The New Jersey Marriage License

By Lei Lydle Founder and Editor Last Updated: 2/1/2003

Getting a marriage license in New Jersey is a relatively easy process. Although I believe the following information to be up-to-date, it is always a good idea to double-check the requirements with your town's Municipal Office prior to applying - especially if you have any unusual or questionable circumstances.

Basically, both the bride and groom must be 18 years of age or older to apply for a license without parental consent. If the bride and/or groom are at least 16 years old, they can obtain a license with parental consent. Parental consent must be given in person or by a notarized letter.

The license fee is $28 and some offices only accept cash so it is a good idea to be prepared with exactly $28 in cash.

For all offices, you both must appear in person to apply for the license. You will be required to prove your age by presenting one of the following:

• valid driver's license
• valid passport
• valid birth certificate
• valid state identification card

You will also be required to present:

• proof of residency (driver's license, lease or tax return)
• social security card

Blood tests are not required.

You must bring a witness who is 18 years of age or older and who knows both the male and female applicants. The witness may be required to provide proof of identity and age as well.

In the case of a previous marriage that ended either in divorce or death, be prepared with the divorce papers (or annulment documents) signed by a judge or death certificate - no matter how long ago the death or divorce occurred.

There is a 72 hour waiting period between the filing of the application and the issuance of the license. This 72-hour waiting period begins at the time the application is filed with the Local Registrar.

As stated previously, you will be required to prove residency. Generally, you can prove residency with a driver's license, an lease, mortgage papers or tax return. (Note: If both the bride and groom are from out of state, apply at the municipal office of the town where the ceremony will take place.)

The marriage application is valid for six months from the date accepted, unless the registrar has granted 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 prior to being used a new application must be made. 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, photocopy the marriage application marking one "A" and one "B", issue the corresponding marriages licenses, marking them "A" and "B" as well.

I recommend that you apply at least 2 weeks before the ceremony. You may apply as early as 6 months prior to the wedding.

Important: DO NOT SIGN the marriage application prior to going to the Municipal Registrar. You must sign the application, while under oath, in the presence of the issuing authority.

Applications for marriage licenses must be obtained at the municipal office in the bride's town. If the bride doesn't live in New Jersey, you can apply at the municipal office in the groom's town. If both the bride and groom are from out of state, apply at the municipal office of the town where the ceremony will take place.

To find the Municipal Office for your town, select the county below: