the MTCN (Money Transfer Control Number) Number on your receipt, and then I can go online and determine if the money is ready for pick-up.
    Info I need to receive your money: 
     1) Sender's (Your) First Name [if you use a credit card and a middle initial is part of your first name, be sure to include it];
     2) Sender's (Your) Last Name; 
     3) Sender's (Your) telephone number; 
     4) City/state/country money sent from.
     5) Actual amount (you are sending in US dollars) 

     Another option, a last resort in my view, is a bank draft, and in this case  I would email you the necessary bank information and my account number.  But, alas, you must add an additional $10, the amount my bank charges me to receive your bank draft!  Note: Your bank will charge you to send the draft; make sure the deposit amount sent to me is $110 if you are using a bank draft.  The BALANCE is now calculated by adding $10 to my original quoted fee and subtracting $110, and it is payable on your wedding day in U.S. dollars: either cash, international money order, or travelers checks.

   You must phone or email me in advance how you are sending the deposit. 

    I will email you upon receipt of your deposit.  And then from my previously sent Wedding Packet (copy and paste) you email me what you want for your ceremony text.  We email back and forth as many times as necessary so I'm clear about your wishes.  Upon your arrival, we wrap up final details by phone (I want in advance any operational cell phone number and  a phone number at your housing / hotel location). 

   See below under Marriage License Information an IMPORTANT NOTE regarding obtaining a transcript / "original signature certificate" instead of a printed Certificate of Marriage Registration, if needed, to be mailed or to take home with you. 

                                                                                     * * *

Your ceremony photo on my website [Does not apply to ceremonies in my Freeport Home Chapel Room] . . . You have the option of having a during-ceremony-pic posted on "Page 4 - Photos" on my website at www.revido.com  ....by either of two means (there is no fee for this):
     1) Anyone taking pictures with a digital camera of your ceremony can email me a pic (or a few and I'll pick the best one showing your two faces); it is necessary that I at least be in the picture (because it is my website).
     2) If there will be no digital camera at your ceremony, let me know in advance and I'll bring mine and hand it off to one of your guests who is comfortable using a camera to take a few ceremony shots. 
          Five days following receipt of the emailed pic, or of the ceremony if my camera was used, you can go online to Page 4 (at the bottom) and see the posted pic . . . . and with this evidence notify family and friends on other continents, including those whose first response to the news of your new marital status might be: "I don't believe it...you've got to be...."

* * *

     As a practical matter, determined by travel distance which primarily determines my fee, I perform most weddings on Long Island and in the five boroughs of New York City (primarily Manhattan, Queens, Brooklyn) and Westchester; however, I am authorized and willing to travel anywhere in New York, Connecticut, New Jersey, or Rhode Island.  

                                                                                     * * *

                                                      SPECIAL  PHOTO  OFFER
                     HOW  TO  HAVE  UP  TO  84  CANDID  DIGITAL  PICS ON  A  CD-R  FOR  $25 

                [ NOT A SUBSTITUTE FOR A PROFESSIONAL PHOTOGRAPHER ]

Here's how it works ...

   With a 64MB memory card (the "film") my 3.3 Megapixel digital camera produces up to 84 pics at a high quality resolution of 2048 x 1536 pixels.  
     1) To have a photo of the three of us to post on my Page 4 website at  www.revido.com  someone takes a few ceremony pics using my digital camera, if you have no objection. There is no charge to be able to tell your friends the world over there's a wedding picture of you on the Internet [it is the world wide web (www)].
     2) But even if you don't want a pic posted for $25  you can designate two people in advance (one for back-up) who would use my digital camera beginning upon my arrival to take candids (every two seconds is possible) prior to the ceremony and during it up to a maximum of 84 pics.  [The camera must be returned to me immediately following the recessional so if necessary I can leave without delay for my next wedding.] However, if I am able to stay longer I can take over the camera and I can continue shooting (during the cocktail hour) for up to 30 minutes more. 
     3) I later download all the pics onto a CD-R and mail it to you within a week. From that CD (the storage space is more than ample since it can handle some 600-700 MB), with the proper software, you (or a friend) can refine (crop, etc.), print out, email, copy onto another CD or floppy to give / mail images to others. You will not be able to add data to this CD-R.  (If requested in advance and for an additional $5 I will download the images onto a Re-Writable CD (CD-RW), and then you (or a friend) could scan your professional photographer's album plus all other prints given to you by your guests and have all your wedding pictures in one place "forever"—to perhaps bequeath a CD copy to children / family members, and even the Library of Congress (yes, you might just become more famous than you already are).
     4) The two people you choose for this project should not otherwise be taking pictures with their own cameras; they need not know how to use a digital camera; in addition to the typical viewfinder it has a screen for easy shooting; instructions take a couple of minutes. They need only be comfortable taking pictures, briefed in advance regarding special shots you want [such as: "Move around and try to get all the seated guests before the processional begins."]—I will tell them the ceremony photo angles I wish for my website pic if you have chosen to have one—and tell them to be alert and yield space to your professional photographer. They need to arrive a full one-half hour prior to the ceremony start-time and seek me out because I won't have time to try and find them. I must have their names by the day before. You must specifically order this option in advance (so I can be sure my batteries are fully charged). 
     5) The $25 (or $30 for the CD-RW) fee can be paid with the outstanding balance on your wedding day.

