How Do I Get Married in New Jersey

If you found this article because you're currently wondering, "How do I get married in New Jersey?", you're in the right place.

While our company is primarily focused on planning beautiful weddings for New Jersey couples (and beyond), we understand that many of our couples struggle to navigate the process of obtaining a marriage license and ensuring they can legally get married. No worries, I will be holding your hand through the process today.

My name is Kae, and I'm a wedding planner based in New Jersey who plans large and small-scale weddings for couples who don't wish to have wedding planning be a full-time job.

I'll be covering the most common questions our couples have, such as required documents, the cost of a license, and who is legally allowed to perform a New Jersey marriage ceremony.

Can I Get Married in New Jersey?

According to the State of New Jersey Department of Health, to be married in New Jersey, you must apply for and obtain a marriage license. While not everyone who wants to get married in New Jersey qualifies. Here are a couple of the requirements you must meet:

• Be 18 years or older

• Not be a party to another civil union or marriage in New Jersey or one recognized by the state.

• Provide valid identification that establishes name, age, proof of residency, and date of birth.

• Bring along a witness who’s 18 years or older. Your wedding officiant cannot act as a witness.

• Speak and understand English, or bring a translator with you.

Where Can I Apply for a New Jersey Marriage License?

If either you or your partner resides in New Jersey, you must schedule an appointment with the municipal clerk’s office in the municipality where you reside. We tell our couples that it’s best to schedule this appointment at least two weeks before the wedding date.

If My Partner and I are Non-Residents, How Do We Get Married in New Jersey?

If neither you nor your partner lives in New Jersey, you can apply in the municipalities where you’d like the marriage to take place. Choosing this route means that this license is only valid in that particular municipality.

What Do I Bring When Applying for a Marriage License in New Jersey?

On the day of your appointment, you’ll need the following to apply:

• An application witness who is 18 years or older.

• Proof of identity, such as a driver’s license, a passport, or a state-issued ID. An expired one does not count.

• Proof of residency.

• U.S citizens are required to provide a Social Security number. Not to worry, this will not be disclosed on public records.

• A cash application fee of approximately $28.

If you submit any document in a language other than English, it has to be accompanied by a certified English translation.

Do I Have to Apply in Person for my New Jersey Marriage License?

Yes, you have to be present in the municipal clerk’s office to apply for the marriage license. The application is valid for six months from the date it is filed. If you plan to have a religious and civil wedding, one application may cover both ceremonies.

Can I Still Apply for the License if my Partner cannot be Present?

Yes, you can apply for your marriage license if, for some reason, your partner cannot be present at the municipal clerk’s office. This is called absentee by proxy. Although your application must be completed by you and your partner before the license is issued.

While applying, always double-check all information provided and ensure it’s all accurate and has correct spellings. Correcting an error after you leave the clerk’s office will cost an additional $20.

How Long Does it Take to Get My Marriage License in New Jersey?

There is a 72-hour waiting period before you can receive your license. This countdown begins once the application is filed with the municipal clerk.

How Do I Pick Up My Marriage License in New Jersey?

At your first appointment, a follow-up appointment will be scheduled. You or your partner must return to the clerk’s office to pick up the license. Here, you’ll be given four copies of the license, which must be signed by the officiant.

How long is a New Jersey Marriage License Valid?

The license is only valid for thirty (30) days after it’s issued. If you’re not married within this timeframe and the license expires, you’d have to start the application process from the beginning.

Now that you know how to obtain the marriage license, there’s still one question that might be lingering, and that's: Who officiates a New Jersey Wedding Ceremony? Here are a few of the options available to you:

• Public officials such as judges, magistrates, retired judges of the superior court, or the Tax Court.

• The Deputy Mayor is authorized by the mayor

• Any religious minister.

  
  

The officiant does not need to reside in New Jersey, but the ceremony has to take place within the state. In addition to the officiant, two witnesses who are 18 years or older must be present during the ceremony and must sign the marriage license.

Is obtaining a License and having a ceremony enough to be considered married in New Jersey?

While those are two significant requirements, they are not the final steps. You will also need to obtain a marriage certificate (see below).

Events by Kae Couple

What happens after my wedding ceremony in New Jersey? Do I automatically get a marriage certificate?

After the ceremony, you have five days to apply for your marriage certificate. To do this, you have to send the signed copies (the first two out of four pages) of your license to the local registrar in the municipality where the marriage ceremony took place. The third page is kept by the officiant, and the fourth page is yours to keep.

How Much Does a Marriage Certificate Cost in New Jersey?

A copy of the marriage certificate costs $25. Each additional copy costs only $2. This is separate from the $28 for the marriage license.

Can I Hire a Wedding Planner if I’m Getting Married in New Jersey?

Absolutely! I might be biased, but a wedding planner’s job is to make sure everything comes together smoothly. If your New Jersey wedding is coming up soon, we’d be honored to walk with you every step of the way to ensure you have the most memorable day.

Contact Events By Kae

Getting married in New Jersey is an easy process. Even as a non-resident, you can apply to get your license and get married in New Jersey, provided you’re at least 18 years of age, can afford the fees, and provide documents that show proof of identity and residency.

If you're getting married and looking for support, please do not hesitate to contact Events by Kae for assistance in planning your wedding.