Rhiannon Hendricks
If you're getting married in New Jersey, you'll need to obtain a marriage license to ensure your union is legally recognised. There are a few steps to the process, including a 72-hour waiting period after filing your application and before your wedding day. Once you've had your wedding ceremony, your marriage certificate should arrive within a few weeks.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Time taken to receive marriage certificate after the wedding | A few weeks |
| Time taken to receive marriage license after application | 72 hours (3 days) |
| Validity of marriage license | 6 months |
| Maximum validity of marriage license | 1 year |
| Who to contact for marriage license | Local Registrar |
| Where to get the application form | Local Registrar's office |
| Where to apply for the marriage license | Municipality of residence of either party |
| Documents required for marriage license | Proof of identity (driver's license, passport, state/federal ID), proof of residency (if a New Jersey resident), birth certificate, divorce/death certificate (if applicable) |
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What You'll Learn
Marriage license application form
To obtain a marriage certificate in New Jersey, you must first apply for a marriage license. The marriage license application form can be obtained online or at the Local Registrar's office. It is important to note that you should not sign the marriage application form before going to the Local Registrar. The form must be signed under oath in the presence of the issuing authority.
- Obtain the application form: You can download the application form from the official website or obtain it from the Local Registrar's office.
- Complete the form: Fill out the required information on the application form. This includes personal information such as your full name, date of birth, address, and other relevant details.
- Provide proof of identity: You must present valid identification documents, such as a driver's license, passport, or state/federal ID. If you are a New Jersey resident, you will also need to provide proof of residency.
- Include additional documents: Although not required, it is helpful to provide additional documents such as a copy of your birth certificate, divorce decree, or previous marriage information. If any documents are in a foreign language, ensure you provide a certified English translation.
- Sign the form: Once you have completed the form and gathered all the necessary documents, you will sign the application form under oath in the presence of the issuing authority.
- Submit the application: Submit the completed application form and supporting documents to the Local Registrar's office. There is a $28 fee associated with the application.
- Waiting period: There is typically a 72-hour waiting period before the license is issued. This waiting period begins when the application is filed with the Local Registrar. However, there is no waiting period for remarriages if you provide proof of your existing marriage.
- Validity of the license: The marriage license application is valid for six months from the date of acceptance. If needed, you may request an extension from the Registrar for up to one year. Only one marriage license can be granted per application.
After submitting your marriage license application, you can expect to receive your marriage certificate within a few weeks, depending on your location in New Jersey. The process may vary slightly depending on the municipality, so it is always a good idea to contact your Local Registrar for specific instructions and requirements.
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Required documents
To obtain a marriage certificate in New Jersey, you must first apply for a marriage license. Here is a list of the required documents for the application:
- Marriage License Application Form: You can obtain this form from the Local Registrar's office or print it out from the New Jersey government website. It is important to note that you should not sign the form before going to the Local Registrar. The form must be signed under oath in the presence of the issuing authority.
- Proof of Identity: Both parties must provide valid identification documents such as a driver's license, passport, or state/federal ID.
- Proof of Residency: If either party is a New Jersey resident, proof of residency is required. This can be in the form of a driver's license or any other acceptable form of proof.
- Witness: When applying for the license, you must bring a witness who knows both individuals. The witness will also need to provide proof of identity.
- Certified Copy of Existing Marriage: If either party is currently married or was previously married, a certified copy of the existing or previous marriage must be provided. This is required for remarriage applications.
- Certified English Translations: Any documents in a foreign language must be accompanied by certified English translations.
After submitting the required documents and completing the marriage license application, there is typically a 72-hour waiting period before the license is issued. Once the license is obtained and the marriage ceremony is performed, the signed license, along with the marriage certificate, is filed with the Local Registrar. The marriage certificate is typically received within a few weeks, depending on the location in New Jersey.
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Witnesses
In New Jersey, couples must bring a witness who is 18 years of age or older when applying for their marriage license. The witness must know the couple personally. The marriage license application form can be obtained at the Local Registrar's office. The couple must then sign the application under oath and in the presence of the issuing authority.
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. 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.
After the ceremony, the marriage certificate must be signed by the couple, the officiant, and two witnesses. The officiant typically files the paperwork afterward, but it is important to confirm with them. Once the license is signed by the witnesses and filed, the couple should receive their marriage certificate within a few weeks.
It is recommended to contact the local registrar's office directly to confirm the most current information and guidelines, as they may vary depending on the city in New Jersey.
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Officiant
An officiant is a key part of the wedding ceremony and is responsible for making the wedding official. In New Jersey, there are a few options for who can act as the officiant. A legally authorized friend can perform the ceremony, or you can opt for a professional officiant service. If you are looking for a professional officiant in New Jersey, there are a few things to keep in mind.
Firstly, you will want to ensure that the officiant is experienced and able to perform the ceremony in a style that aligns with your vision. There are officiants from a variety of denominations, so you can choose one that fits your religious or non-religious preferences. Some officiant services, like Enchanted Celebrations, offer non-denominational officiants who are able to travel across multiple states, including New Jersey.
Secondly, it is important to consider the level of service and support you desire. Some officiants offer additional services beyond the ceremony, such as premarital counseling, photography, DJ services, and photo booths. These additional services can enhance your wedding experience and create a more memorable event for you and your guests.
When choosing an officiant, it is recommended to read reviews and testimonials from previous couples to get a sense of their level of professionalism, flexibility, and ability to respond to concerns in a timely manner. It is also beneficial to confirm their availability on your desired wedding date and discuss any specific requirements or expectations you may have.
Lastly, don't forget to inquire about the legal aspects of the ceremony. In New Jersey, there is a 72-hour waiting period for the marriage license to be issued, and the officiant is typically responsible for filing the paperwork after the ceremony. Be sure to ask your officiant about their process for handling the necessary documentation to ensure your marriage is legally recognized.
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Waiting period
In New Jersey, there is a 72-hour waiting period between filing your application to obtain your marriage license and your actual wedding date. This means that you can apply for your license up to six months before your wedding date. The waiting period begins when the application is filed with the Local Registrar. The marriage license application is valid for six months from the date it is accepted. If the Registrar gives prior approval, the validity of the application can be extended 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 must be paid. 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.
There is no 72-hour waiting period for a remarriage; however, you must bring a certified copy of your existing marriage. 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 for completing the license application. The process for a remarriage license is the same as for the marriage license, except that the remarriage license must be accompanied by the proof of the existing marriage.
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Frequently asked questions
It takes a few weeks to get a marriage certificate after the wedding in NJ.
There is a 72-hour waiting period for getting a marriage license in NJ. The waiting period begins when the application is filed with the Local Registrar.
The documents required when applying for a marriage license in NJ are proof of identity (driver's license, passport, or state/federal ID) and proof of residency if either party is a resident of NJ. Any documents in a foreign language must be accompanied by a certified English translation.
A marriage license is valid for six months from the date it is accepted. If the Registrar approves, this validity can be extended to a maximum of one year.
