Getting a Marriage License in New Jersey

How to Get Your Marriage License

How to Get a Marriage License in New Jersey

Planning your marriage and wedding celebration in New Jersey? Here’s everything you need to know to make your union legal — from where and how to apply, to what happens after you say “I do.” We’ve compiled this guide to be clear, complete, and stress-free for couples tying the knot in NJ.

Who Can Get Married in NJ?

To legally marry in New Jersey, both people must (1) Be at least 18 years old, and (2) Not currently be in another marriage, civil union, or domestic partnership recognized by the state

Where to Apply

New Jersey Residents: Apply in the municipality where either partner lives. The license will be valid throughout New Jersey.

Out-of-State Residents: Apply in the town where the ceremony will take place. The license is only valid in that town.

🔗 Find Your Local Registrar

Pro Tip: Call your Town Clerk’s Office or Local Registrar directly to confirm:

  • Appointment availability
  • Accepted forms of payment (some accept cash only)
  • Their specific process and pricing

How to Apply

  1. Complete the application form download it here » or get it at the Local Registrar’s office.
  2. Do NOT sign it ahead of time — you must sign under oath in the presence of the issuing authority.
  3. Bring the required documents (listed below), one witness, and the application fee to your appointment.

What to Bring

When applying for your marriage license, both parties must appear in person and bring the following:

  • Valid photo ID (driver’s license, passport, or state/federal ID)
  • Proof of NJ residency (by one applicant, if either lives in NJ)
  • Social Security Number (for U.S. citizens; kept confidential)
  • One witness, age 18 or older
  • Generally $28 application fee, but the fee and accepted form of payment may vary by town.

While not required, these are helpful:

  • Birth certificate (to establish parental names)
  • If divorced or annulled: your final judgment or civil annulment
  • If widowed: a death certificate of your previous spouse/partner

If any documents are in a language other than English, you must bring a certified English translation.

After You Apply

  • There is a 72-hour waiting period before the license is issued.
  • The waiting period begins when your completed application is filed.
  • Once issued, your license is valid for 30 days.
  • For remarriages, there is no waiting period if you bring a certified copy of your existing marriage.

After the Ceremony

After your ceremony, the officiant will fill out the license paperwork. It must be signed by the officiant and two witnesses who are each 18 or older.

The officiant is responsible for filing the license with the municipality where the ceremony took place (not where it was issued) within 5 business days.

Getting Your Marriage Certificate

About 2 weeks after your ceremony, contact the town where the license was filed to check if your certified marriage certificate is ready. The cost of certified copies varies by municipality, so be sure to ask when you call.

Marriage License vs. Marriage Certificate

Many people confuse the two, but here’s the difference:

  • A Marriage License is the permission to get married — issued before the ceremony.

  • A Marriage Certificate is the legal proof that your marriage took place — issued after your officiant files the completed license.

You must apply for the license before the ceremony, and request certified copies of the certificate after the officiant files it.

Remarriage in NJ

Already legally married and want to reaffirm your vows?

  • You may apply for a Remarriage License
  • You must present proof of your current legal marriage
  • No waiting period applies
  • The rest of the process is the same as a regular marriage license

Who Can Officiate?

In New Jersey, your wedding can be performed by:

  • Judges (federal, state, municipal)

  • Mayors, deputy mayors, county clerks, surrogates

  • Ministers and clergy of all religions

  • Internet-ordained ministers — yes, they’re allowed!

Tip: Confirm with the ministry that they recognize their ministers as authorized to perform legal marriages.

Can a friend or family member officiate?

Yes! A friend or relative can officiate your New Jersey wedding if they are ordained, even through an online ministry like American Marriage Ministries. New Jersey does not require officiants to register with the state or local government, but they must be legally ordained before the ceremony.

Additional Resources

📞 Questions? Call the NJ Office of Vital Statistics: Toll-Free: (866) 649-8726 | Local: (609) 292-4087