Make it Legal

If you are getting married in the state of NJ, there are a few steps to obtaining your marriage license. In preparation for a very busy wedding season, we felt it would only be appropriate to give a little refresher course:


Where should you apply for a New Jersey marriage license?

If the bride is a resident of New Jersey, the New Jersey marriage license must be obtained from the Registrar of Vital Statistics in the municipality where she lives.

If the bride is a non-resident of New Jersey and the groom is a resident of New Jersey, the New Jersey marriage license must be obtained from the Registrar in the municipality in which the groom resides. (For marriage license purposes, soldiers are residents of the posts at which they are stationed.) A NJ marriage license issued under either of the preceeding circumstances is good for use anywhere in New Jersey.

If both bride and groom are non-residents of New Jersey, the New Jersey marriage license must be obtained from the Registrar of the municipality where the marriage is to be performed and is only good for use in that municipality.


Who can perform a New Jersey marriage ceremony?

According to state law, judges of a Federal District Court, United States magistrates, judges of a Municipal Court, judges of the Superior Court, judges of a Tax Court, retired judges of the Superior Court or Tax Court, of judge of the Superior Court or Tax Court who has retired in good standing and any mayor/deputy mayor or chairman of any township committee, village president of New Jersey, County Clerks, and every minister of every religion may solemnize a marriage.

NEW JERSEY MARRIAGE LICENSE APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS:

1. Photo identification for both you and your fiance.
2. Original birth certificates for you and your fiance.
3. A witness who is over 18 years of age.
4. Application fee of $28.00, cash, check or money order
5. There is a 72 hour waiting period after the application has been made. Therefore, if your proposed NJ wedding date is September 14th, apply on or before September 10th, to allow for the waiting period and your wedding date.
6. If either of the applicants is divorced, the divorce documents for the applicant in question must be brought in at the time of application.
7. Social Security cards.
8. The New Jersey Marriage License is valid for 30 days after you receive it. If for any reason you cannot use the New Jersey Marriage License within the 30-day period, you will have to reapply.
9. At the time of application, inquiries can be made regarding obtaining a certified copy of the NJ marriage license.
10. A New Jersey marriage license application may be obtained from your local municipal office or by going to www.state.nj.us/health/vital/marriage.htm. The NJ marriage license application is a two page document. Only the first page of the application may be completed prior to your appointment. The second page is completed in the presence of the Registrar of Vital Statistics.

***Be sure to contact the Registrar well in advance of the wedding to find out on what days and during what hours the Registrar will be in the office.***
If you have additional questions regarding Vital Statistics matters, you may contact the State at the Office of New Jersey State Registrar (609) 292-4087.

Happy Planning!