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                        Disc 1 - Selections (Tracks) 1-21 (72:29) 
            INSTRUMENTALS
1) "Bridal Chorus" -Wagner (traditional processional) 1:53
2) "Trumpet Voluntary in D" -Purcell (a processional) 2:13
3) "Rondeau" -Mouret (a processional - "Masterpiece Theatre" theme) 1:49
4) "Te Deum" -Charpentier (a processional) 2:05
5) "Wedding March" -Mendelsohn (traditional recessional) 1: 19
6) "Water Music" -Handel (a recessional) 3:26
7) "Concerto in D-Allegro" -Telemann (a recessional) 2:29
8) "Brandenburg Concerto No. 1" -Bach (a recessional) 3:51
9) "Canon" -Pachelbel 4:50 [Note: 9) thru 40) could be used for any purpose ]
10) "Hymne" -Vangelis 2:45
11) "Forever in Love" -Kenny G. 5:00
12) "III Rondeau- Concerto No. 4-Violin & Orchestra -Mozart 6:20
13) "Ode to Joy" (organ) -Beethoven 1:44
14) "Ave Maria" -Schubert 3:55
15) "Unchained Melody" -North 5:12
16) "...Storybook Love" -Knopfler from "The Princess Bride" 4:00
17) "Concerto for 2 Trumpets & Strings" -Vivaldi 3:08
               VOCALS
18) "The Power of Love" sung by Celine Dion 5:43
19) "What a Wonderful World" sung by Louis Armstrong 2:19
20) "Can You Feel the Love Tonight" sung by Elton John - "The Lion King" 3:59
21) "i swear" sung by A11-4-One 4:19
                       Disc 2 - Selections (Tracks) 22-40 (72:50)
22) "One Hand, One Heart" sung by Kert & Lawrence. - "West Side Story" 3:02
23) "Through the Eyes of Love" sung by Melissa Manchester - "Ice Castles" 4:15
24) "Annie's Song" sung by John Denver 3:00
25) "All I Ask of You" sung by Richard & Brightman - "Phantom of the Opera" 4:12
26) "All My Life" sung by Linda Ronstadt 3:30
27) "Can't Help Falling in Love" sung by Corey Hart 3:27
28) "Endless Love" sung by Diana Ross & Lionel Richie 4:28
29) "(Everything I Do) I Do It for You" sung by Bryan Adams - "Robin Hood" 6:38
30) "Evergreen" sung by Barbra Streisand 3:07
31) "Always and Forever" sung by Heatwave 4:48
32) "Love Me Tender" sung by Elvis 2:41
33) "Memory" sung by Elaine Paige - "Cats" 4:18
34) "Try to Remember" sung by Erich Kunzel - "Fantasticks" 3:34
35) "Show Me" sung by Chrissie Hynde of The Pretenders 4:08
36) "Through the Years" sung by Kenny Rogers 4:22
37) "Truly" sung by Lionel Richie 3:21
38) "Wedding Song" sung by Paul Stookey of "Peter, Paul & Mary" 3:46
39) "You Light Up My Life" sung by Debby Boone 3:37
40) "Ebb Tide" sung by The Platters 2:27

                                                                        ***

                        TIPS ON CONDUCTING YOUR OWN WEDDING REHEARSAL
                                                       by Rev. James Wentz  © 2003

