How to Officiate a Wedding in Tannersville, New York

Nestled in the Catskill Mountains, and just a stone’s throw away from the City, Tannersville offers a unique and tasteful option for an idyllic upstate wedding. Not only is Tannersville one of the greatest skiing destinations east of the Mississippi, it also has North America’s longest, fastest and highest Zip Line. If you want to kick off your happily ever after, zipping off into the sunset, this might be the perfect option for you. However, if you are interested in a more peaceful transition into your married life, the Catskill Mountains offer well-maintained hiking trails, breathtaking views, and brisk mountain streams. 

Despite being relatively small in population, Tannersville is still a destination for culture and fine dining. A posh dinner at an authentic Italian restaurant or a more relaxed experience at a local brewery could be the perfect idea for a small reception. 

Whatever your plans, Tannersville is a great choice for a scenic, upstate New York wedding. So, let’s get you familiar with everything you need to know for the marriage application process.

Step 1: Get ordained with American Marriage Ministries

In the state of New York, any clergyman or minister of any religion is legally permitted to officiate weddings. Simply register with us today, and become an official AMM minister. The process is free and will only take a few minutes to complete.

As long as you are performing the marriage outside of New York City, there will be no extra registration paperwork to complete. However, if you are planning to eventually perform marriages in one of the five boroughs, make sure to look up the City of New York’s requirements for registration.

Step 2: Prepare for the Ceremony in Tannersville

Being asked to officiate a wedding can seem like a pretty overwhelming proposition, but we are here to help you cover all your bases and become comfortable and confident at performing a smooth and memorable ceremony. 

If it’s your first time officiating a wedding ceremony, please check out our wedding training pages where you’ll learn many handy tips and skills to become familiar with the process. 

Step 3: Officiate the Wedding and Complete the Marriage License

Normally, it is the responsibility of the couple to obtain and fill out the marriage license, however making sure that they have valid documents that are correctly filled out and being there to answer any potential questions during the signing process should ensure a smooth process. In New York, a marriage license must be returned to the local county clerk’s office within 60 days from the date of issuance, so just make sure that the couple is aware of this.

File for Marriage License in Greene County

The couple must make an appointment with the County Clerk’s office in order to obtain the marriage license. It costs $40, and is valid for sixty days after the application is filed. There is a waiting period of 24 hours after the application is filed, so make sure to factor that in.

The offices are located at 439 Main Street in Catskill and are available for marriage license applications between 9 am and 3:30 pm, and you can contact them at (518) 943-2141.

Before you head off to the office, don’t forget to bring:

• Fee: $40
• Valid ID (Passport, Driver’s License, State ID)
• Other documents you may need (ex. Proof of previous marriage dissolvement)

The Basics

The Catskills are a gorgeous destination pretty much ear round, but for weddings, they offer a unique range of venues from rustic barns to gorgeous resorts. Saying your “I do’s” on the top of Hunter Mountain while looking out over the rolling Catskill mountains could be the most unforgettable moment of your life. The Blackhead Mountain Lodge and Country Club is also a great location for scenic wedding photos and possibly a round of golf.

Transportation

If you’re traveling up from the City, taking the Amtrak train services to Poughkeepsie will get you most of the way. From there, either taking one of the buses that run up the mountain or a taxi cab are your most reliable options. That said, it’s the Catskills, so driving your own car, or renting is probably your best bet. 

Weather

The Catskills are the perfect escape from the sweltering Hudson Valley lowlands region. Summers are mild, with an average daily high temperature of 73°F. Rainfall is also common, with an average of 3.9 inches per year. Winters can get very snowy and cold, with temperatures occasionally dropping below the red line, so make sure your plans accommodate unpredictable weather conditions.