Hello, I’m Maksim — your wedding officiant in New York City.

WEDDING OFFICIANT // FOUNDER

Let me share with you the story of how I became a wedding officiant in New York City and how New York Marriage Bureau began.

I arrived in New York in 2014, but my love affair with the city started long before that — back in 2011, when I first came here as a student through the Work and Travel program. From the moment I saw the skyline, I knew this city was where I wanted to build my life. When I later won the green card lottery, there was no doubt in my mind — my story had to continue in the heart of New York.

When I first arrived, I had no friends, no relatives, no experience, and barely spoke English. My main goal was simple: survive and find a job. I became a manager in a wholesale company — not exactly my dream career, but a necessary step to cover the high cost of living in New York.

Then something unexpected happened. My wife, who had been working as a wedding planner back in Russia, needed an officiant for one of her events. She called me at work and said, half-jokingly, “Honey, do you remember how Joey in Friends got ordained online to marry Monica and Chandler? Maybe you can do that too. Can you please do some research? Bye, love you.”

At that time, I was already feeling drained by office life — the routine, the deadlines, the lack of meaning. Her idea sparked something inside me. Within a week, I researched how to become an officiant, obtained my license from the American Marriage Ministries, and officially registered with the New York City Clerk’s Office.

On May 30, 2017, I became a licensed wedding officiant in New York, legally authorized to perform marriage ceremonies across the state. What started as a simple idea quickly grew into something much bigger, a mission to help couples from all over the world get married in New York City, the most romantic and diverse place on earth.

Ta-dam. Such a quintessential New York story, right?

It seems like every good thing in my life began with love — and with a little inspiration from my wonderful wife.

AS FEATURED ON

INSIDER

WEDDINGWIRE

THE KNOT

NY TIMES

HOW NEW YORK MARRIAGE BUREAU BEGAN

BASED IN NEW YORK // EST. 2017

During my years as a wedding officiant in New York City, I’ve built lasting connections with talented wedding professionals — photographers, videographers, makeup artists, florists, and musicians — all sharing one goal: to make every couple’s day unforgettable.

While working with couples from all over the world, I realized how important it is to simplify the process of getting married in New York. Many couples wanted an all-in-one experience — where everything, from the wedding ceremonyto the photographer, is coordinated seamlessly.

That’s why I created the New York Marriage Bureau — a trusted hub connecting you to the best wedding professionals in New York. Whether you’re planning an intimate elopement in Central Park or a cinematic rooftop ceremony, we make it effortless, personal, and truly memorable.

You can trust us to design a wedding ceremony in New York that reflects your unique story, philosophy, and style — a moment you’ll cherish for the rest of your life.