Buffalo, New York Wedding Guide
Become a Wedding Officiant in Buffalo as an AMM Ordained Minister. Learn more about getting ordained in New York, officiant training, wedding ceremony planning, and more.
Become a Wedding Officiant in Buffalo as an AMM Ordained Minister. Learn more about getting ordained in New York, officiant training, wedding ceremony planning, and more.
Buffalo is often overlooked by New York’s more glamorous metropolis, New York City, but this town’s low-key vibe is it’s greatest asset. The state’s westernmost city is known for its blue-collar vibes and a lively nightlife. If you’re planning a wedding in Buffalo, you’ll find yourself falling in love with its unpretentious charm and surrounding natural beauty that you just can’t find in the big city.
Take advantage of the city’s positioning at the confluence of Lake Erie, the Niagara River and the Erie Canal with a romantic ceremony on a Grand Lady Cruise, or admire the water from one of the reception halls and yacht clubs on the gorgeous waterfront.
If a maritime theme isn’t your thing, check out of the town’s elegant mansions and estates for a Great Gatsby vibe, or embrace the city’s rustic roots with a cozy cabin celebration.
Whatever your style, Buffalo has you covered. But before you fall too deep into your winter wonderland wedding fantasy, let us help you get your officiant’s registration completed and your marriage application process under wraps.
According to New York State’s domestic relations laws, Article 3 Solemnization, Proof and Effect of Marriage Section 11, the following persons may perform wedding ceremonies:
We’re guessing that you don’t fall into any of these four categories, but don’t worry. We’ve got you covered. The first thing you need to do is get ordained with AMM. The process is free and takes just a few minutes.
Once you’ve finished the certification process for ordainment and are ready to officiate your first couple’s wedding, you may be asked to present documentation to City Hall, which AMM provides for a fee.
AMM can also help you with your preparations for the wedding ceremony itself. If you’re a first-time officiant, be sure to dive into our wedding training pages, which are a centralized resource of everything you’ll need to know to perform your first wedding ceremony.
Here you can find everything from sample wedding ceremony scripts, to brainstorming prompts, tips for preparation, and more.
According to the New York Department of Health’s website, it is the couple’s responsibility to present their marriage license to the officiant and the witnesses, but it is the officiant's responsibility to verify that the officiant and witness sections of the marriage license are completed correctly.
Once the couple has completed the marriage license form, the officiant is required to return the original license Buffalo city clerk’s office in City Hall, either in person or by mail, within five days of the ceremony.
If you want to go the extra mile and be an extra-thorough officiant, consult our guide on how to complete a marriage license.
Once you have returned the completed marriage license to the clerk’s office, you have successfully performed all of your functions as the wedding officiant.
For The
Couple
Now let’s get into the couple’s responsibilities. Both members must appear together at one of the state’s city clerk’s offices. Regardless of where you’re getting married in New York, the same license applies. If you’re in town, you can go to Buffalo’s City Hall, located at 65 Niagara Square Room 1308.
When you go, remember to bring:
You’ll be able to complete the process the same day. Once your application is turned in, you’ll have to wait at least 24 hours before the ceremony.
Issuance Office: City Hall 65 Niagara Square, Room 1308
Fee: $40
Waiting Period: 24 hours
Expiration: 60 Days
Return: Within five days by the Officiant
For The Couple
& Officiant
You’ll find that Buffalo’s easy-going vibe and slower pace make it an ideal place to plan a wedding, so have fun with the process. As you’re piecing your plans together, check out the sight-seeing both in town and in surrounding areas. If you’re not from the area, consider taking advantage of one of the many classic East Coast bed and breakfasts when planning your guest’s accommodations. You could even factor in a day trip to Niagara Falls, which is less than a half-hour drive from town.
The Buffalo Metro Rail makes getting around town easy. However, some of the venues sitting outside of the city require access by car. Uber (but not Lyft) is available in town, however, there may not be as many drivers available at every hour of the day, so you may find that it’s worth it to rent a car if you’re from out of town.
One of the first things you’ll want to consider is the region’s climate. If you’re planning an outdoor reception, you’ll want to schedule a date in the late spring or summer when the weather averages in the mid-70s -- perfect outdoor wedding weather. In the fall and winter, it is known to snow, but it does not usually impair the city’s operations.
For The Couple
& Officiant
After obtaining their marriage license, couples must wait 24 hours before performing the wedding ceremony in Buffalo NY.
In order for a marriage ceremony to be legally valid in Buffalo NY, there must be at least one witness.
Become a Wedding Officiant with Our Free Online Ordination!