Unique Venues For Your Dream Wedding In New Jersey

If you're dreaming of a wedding in the Garden State, there are a few things you should know. From the shore to the city, New Jersey offers diverse destinations for your big day. But before you start planning, here's what you need to know about getting legally married in New Jersey. First, you'll need to obtain a marriage license from your local registrar. There is a three-day waiting period for your license to be issued, and it will be valid for six months. Additionally, New Jersey has specific requirements for marriage, including age and residency restrictions. The state also outlines who can legally marry you, including judges, mayors, and authorized ministers. So whether you're planning a beach wedding or a city celebration, make sure you understand the legal requirements to ensure your New Jersey wedding is everything you've dreamed of.

Marriage license application process

To get married in New Jersey, you must meet certain eligibility criteria, including age requirements, and provide necessary documents such as identification and proof of residency. Here is a step-by-step guide to the marriage license application process in New Jersey:

Step 1: Gather the Necessary Documentation

Make sure you have all the required documents before applying for your marriage license. This includes:

• Proof of identity (e.g., driver's license, passport, or state/federal ID)
• Proof of residency (if you or your spouse-to-be are New Jersey residents)
• Social Security Number
• Names and addresses of both parties' parents
• Both parties' mothers' maiden names
• Proof of dissolution of any previous marriages
• A witness who is at least 18 years old or older
• $28 application fee

If any of the above documents are in a foreign language, make sure to bring a certified English translation as well.

Step 2: Bring Both Parties to the Courthouse

Both parties must appear in person at the registrar's office in the municipality where the marriage will take place. The application must be submitted in the New Jersey municipality where either party resides, and the license is valid within that municipality or throughout New Jersey.

Step 3: Complete the Application and The Waiting Period

Once you have all the necessary documentation, visit the registrar's office to apply. During your visit, you will complete the marriage license application form and pay the required fee, which varies by municipality.

Do not sign the marriage license application form before going to the Registrar; it must be signed under oath in the presence of the issuing authority. After submitting your application and paying the fee, there is a mandatory 72-hour waiting period before the marriage license will be issued.

Step 4: Get Married, Sign the Witness Forms, and Mail Them In

On your wedding day, make sure you have the paperwork with you. In the case of a civil and religious ceremony being performed on the same day, the Local Registrar will issue corresponding marriage licenses for each ceremony, marked 'A' and 'B' respectively.

After the ceremony, the officiant and two witnesses must sign the paperwork, which the officiant then mails back to the registrar's office.

Marriage officiant registration

If you're planning to get married in New Jersey, you'll need to obtain a marriage license from your local registrar before the wedding can be legally performed. The process is relatively straightforward, but there are a few key things to keep in mind.

Firstly, it's important to note that while certain individuals are authorised to perform marriages in New Jersey, the state does not require marriage officiants to register with any government office. This means that once you are ordained as a minister, you can legally officiate weddings anywhere in the state without having to register with a specific office or department.

To become a wedding officiant in New Jersey, you can get ordained through an organisation like the Universal Life Church or American Marriage Ministries. These organisations offer free online ordination, which is a simple and fast process. Once ordained, you will be eligible to officiate weddings as a minister.

However, it is important to check with the local county clerk where you intend to perform the wedding ceremony, as there may be county-specific requirements that you need to comply with. Additionally, you may need to provide your ordination papers and contact information to the county clerk.

In terms of the legal requirements for the couple getting married in New Jersey, they must be at least 18 years of age and cannot already be in a marriage, civil union, or domestic partnership. They will need to complete a marriage application form and provide proof of identity, residency (if applicable), and their Social Security Number. There is also a $28 application fee.

Once the couple has obtained their marriage license, there is a three-day waiting period before the ceremony can be legally performed. The signed marriage license must then be returned to the issuing office before the deadline.

Marriage license validity

To get married in New Jersey, you need to obtain a marriage license from your local registrar. The marriage license application fee is $28 and 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 waiting period for a remarriage, but you must bring a certified copy of your existing marriage.

The marriage license application is valid for six months from the date it is 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 paid.

The only exception to this requirement is if 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.

If you are reaffirming your civil union or obtaining a remarriage license, the process is relatively similar. You and your partner must provide proof of your existing marriage in addition to the typical requirements for a marriage license.

Marriage requirements

To get married in New Jersey, you must meet the following requirements:

• Both parties must be physically present at the event.
• Both parties must be at least 18 years of age.
• Neither party can be a party to another civil union, domestic partnership, or marriage in the state or recognised by the state.
• Neither party can be related by blood or legal union. This includes siblings, dependents, ancestors, or first cousins.
• Both parties must obtain a marriage license from their local registrar before they can be legally married in the state of New Jersey.
• The marriage must be solemnized by an authorized officiant. This can include current or retired judges, mayors, country clerks, and authorized ministers of religion.
• There is a 72-hour waiting period after applying for a marriage license before it can be formally issued.
• The marriage license is valid for 6 months unless the Registrar extends the date, in which case the maximum validity is 12 months.
• The marriage license is only valid in the town or city where it is issued.
• If neither party is a resident of New Jersey, the marriage license must be submitted in the municipality where the marriage ceremony will take place.
• There is no waiting period for remarriage, but a certified copy of the existing marriage must be provided.
• The application fee for a marriage license in New Jersey is $28.
• A witness who is 18 years of age or older must be present when signing the marriage license application.
• Proof of identity (e.g., driver's license, passport, or state/federal ID) is required when applying for a marriage license.
• If either party is a New Jersey resident, proof of residency is required when applying for a marriage license.
• A Social Security Number is required when applying for a marriage license for US citizens.
• Any documents in a foreign language must be accompanied by a certified English translation.

Finalising the marriage

Finalising your marriage in New Jersey involves several steps and requirements. Here is a detailed guide to help you through the process:

Obtaining a Marriage License

To finalise your marriage in New Jersey, you must first obtain a marriage license from your local registrar. Both members of the couple need to be physically present when requesting the application. The state requires photo identification, such as a driver's license, passport, or state/federal ID, and at least one other item to verify your identities. There is a $28 application fee, and the license is valid for six months unless extended by the Registrar, in which case it can be valid for up to 12 months. There is a 72-hour waiting period after submitting the application before you can receive the license, but this can be waived in certain circumstances.

The Wedding Ceremony

New Jersey has no major restrictions on how a wedding ceremony is conducted. You can include any religious or spiritual customs you wish. The only requirement is that both members of the couple are physically present at the event. Additionally, the couple must make a declaration of consent in front of at least two witnesses and the officiant. The state of New Jersey recognises both religious and civil figures, such as judges, mayors, and authorised ministers of religion, to solemnise weddings.

Final Steps

Once the ceremony is complete, the officiant must fill out the rest of the license with the couple, ensuring all sections are completed. The license must then be returned to the town/municipal clerk or state registrar where it was issued within five days of the ceremony for it to be considered valid. This step finalises your marriage in the state of New Jersey.

Frequently asked questions