Planning your marriage and wedding celebration in New Jersey? Here are some important items you'll need to know about making your marriage legal, as well as additional resources.
Please print out and complete the marriage license application form (see below at bottom of page). You may also get an application form at the Local Registrar's office.
Do not sign the marriage application form before going to the Local Registrar. You must sign the application, while under oath, in the presence of the issuing authority.
Requirements for entering into a marriage:
For two persons to establish a Marriage in this State, it shall be necessary that they satisfy all of the following criteria:
Please contact the Local Registrar to determine if license applications are handled during business hours or by appointment.
Where to apply for a marriage license:* Social security number is required by law for US citizens and will be kept confidential.
Any documents in a foreign language must be accompanied by a certified English translation.
Requested additional documents (these documents are helpful but not required):
After you apply:
There is a 72-hour waiting period before the license is issued. The waiting period begins when the application is filed with the Local Registrar. There is no 72 hour waiting period for a remarriage; however, you must bring a certified copy of your existing marriage.
The marriage license application is valid for six months from the date accepted, unless the Registrar has given prior approval to extend the validity of the application to a maximum of one year.
Only one marriage license may be granted from a marriage application. If the license expires before being used, a new application must be made and another $28 fee remitted.
The only exception to this requirement is in the case where a civil and religious ceremony are to be performed on the same day. In this case, the Local Registrar will photocopy the marriage application, marking one “A” and one “B”, and issue the corresponding marriage licenses, marking them “A” and “B” as well. One copy will be used for the religious ceremony and the other for the civil ceremony.
Remarriage:
For individuals who are currently in a marriage in New Jersey or are in a marriage in another state or country there exists the option to reaffirm your relationship/vows by registering a Remarriage.
In order to apply for a Remarriage the couple must provide proof of their existing marriage, meet the requirements for entering into a marriage in New Jersey and follow the guidelines above to completing the license application.
The process for a Remarriage License are the same as for the Marriage License, except that the Remarriage License must be accompanied by the proof of existing marriage and once the application is filed there is no 72 hour waiting period before the license is issued.
Who can perform marriages in New Jersey?
Each judge of the United States Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit, each judge of the federal district court, United States magistrate, judge of a municipal court, judge of the Superior Court, judge of a tax court, retired judge of the Superior Court or Tax Court, or judge of the Superior Court or Tax Court, the former County Court, the former County Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court, or the former County District Court who has resigned in good standing, surrogate of any county, county clerk and any mayor of former mayor not currently serving on the municipal governing body or the deputy mayor when authorized by the mayor, or chairman of any township committee or village president of this State, and every minister of every religion, are hereby authorized to solemnize marriages or civil unions between such persons as may lawfully enter into the matrimonial relation or civil union; and every religious society, institution or organization in this State may join together in marriage or civil union such persons according to the rules and customs of the society, institution or organization.
Can Internet ministers perform my marriage ceremony?
Yes. It is recommended you check the Internet website for the particular Internet ministry to verify that their ministers are authorized to perform marriage ceremonies.
Search For Your Local Registrar by County
Provided by by Office of Vital Statistics and Registry. For information on registering, amending or obtaining copies of vital records please call (866) 649-8726 or for individuals within the 609 area code, call (609) 292-4087
Brochures / Application:
REG-D30: "Entering into a Marriage in New Jersey" Brochure | pdf 123k
REG-D30A: "Entering into a Marriage in New Jersey" (Spanish) | pdf 22k
REG-D77A: "Application for License: Marriage, Remarriage, Civil Union, Reaffirmation of Civil Union Form (Combined English and Spanish) | pdf 140k
