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Getting Your NJ Marriage License

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NJ Marriage License

Everything You Need to Know to Get Legally Married in New Jersey

 


Who Can Apply for an NJ Marriage License?

Age and Eligibility Requirements

To apply for an NJ marriage license, both partners must be at least 18 years old. 

You do not need to be a U.S. citizen or New Jersey resident to apply.

Restrictions Under NJ Law

There are a few restrictions you should know:


Where to Apply for Your NJ Marriage License

NJ Residents

If either partner lives in New Jersey, you must apply at the Local Registrar’s or Town Clerk Office in the municipality where one applicant resides. After the license is issued, you may use it anywhere in the state.

Out-of-State Couples

If neither partner lives in New Jersey, you must apply in the municipality where the ceremony will take place. In this case, the license is valid only in that specific town.


How to Apply for a Marriage License in New Jersey

Documents to Bring

When applying for your NJ marriage license, bring:

  • Valid photo identification (driver’s license, passport, or state ID)

  • Proof of residency (for at least one applicant)

  • Social Security numbers (not the physical card, just the number)

  • Birth certificates (recommended for accuracy of names and places of birth, but not required)

  • A witness who is 18 or older

  • The application fee (varies by municipality)

If you have been married before, bring divorce papers or a former spouse’s death certificate, if applicable.

Fees and Payment Details

Most municipalities charge a $28 application fee. Several towns accept cash only, so it’s wise to confirm payment options before your appointment.

Witness Requirements

You must bring one witness who is at least 18 years old. The witness must speak English or bring someone who can translate. This witness does not need to be one of your wedding-day witnesses.


NJ Marriage License Waiting Period & Validity

The 72-Hour Waiting Rule

After you file your application, there is a mandatory 72-hour waiting period before the license can be issued. This rule applies to everyone. The waiting period begins when the application is filed, not when the appointment is scheduled.

License Expiration

Once issued, the license is valid for 30 days. Your ceremony must take place during that time.
If the license expires, you will need to reapply and pay the fee again.


After the Ceremony: Filing & Certificates

Officiant Responsibilities

Your officiant is responsible for:

  • Completing the marriage license

  • Having the couple and witnesses sign

  • Returning the completed license to the Local Registrar within 5 days

Once the registrar receives it, your marriage is recorded with the state.

How to Request Your Certified Marriage Certificate

After your officiant files the paperwork, the marriage becomes part of the vital records. To obtain your certified marriage certificate:

Contact the Registrar’s Office where the license was filed (the fastest option), or
Request a copy through the NJ Office of Vital Statistics, or
Order online through VitalChek

There is an additional fee for each certified copy.

Marriage License vs. Marriage Certificate

Many people confuse these two documents:

A Marriage License gives you permission to marry. You obtain it before the ceremony.

A Marriage Certificate proves you are married. You request certified copies after your officiant files the paperwork.


Remarriage License Rules in NJ

If you are renewing your vows, you may apply for a Reaffirmation of Marriage license. The process is similar, but there is no 72-hour waiting period. You must apply in the town where the reaffirmation ceremony will occur.
This option works well for couples who married quickly, married abroad, or entered a common-law marriage elsewhere and now want a formal, legally recognized ceremony in New Jersey.

Who Can Officiate a Marriage in New Jersey?

New Jersey has flexible officiant rules. You can be married by:

  • Judges (active or retired)

  • Mayors or deputy mayors

  • County clerks

  • Certain religious leaders

  • Certified or ordained ministers (including online ordinations)

Your officiant must be legally recognized in New Jersey and must file your paperwork promptly (within 5 days) after the ceremony.

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

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