New York Assembly Bill A11049

New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 4/24/26
• Refer: 4/24/26

Caption

Increases the marriage ceremony fee to fifty-five dollars and the marriage license fee to sixty dollars in the city of New York.

Impact

The passage of A11049 is expected to have a direct financial impact on couples seeking to marry in New York City as the bill represents a notable increase from previous fee structures. The previous fee for the marriage ceremony was set at twenty-five dollars, and for the marriage license, it was twenty-five as well. This change means that the overall cost for couples wishing to marry in the city will rise, which could affect accessibility for some residents and could be a point of contention for those advocating for lower marriage costs.

Summary

Bill A11049, introduced by Assembly Member Lavine, seeks to amend the domestic relations law in the state of New York by increasing the marriage ceremony fee to fifty-five dollars and the marriage license fee to sixty dollars specifically within the city of New York. This legislative proposal addresses the fees that city clerks can charge for performing marriage ceremonies and issuing marriage licenses, with adjustments reflecting both inflation and administrative costs associated with these services.

Contention

There may be concerns related to the increased costs associated with marriage for individuals, particularly in a high-cost living environment like New York City. While proponents of the bill argue that the fee adjustments reflect necessary administrative costs and inflation, opponents might view this as a burden on couples, especially those with limited financial means. The discussion surrounding such amendments often revolves around balancing public revenue needs with the accessibility of essential services like marriage, which could lead to broader conversations about government fees and social equity.