So for those of you that don’t know, I recently got married, yes, congratulations to me and my beautiful wife, thank you, thank you. You guys are far too kind, too kind.
We got our marriage license in Queens. However, to make life easier for our guests, we decided to have the actual ceremony at City Hall.
It was a rainy day, light drizzle, but that didn’t bother us. Isn’t rain on your wedding day supposed to be good luck anyway? Yeah, I’ll take the good luck.
We arrived around 10:15 AM or so, my mom and sister were already there, as was a mutual friend and my wife’s sister. Myself, my son, and my then-fiancee arrived and greeted everyone.
At the front desk, after stating our aims for the day, we were asked to produce a legal form of identification, as well as the ID for our witness. The gentleman took our driver’s licenses and reviewed them, and after a few moments gave us a ticket and asked us to take a seat until our number came up on the prompter.
The place was relatively empty, which was a welcome relief as most government-run businesses tend to be busy. However, this place was well organized and had a comfortable atmosphere.
We took some pictures by the City Hall mural painted inside. I’ve yet to see the pictures, but I trust they will be great. It’s nice that they have that for us.
Once our numbers came up, we went over to another counter and presented our documentation. We all signed some paperwork and were then directed to take a seat again and wait to be called.
After another brief wait and a few more pictures, we were called to another desk. Here a gentleman took our documents and told us to enter the ceremony room. For some reason, I expected a priest or something, but the same gentleman who took our paperwork walked in and introduced himself as the marriage clerk. He asked us to stand before him, asked for the rings to be produced, then began the ceremony.
“If there is anyone present that feels these two should not be married, please speak now, or forever hold your peace.”
No response.
“Do you, Angel, take this woman to be your lawfully wedded wife?”
I do.
“Please place the ring on her finger. No Angel, first remove the engagement ring, then place the marriage ring so that it is closer to her heart.”
Smiles
“Do you take this man to be your lawfully wedded husband?”
She does.
“Please place the ring on his finger.”
More smiles
“By the power vested in me by the great state of NY, I pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss your beautiful bride.”
I kissed my wife and now we are married. Just like that. The process was so fast it actually surprised me. This place was smooth, no problems, no hassle, and I’m glad we had a nice day.
Welcome to the married world. (Again)
Just a life long New Yorker sharing the journey through my lens. Please take note of a post’s date. The views I express here are subject to change and evolving as I grow and learn.
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