Helping you get from “Yes!” to “We did it!”


Cue the champagne, the spreadsheets, and the “Wait, do we need a witness?” Google searches at midnight.

Whether you're planning a big celebration or something more intimate, getting married is a mix of legal logistics, emotional prep, and a whole lot of decisions. And while everyone loves to talk about florals and first dances, sometimes it’s the boring stuff (like licenses and timelines) that cause the most stress.


This guide is here to walk you through everything—from making it legal (hi, New York and New Jersey friends 👋), to building a wedding day that actually feels like you, to staying grounded when the nerves kick in. Because you deserve a wedding that’s not only beautiful, but also meaningful, smooth-ish, and a little bit magical.


Let’s get you married—with minimal panic and maximum joy.

Step 1: Make It Legal (Boring but Important)

Let’s get the legal stuff out of the way first: you need a marriage license before the party happens. Here’s what you should know:


In General:

  • Both of you need to appear in person at the issuing office
  • Bring valid government-issued ID (like a passport or driver’s license)
  • Pay a small fee (usually between $30–$60)
  • You’ll likely need to wait at least 24 hours before you can legally marry

📍 Step 1A: Getting Married in New York or New Jersey

New York

  • Apply at any city or town clerk’s office (doesn’t have to be where you’re getting married)
  • There’s a 24-hour waiting period between getting your license and getting married
  • Your license is valid for 60 days (or 180 days for active military)
  • You’ll need an officiant + at least one witness
  • After the ceremony, your officiant and witness will sign the license, and it gets returned to the issuing clerk’s office

🔗 NY Marriage License Info


NYC-specific:

If you're getting married in one of the five boroughs, you’ll apply via the NYC City Clerk—you can start the process online and then finalize it in person.

🔗 NYC Marriage License Info

New Jersey

  • Apply at the local registrar’s office in the municipality where one applicant resides
  • If neither of you live in NJ, apply in the municipality where the ceremony will take place
  • There's a 72-hour waiting period
  • License is valid for 30 days
  • You’ll need one witness (18+) and an officiant to sign

🔗 NJ Marriage License Info

Step 2: Decide What “Getting Married” Means to You


It’s easy to fall into the Pinterest rabbit hole or feel like you have to follow tradition. But really, getting married is about you two. So ask yourselves:

  • What kind of energy do we want the day to have?
  • What’s important to us: intimacy, dancing, food, epic photos, rituals, something else?
  • Do we want 200 guests, 20, or just us and a witness?

There’s no one right way to do it. There’s just your way.

Step 3: Build Your Dream Team

Whether you're having a planner, day-of coordinator, or keeping it low-key with just a few vendors, surround yourself with people who bring good energy and have your back.


Think:

  • Bridesmaids and groomsmen
  • Photographer (hi 👋🏼)
  • Hair & makeup artists
  • Florist
  • Caterer or chef
  • DJ, band, or playlist pro
  • Officiant
  • Day-of bestie (friend or pro who keeps things moving and calm)

Don’t underestimate the power of a vendor team that works well together. It makes the entire day feel smoother.

Step 4: Build a Timeline That Breathes


Trust me: more buffer time = more joy.

  • Don’t stack events back-to-back
  • Leave time for snacks, deep breaths, dress steaming, water breaks
  • Add cushion time before the ceremony in case of delays
  • Plan for 30 minutes of golden hour portraits—you won’t regret it
  • And if we’re working together, I’ll help build the photo timeline with you!

Step 5: Be Present


This might be the hardest part—but it’s the most meaningful.

  • Try not to micromanage once the day begins
  • Laugh off the things that don’t go to plan
  • Pause throughout the day to take it all in—just the two of you
  • Hug your people
  • Eat your cake. Dance to your song. Let it be imperfectly perfect.

Step 6: After the Vows


Don’t forget:

  • Your officiant needs to return the signed license to the issuing office (you don’t always do this yourself)
  • If you’re changing your name, wait for your certified marriage certificate
  • Backup your wedding photos once your gallery arrives
  • Consider writing down your favorite memories from the day—you’ll forget more than you think!

Step 7: Remember the Why


Getting married isn’t just about the logistics—it’s about beginning something beautiful. Whether you’re in a courthouse, a cathedral, or your parents’ backyard, this is the start of your marriage, not just your wedding.

So be kind to each other. Laugh a lot. And make space for joy—even in the weird little moments you didn’t plan for.


"I almost forgot that this is the whole point."

At the end of the day, getting married isn’t just about the timeline, the ceremony, or even the photos (though, obviously, I’m pretty biased there). It’s about the two of you choosing each other—on that day and every day after. So take a breath. Lean into the moments. Let the little things go. You’re doing this, and it’s going to be beautiful.


And if you need someone to help keep the timeline tight, the vibes high, and the memories preserved—you know where to find me.