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Health & Fitness

JUDGES ARE AUTHORIZED TO SOLEMNIZE MARRIAGE

Under New York State Domestic Relations law, Town and Villages justices are authorized to solemnize marriages performed in New York State.  The justices of our Justice Court are empowered to solemnize marriages by this law.

The topic is of marriage is particularly important to me.  My wife, Alice, and I were married on June 15.  Today, August 12, 2013, marks the anniversary of the day that we became engaged.  A year ago, I got down on one knee and asked the question.  We were out on the rocks surrounding the Lighthouse, in the lee created by the lighthouse itself.  She said yes, and we were both ecstatic.  We had our wedding in the historic barn at Mulford Farm in the Village. 

I am proud to say that these moments have been the happiest of my life.

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Marriage, so far as its validity in law is concerned, continues to be a civil contract, to which the consent of parties capable in law of making a contract is essential.

Everyone intending to be married in New York State must obtain a marriage license from a town or city clerk and deliver the license within sixty days to the officiant who will perform the marriage ceremony.  NY Domestic Relations Law requires no particular form or ceremony to solemnize a marriage.  However, both parties, must solemnly declare in the presence of the officiant and the attending witnesses that they take each other as spouses.  In every case, at least one witness (in addition to the officiant) must be present at the ceremony.

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This week’s blog is a tribute to the special work that judges perform bringing people together during one of life’s happiest moments.  It is also a special tribute my Alice, my lovely bride, on this special anniversary.

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