How to Obtain Your Marriage License in NJ
Getting your marriage license in NJ can seem needlessly complicated. You’re stuck filling out paperwork when all you want to do is curate the perfect reception playlist of Y2K dance hits with the love of your life. But, while obtaining a valid marriage license is a multi-step process, it doesn’t have to suck. We’ve got all the steps and requirements laid out for you right here! So, just follow them from A to Z, and you’ll be partying with your VIPs in no time.
How to Apply for a Marriage License in NJ
When you’re ready to apply for your marriage license, head to your local registrar’s office. There, you’ll receive a marriage license application form. You can fill it out on your own time, but whatever you do, don’t sign it yet! Once it’s complete except for your signature, take it back to the registrar’s office. At that point, you’ll be instructed to sign it while under oath, in the presence of an issuing authority. We know, this seems like a lot. But trust us when we say it’s worth it to do everything by the book the first time, to avoid having to redo your application.
Requirements for Entering Into a Marriage
Keep in mind that before two people can enter into a marriage in New Jersey, a few criteria must be met. Neither person may be a party to another civil union, domestic partnership, or marriage that is recognized by the state. In addition, both people must be at least 18 years of age. Hopefully, you didn’t need us to tell you either of those things—but you never know!
Where to Apply
If you and your partner are New Jersey residents (or if one of you is), then you should apply for your marriage license in the municipality where either party resides. Your license will then be valid throughout the state of NJ! If neither of you is a resident, then you should submit your application to the municipality where your marriage ceremony will be performed. Then, your license will be valid within that municipality only.
TIP: Before returning to the registrar’s office with your application, contact them to find out if they handle license applications during regular business hours or by appointment.
Required Documents When Applying for a Marriage License
You’ll need to provide the following in conjunction with your application:
Proof of identity (e.g. driver’s license, passport, or state/federal I.D.)
Proof of residency by one applicant if an NJ resident
Social Security number (this is required by law for US citizens and will be kept confidential)
A witness who is at least 18 years of age
$28 application fee
If any of your documents are in a foreign language, they must be accompanied by a certified English translation.
After You Apply
There will be a 72-hour waiting period before your license is issued, which will begin when your application is filed with the local registrar. This is CRUCIAL to keep in mind so that you apply on time. For example, if you’re getting married over the weekend, the latest you should apply for your license is Tuesday since you most likely won’t get it until Friday. In cases of remarriage (read more about this below!) there is no waiting period, but you must provide a certified copy of your existing marriage license.
Your application will be valid for six months from the time it is accepted. However, in certain cases, permission can be granted to extend the validity of an application for up to one year. In addition, only one marriage license may be granted from one application.* If your license expires before it is used, then you must apply and pay the $28 fee again.
*There is one exception to this rule. If you will have a civil and a religious ceremony performed on the same day, then your registrar will photocopy your application, marking one “A” and one “B.” Corresponding marriage licenses will then be issued, marked “A” and “B” as well. One copy will be used for the civil ceremony, and the other for the religious ceremony.
Remarriage
Couples who are currently married in the state of New Jersey, or who were married in a different state or country, have the option to reaffirm their vows by registering for a remarriage.
To apply for remarriage, a couple must provide proof of their existing marriage, meet the requirements for entering into a marriage in NJ, and follow the above guidelines for completing their license application. The process is basically the same as applying for a marriage license, except that proof of an existing marriage must be provided. And, as previously mentioned, there is no 72-hour waiting period before a remarriage license is issued.
Some Final Notes
Remember that you can apply for your marriage license up to six months before your wedding day. However, the license is only valid for 30 days after it has been picked up. Post-ceremony, your officiant will need to file your license with the registrar of the municipality where your ceremony was performed. Then, you will officially be a married person in the eyes of the law!
Speaking of your officiant, did you know that wedding officiants in NJ aren’t required to register with any government office? That’s right, any friend or family member can officiate your wedding! All they need to do is obtain an up-to-date minister’s license. Once they’re an ordained minister, they can legally perform a wedding anywhere in NJ.
If you’d rather hire one of the pros to officiate your ceremony, we have a few recommendations for you! Love & Light Officiants and Father Vince Corso officiate beautiful ceremonies all over NJ. They’re perfect for couples looking for a traditional officiant to marry them! Conversely, for those desiring assistance with every aspect of planning and executing their ceremony, there’s The Vow Whisperer. Tanya will help you write your vows in your own words, coach you to deliver them clearly and confidently, officiate your ceremony, or even coach your loved one in the art of officiating! She provides a truly unique and holistic set of services that are more than worth the investment.
Whew. If you made it through all that information, thanks for sticking with us, and congratulations! You now know everything there is to know about obtaining a marriage license in NJ. And if you’re wondering how on earth you’ll finish planning in between all of that, you aren’t alone. That’s why Weddings with Verve exists! Whether’s it full-scale planning and coordination or just wedding day management you want, we’ve got you covered. Fill out our quick contact form and start letting go of your stress today!
