New Jersey Officiants

Marriage Laws United States New Jersey

Marriage license Laws in the state of New Jersey, here is what you need to bring with you, and what you need to know about the New Jersey marriage laws before filling out the New Jersey marriage license form.

In order to get married, you need to apply and receive a marriage license. This is the document in your state that allows you to officially tie the knot under the law. The rules for acquiring your marriage license varies from state to state, so you should check with your city's marriage bureau at your clerk of court's office to find out what your local rules are.

You'll typically need to apply for your marriage license at least one month before your wedding ceremony. You'll traditionally need to send in your birth certificates, tax information, and other official documents. You don't, however, want to apply for your marriage license too early. In some states, the licenses do expire, if you don't get married within a few months.

When you apply for your license, you'll not only need a proof of identification and age, will need to provide any information about previous marriages, and will need to pay a nominal fee. You will also need to have a witness when you sign the application, so plan on bringing your maid of honor or best man with you. The bride will need to know what her married name will be before she signs the marriage certificate. You'll have to write that name on the application.

And, believe it or not, just because you have your marriage license sent to you in the mail does not mean you are officially married. You need to have a justice of the peace or a religious clergyman sign the document. On your wedding day, you'll give your chaplain your marriage license, then after the ceremony, he'll sign it and send it to the proper government agency for validation.

ID Requirement Some towns will require proof of residency.
Any of the following documents will be accepted:
•  Valid Driver's License
•  A Lease
•  A Tax Return

Residency Requirement: None. However, requirements may vary from county to county.

Application Requirement: Applications for NJ marriage licenses must be obtained at the municipal office in the bride's town. If the bride does not live in the state of New Jersey, you can apply at the municipal office of the groom's town. If both the bride and groom are from out of state, apply at the municipal office of the town where the ceremony will take place.

If Divorced: If either the man or woman was married before, they must show that they have gotten divorced or had the previous marriage annulled.

Fees: $28.00 - Cash Only.

Waiting Period: 3 days.

Blood Tests: No tests.

Under 18: Applicants must both be at least 18 years old, with one exception.

• Applicants under 18 can marry if both parents consent to the marriage. The consent must be given under oath in front of two witnesses.

• Male: 16 or younger parties may marry with parental consent and/or permission of judge. Younger parties may obtain license in case of pregnancy or birth of child.

• Female: 16 or younger parties may marry with parental consent and/or permission of judge. Younger parties may obtain license in case of pregnancy or birth of child.

Marriage Ceremony: The marriage ceremony can be performed by:
• Any Federal, State, Municipal judge or magistrate (even if they are retired);
• Any county clerk;
• Any mayor or deputy mayor of a town;
• Chairman of any township committee;
• Any religious minister.

The individual performing the ceremony should file the license with the registrar in the municipality where the marriage took place within 5 days of the wedding.

Officiants: Every minister of every religion may perform marriages. Ministers must complete a certificate of marriage and return it to the county clerk.

Valid: License is valid for 30 days.
The license can only be used within the State of New Jersey.

Please Note: State and county marriage license requirements often change. The above information is for guidance only and should not be regarded as legal advice.

It is important that you verify all information with your local marriage license office or county clerk before making any wedding or travel plans.

New Jersey Clerk's Office

Atlantic County Mays Landing, NJ 609.625.4011 Belvidere Town Belvidere, NJ 908.475.5331 Bergen Municipal Hackensack, NJ 201.646.3972 Burlington County Mount Holly, NJ 609.267.0170 Camden County Camden, NJ 609.757.7085 Cape May Courthouse New Jersey, NJ 201.547.5150 Cumberland County Bridgeton, NJ 609.455.3230 Elmwood Park Boro Elmwood Park, NJ 201.796.1457

Essex County Newark, NJ 973.621.4920 Flemington Town Flemington, NJ 908.782.8840 Jersey City Jersey City, NJ 201.547.2000 Monmouth County Freehold, NJ 908.431.7321 Morristown County Morristown, NJ 973.326.7407 New Brunswick County New Brunswick, NJ 908.745.5016 Newark Town Newark, NJ 973.733.3844 Newton Town Newton, NJ 973.383.3523

Passaic City Patterson, NJ 973.881.3400 Salem City Salem, NJ 609.935.0373 Somerset County Sommerville, NJ 908.231.7000 Toms River Toms River, NJ 732.341.1000 Trenton Town Trenton, NJ 609.989.3236 Union County Elizabeth, NJ 908.820.4082 Woodbury Town Woodbury, NJ 609.845.1300