Wedding Planner Permit Requirements in New York City, NY

Complete permit and license guide for starting a wedding planner in New York City, New York County, New York.

Updated 2026-03-01 6 stops $100–$600 est. 1–3 weeks to obtain all required licenses
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Not legal advice. Requirements may change — always verify with your local government authority before applying. This guide was compiled from public and official sources (last updated ) and has not yet been independently source-verified — confirm each requirement before acting on it.

Federal — start here

1 stop

  1. EIN (Employer Identification Number)

    Required if you have employees, operate as an LLC/corporation, or file certain business tax returns. Free from the IRS. Sole proprietors with no employees may use their SSN instead.

    Official government source

    FreeImmediate (online)

State of New York

3 stops

  1. New York Certificate of Authority (Sales Tax)

    Required for businesses selling taxable goods or services in New York. Register with the NY State Department of Taxation and Finance. Must register at least 20 days before making taxable sales.

    Official government source

    FreeImmediate (online)

  2. New York Certificate of Authority (if selling goods)

    Wedding planners who sell taxable goods in New York must obtain a Certificate of Authority from the NY Department of Taxation and Finance.

    Official government source

    FreeImmediate (online)

  3. General Liability Insurance (Recommended)

    Wedding planners in New York are not legally required to carry liability insurance, but most venues require proof of $1M–$2M general liability coverage before allowing a planner to work on-site. Many clients also require it in your contract.

    $400–$1,200/yearSame day (online quotes)

City of New York City / New York County

2 stops

  1. New York City Business License

    All businesses operating in New York City must obtain a general Business License from the New York City Department of Consumer and Worker Protection. Wedding planners operating as sole proprietors, LLCs, or corporations need this license to legally conduct business. Renewal is required annually.

    Official government source

    $100–$500/year depending on gross receipts1–3 weeks

  2. DBA (Doing Business As) Registration

    If operating under a trade name (e.g., "Perfect Day Events" rather than your legal name), you must file a Fictitious Business Name (DBA) with New York County. This is required before accepting payments under a business name.

    $15–$501–2 weeks

Terminus

Open for business — est. $100–$600 · 1–3 weeks to obtain all required licenses

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Official Sources

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