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Sussex County Marriage License Office
Andover Borough
137 Main Street
Box 630
Andover, NJ 07821
973-786-6688
$28 cash
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.
Age Requirements
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.
Fees
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.
Appear in Person With Proof of Identity, Age, and Residency
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
Blood tests are not required.
Bring A Witness
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.
When One Party is Widowed or Divorced
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.
Waiting Period
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.
Residency Requirements
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.)
License Validity
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.
When To Apply
I recommend that you apply at least 2 weeks before the ceremony. You may apply as early as 6 months prior to the wedding.
The Application
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.
Where To Get The License
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.
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