The Office of the City Clerk - NYC Marriage Bureau is open for in-person appointments only. In addition, please include as self-addressed stamped envelope.This page explains the procedure for obtaining a Marriage License from the Office of the New York City Clerk Completing this document is essential for protecting all parties legally involved. Filing an Affidavit of Service. It requires an affidavit of cohabitation if you have a roommate, but if like me, you don't, you have to submit an affidavit that you live alone. Cohabitation Period: Both parties must have lived together as husband and wife for at least five consecutive years. Suppose you and your significant other aren't married, but you're in a longterm relationship. In the 21st century, marriage is not everyone's first choice: in the UK there are over three million unmarried cohabiting couple families. Married couples in the United States have an array of legal rights, protections, and obligations.