    The wedding ceremony is the thoughtful, dramatic launch for your memorable day.
    A wedding rehearsal is the stable launch-pad for a successful ceremony flight, to insure that all persons involved are self-confident in the particular role they are asked to play.
    Catering establishments which provide on-site chapel space typically include a staff person to conduct a rehearsal just prior to the ceremony (be sure to check with them about this), usually with the bride absent if the groom is not to see her gowned prior to her walking down the aisle. Even if the bride is present a last minute rehearsal can be problematic since caterers have their set style of doing them, which, while not inappropriate, may not be what the couple actually want, and time may not permit to do anything other than the caterer’s standard procedure.
    Some clergy require that not only there be a rehearsal but that he or she conduct it, and incorporate their expense for it into their overall fee.
    Other clergy, such as this author, are willing to conduct one for an additional amount, if available, which is more possible if it is scheduled a few days before the wedding on a weeknight v. the weekend (preferably at the same location as the ceremony).
    At the wedding ceremony planning interview I tell couples that ideally a rehearsal should be conducted by an EXPERIENCED professional (if service pens were issued mine would indicate 24 years). But I also offer to share with couples my "secret" strategy (at no cost) so they can do it themselves if they so choose, and save some dollars in a strained budget, or one that already is approaching outer space.
    Here I spill the beans to the world.
    You conduct the rehearsal backwards. [Note: The gait walking in and out is VERY slowly (no lock-step); recall your graduation pace to Elgar’s "Pomp and Circumstance"—and the gentlemen have their palm on their belly button so the lady they are escorting can easily hold the gentleman’s arm at his bent elbow. Also, the whole length of the aisle is the distance between each pair or person, except for very young ring bearers and flower girls.]
1) If there is a receiving line following the recessional, this is formed first, so that everyone knows who they are standing next to when the guests file past to congratulate the bride and groom. (Despite what you may read, there is no right or wrong sequence...I like the idea of the two mothers first, then the bride and groom, then the fathers, then the maid / matron of honor, best man, etc.)
2) Now, you break ranks and go to the area where the ceremony is to take place and position a chair for the imaginary clergy, which is the center focal point for all members of the wedding party to arc around—which, with the bride and groom directly in front of the "clergy-chair", allows all attendants to see the couple during the ceremony because of the inward curve toward them (imagine a half moon with the clergy near the center of the moon circle). The parents are in their seats in the front row [the place of honor for each mother is the AISLE seat, so that they can twist around and when the bride is about to come down the aisle they stand (to signal all guests to do the same) having already sat when they were escorted to their seat, and when the bride and groom are in front of the clergy the mothers now sit to signal the guests again to do the same.]
3) Next, you practice the RECESSIONAL ("walking out") with the bride and groom down the aisle first. After the kiss and the couple have turned to walk down the aisle the maid of honor now hands back the bride’s pretend flowers (a pen or pencil) and actually goes through the motions of assisting the bride with her imaginary train...[her own pretend flowers (another pen) have been held by the bridesmaid next to her from the time the maid of honor arrived in position]...now the bride takes the groom’s arm and they walk past the imaginary train by a few feet and stop to let the maid of honor fluff it fully with her two free hands...now the maid of honor takes her own "flowers" and the arm of the best man and they go next, and so forth, with the bride’s mother and father following the last usher and bridesmaid, and then the groom’s mother and father the very last (unless grandparents have been part of the processional then they are last). The distance between pairs walking out is about half the length of the aisle, unless the photographer is taking exit shots, then the full length.
4) Now the receiving line is formed at the rear, which has already been practiced. (On the wedding day hugs and kisses can first be exchanged with parents, etc., and if necessary the best man can ward off the oncoming guests until the receiving line is completely formed.)
5) Next, everyone goes back to the ceremony area and again take their positions, as previously practiced.
6) Now, the RECESSIONAL is done again, but this time the column stays intact, and when it is completely to the rear, the bride and groom stop, turn around and shout "Freeze...everybody turn around and face the front...stay with your partner".
7) The line up for the PROCESSIONAL ("walking in") is now essentially formed—Note: the people last out of the recessional are the first people down the aisle of the processional—except for a few adjustments: a) the ring boy(s) and flower girl(s), if any, are inserted in the line up if they did not exit as part of the recessional [If the flower girl is throwing petals she immediately precedes the bride to pave her way]; b) The groom and the best man go forward (the maid of honor walks in alone) to the ceremony area and take their positions with the clergy (unless they are walking in together as part of the processional); c) The bride’s escort (father) joins her; d) the bride’s mother’s escort (need not be a member of wedding party, perhaps the bride’s uncle, etc.) joins the line and the same for the groom’s mother if she is not being escorted by the groom’s father.
8) Now the PROCESSIONAL is practiced...at the ceremony area everyone knows where to go because they have just come, twice, from where they are supposed to be! (As soon as the bride is in position in front of the clergy the maid of honor pretends to fluff her train with her two free hands, having handed her own "flowers" off immediately upon arrival to the bridesmaid next to her.)
9) Now everything can be practiced as many times as necessary so everyone has "got it".
    Depending on the size of your wedding party one to two hours should be allowed for the rehearsal...except perhaps, a little more time might be added based on how much your crazy bunch of friends are likely to clown around since no clergy authority figure is present to pull rank.
    A piece of cake!—wedding cake, that is.
© 2003 Rev. James Wentz [This article may be reproduced in any form provided credit is given; the author asks that reference to his website—www.RevIDo.com—be made, and in cases of Internet duplication, if possible, a link to it.]

