New Yorkers - Destination weddings not recognized in our state???

[TATrisha]

Okay, I ran into an issue like this when I got married. I'm from Wisconsin, so perhaps it's different, however, it sounds the same.

When I called the court house, they told me the same thing. However, after speaking with someone else, I learned that what she MEANT to get across to me was that they don't file a copy of the marriage certifiate with the state. So, unlike normal couples who get married in Wisconsin, I could not file my certifiate or call them up and ask for a new marriage certificate.

I'm definitely still married, but since i was not married in Wisconsin, it is not in their records. However there was NO issue with the social security office or the DMV.

[lexibride]

Kristy thanks so much for the information. Now I'm on the hunt to find a person who will legally translate my paperwork - also, when do I get the apostille? Before or after I translate? Geez, it does seem like a lot of work, but I'm going to do what's necessary to make it all real down there.

 

Someone had mentioned to me that insurance companies and things like that always ask for certified copies of my marriage certificate. How would I go about that if I need to?

[mich999]

tlseege - that is an excellent explanation. I found out in Illinois that the County has no idea what you're talking about either when you ask about getting married in a foreign country, but that's because they don't issue the license and you don't have to do anything with them to make it legal. That being said, we did have our certificate translated and recorded a copy of the original certificate, along with the translation with our local county Recorder. That way it's of public record and if we ever lose our original, I can get a copy (or a certified copy I suppose) from the Recorder's office.

 

I know there are lots of people who get married locally first to avoid any hassles, but I did not find getting legally married in Mexico to be difficult if you plan ahead - so if it's important to you, do it!

[Kristy!]

I didn't have to do anything with an apostille (I don't even know what that is) or translation, so I'm no help now. St. Lucia was easy!

[mayakoba2010]

Whoever you are arranging the legal ceremony through should be able to help you. Our coordinator recommended a company to work through and they handle all of the paperwork, translation, etc... Beautyweddings.com The contact is Pam. This is info from the site:

 

Beautyweddings take care on all legal assistance, required documents; either the legalization of marraige certificate or Apostillate Certificate, depending of the country from the couple is, after the couple follows very simple steps.

 

 

Civil or legal wedding it is the only way to have a marriage recognized by law.

 

May be worth the cost so you dont have to worry about it.

[FutureMrsYak]

I'm in NY--right outside of Albany.

 

As far as I knew there wasn't any issue of them recognizing the marriage. I am getting married here a few days before we leave, without telling anyone. It will just make it easier and cheaper! My issue is I would perfer not to do vows or anything at City Hall..I just want to sign the paperwork and that is it...has anyone come across this...is this a possibility or are you required to do vows and rings?

[AishaB]

I don't know how to link one thread with another so I will just give you info and you can go over there. But Landwlkr started a thread "New York City" under East Coast. She has a lot of resources about the county clerk, etc. You can definitely go check that out for info. I am going to include the link in this post though. Also, as far as I know you can get married in another state/country and it will be recognized in NY State. I like the point that Kristy brought out. I believe she is correct. I will definitely ask my fellow legal eagles today and follow up on this post. Good luck!

 

City Clerk's Office - City of New York

[AishaB]

Okay LexiBride this is what I have found out. I am going to quote directly from the Marriage Bureau/County Clerk office website (here is the link City Clerk's Office - Marriage FAQ)

 

Even though this is for NYC, I believe that this will be statewide.

 

. Can I use a Marriage License obtained at one of your offices in another state?

A. No. A Marriage License issued in New York City may not be used outside of New York State. Please note that if you marry outside of New York State, your marriage record will be filed in that jurisdiction.

 

[back to top]

 

Q. Can I register my Marriage Record from another jurisdiction with your offices?

A. No. We do not register marriages performed in jurisdictions outside of New York City in our offices. We only maintain marriage records where the Marriage License was obtained in one of our offices. While some other countries require their residents to register any marriage performed elsewhere in their local registry, New York City does not.

 

What does it all mean? (sorry to get a bit legalese on you but I will keep it simple) You see the state that you get married in is very important when it comes to domicile/residency issues and also divorce proceedings. Most states have rules about how long you can be living there before getting a divorce, etc. Getting married in another state and not having it registered in NYS doesn't make the marriage null and void, it just simply means that you were not married in NYS but your marriage license will be recognized by the state (not registered but recognized as you and your spouse being married) as long as the license was valid where and when issued.

 

I hope this helps. Sorry it is long. If it isn't too clear please feel free to PM me.

 

 

AishaB

[Jodimichelle]

I am from NY I did not need to look into anything, because I am getting married in NYC first and having a mock wedding in Mexico

[Mischaka]

this is the exact reason why i'm legally getting married in NY and then we are doing the renewal of vows in Mexico. It had nothing to do with whether or not it will be recognized but we didn't want to go through the extra paperwork and extra time there to do that.