long line for marriage license?

Jane_Birkin · May 2010

hey chicks, Fh and i need to go get our marriage license and are wondering how long to allow for the wait. did you have to stand in line for a long time? we're planning to go to the clerk in Brooklyn on Joralemon St.

esuvak · May 2010

We didn't have to wait long at all - probably in and out in 30-40 min or so. We went shortly after opening time to the Bronx office. There was actually only 1 person in line in front of us, but it seems that everybody being served had some issue or another with documents so took forever. We were probably only at the window for 2-3 minutes, and then another 5-10 minutes for them to process it. Very helpful to have the online application done in advance, and to be sure you have the proper docs.

slbriz34 · May 2010

I definitely recommend doing the application online - otherwise, that'll add at least 20+ minutes since they will have to input all your data into the computer. We were in Queens, went right after they opened, were third in order, and it took us 40 minutes. They have to verify all your info, then you have to pay, then wait for the license, so depending on the quickness of workers, that's about the expected time (maybe 30 if those working that day are super good).

Expect Brooklyn to perhaps have more folks, since that's a propular locale. I'd definitely get there a little before the office opens....

Jane_Birkin · May 2010

very helpful--thank you! i had no idea we could fill out the form online in advance but it sounds like that is a big timesaver. i'll definitely do that!

jayjoe · May 2010

Def fill the paperwork out before you go in. My husband and i went to the one on Joralemon. We were third on line (got there as it opened). We were there for almot 2 hours! One couple in front of us were ending a marriage and didnt have any paperwork done. The other couple were getting a marriage license with nothing filled out and missing forms of I.D. Add that to the fact there were only 2 people working and they were slow as shite and it equals 2 hours of pure hell. When we got to the head of the line it took about 10 minutes.

Jane_Birkin · May 2010

jayjoe--this is funny because i had the opposite experience from you! we showed up at 11:30 and i thought we would have to wait a long time. it was only about 15 minutes and then we sat with the guy who filled everything out on the computer. then we paid and got the certificate. all told it was about 40 minutes.there was a woman whose job it is to tell you what line you need to be on, etc. her name was Chiffon, which i thought was particularly appropos for the marriage bureau. even the other people who were waiting in line or waiting for other people were saying Congratulations. most pleasant City office experience i have ever had!

jayjoe · May 2010

Yeah, there was someone there telling us where to go, but the first stop we had to make was behind those two. The couple ending their marriage were just a slice of heaven. She was holding the paperwork out so we saw everything. Apparently they had gotten married on May 5th of 2009. The day we went was May 7th LOL And they were both VERY visibly on something. After a while he left and when asked, she didnt even know his last name. It was heartwarming

slbriz34 · June 2010

Glad you got your license and it all worked out. I definitely would tell folks expect at least 40min but be prepared to stay longer. And if possible, be flexible with location. Seems at 11:30 in Brooklyn was a good day for you.

long line for marriage license?

Re: long line for marriage license?

Choose Another Board

Search Boards