                                                                     ***

                                      MARRIAGE  LICENSE  INFORMATION

    You must get a marriage license which is timely to your wedding date.  Marriage licenses are issued by states and the requirements vary.  The license must be obtained in the state where the ceremony will take place, and depending upon the state, perhaps within a small geographical area.  However, in the case of New York the license may be obtained from any city or town hall (not village nor county) and used anywhere within the state.  Also, learn about the waiting period, which is a time from when the license is issued before the ceremony can be performed—in New York the waiting period is 24 hours, to the minute.

   For detailed license requirements, click the link below for the state where you will be married. 

    IMPORTANT NOTE: For couples getting married in the state of New York...the fee you pay for the license includes the issuance and mailing of a Certificate of Marriage Registration, which is a printed document, and is acceptable in many instances as proof of marriage. However, if you need for legal purposes a transcript / "original signature certificate" with a raised seal then you must pay an additional fee. Ask the Town or City Clerk about this at the time you apply for your license, and ask when you can expect to receive your documentation by mail. Couples from abroad in particular who are in this country for a short time, or any couple, who want to take home a transcript / "original signature certificate" instead of it being mailed—and are getting married in New York City—may want to have their ceremony performed at a City Hall chapel the day following their obtaining their license (but not less than 24 hours). They must provide a witness. Then, provided they began the process early enough in the day, they can wait for the completion of their transcript / "original signature certificate" to take with them instead of it being mailed.
    HOWEVER, THERE IS ANOTHER OPTION:  For any couple, including those from abroad and military personnel on leave with limited time, who wish to obtain a transcript / "original signature certificate" and have their ceremony at a location other than a City Hall chapel may obtain their license and then as early as the following day (but at least 24 hours) I am willing to perform their ceremony on a day of their choice, including the weekend, and at a location of their choice in New York City (Central Park, hotel suite, etc.), Long Island, etc., based on my availability.  [If the couple are eloping or otherwise have no witness with them to sign the license (one is required but there is space for two) I will assist the couple in finding the necessary witness at the location they choose to have their ceremony.]  Then immediately after the ceremony I will complete the license and allow the couple to hand-carry back the original license to the City or Town Hall where they obtained it (it must be returned within five days).  And then they would be able to obtain their Certificate of Marriage Registration or a transcript / "original signature certificate" that same day provided they have returned to the Clerk's office in time, or simply to plan to obtain it the next business day. Clerk's offices are open only Monday thru Friday, except for holidays. I am willing to do this only on the following condition: the couple must provide me a clear photocopy (which I keep) of the front side of their license at the same time they give me the original prior to their ceremony. No exceptions.  Also, the couple agree to phone or email me the date when they gave the original license to the Clerk's staff person. 

    NEW YORK [The City of New York has a 24/7 marriage license taped menu at:  212-669-2400...it also has the same information on this special City of New York marriage license website:  www.cityclerknyc.com  ]
     [Note: The City of New York requires the $35 (as of September, 2003) marriage license fee in the form of a Money Order only; no other form of payment accepted, including cash.]
     www.health.state.ny.us/nysdoh/consumer/vr/married.htm

    NEW JERSEY        
     www.state.nj.us/health/vital/regbycnty.htm 

    CONNECTICUT
      http://hartford.about.com/citiestowns/newenglandus/hartford/library/howto/htctmarriage.htm

    RHODE ISLAND
    www.riwedding.com/marriage_license.asp    

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