APPLYING FOR YOUR LICENSE
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The marriage license must be obtained from the registrar in the New Jersey municipality in which either applicant resides. A license issued under the preceding circumstances is good for use anywhere in the State of New Jersey. If both parties are not residents of New Jersey, the license must be obtained from the Registrar of the municipality where the ceremony is to be performed and is only good for use in that municipality. A New Jersey marriage license may never be used outside of the State of New Jersey and a license issued in another state may never be used within the State of New Jersey. The marriage license fee is $28.00.


THINGS YOU'LL NEED


Required Items:


  • Proof of Identity (bring one of the following)
      -Driver's License
      -Passport
      -Federal ID
      -State Issued ID
  • Proof of your Residency.
      -If you're a New Jersey resident, AND your address is listed on your
       Driver's License, no further documents will be needed.
      -If you're a New Jersey resident, AND your address is NOT listed on your
       Driver's License, bring a recent bank statement or utility bill.
  • Your Social Security Number
       -You won't need your Social Security Card, but you will need the number.
       -If you're not a US citizen and/or resident, you may skip this requirement.
  • A witness, 18 years of age or older
  • $28 application fee.


Helpful Items:

  • Birth Certificate to establish your parents’ names and related birth information.
  • If you are divorced,  please bring the decree(s).
  • If your former spouse is deceased, please bring the death certificate. 


WHEN TO APPLY


After you apply, there is a mandatory seventy-two hour waiting period. A local Registrar will not issue a marriage license sooner than 72 hours after the application for a license has been made, unless ordered to do so via a Superior Court order.  If the ceremony is scheduled for a Saturday or Sunday, the application should be made no later than the preceding Tuesday.  If the application is made on a Wednesday or Thursday, the 72 hours will end on Saturday or Sunday, but the Registrar will probably not be available on those days or any public holiday.  If both parties are unavailable to complete the application at the same time, either applicant may complete his/her part of the application and start the waiting period.  The other applicant must return with the same witness (who must be at least 18 years old) to complete his/her part of the application. The application must be completed by both parties before the license will be issued. The application is valid for six months from the date filed. Once the license is issued, it is good for 30 days from the date of issuance.



AFTER THE WEDDING

Your officiant will sign your license along with the witnesses required. Your license will then be filed with the Registrar of the municipality that the ceremony took place.  Once your license has been processed by our office. You will receive a confirmation containing: 

  • Confirmation that your marriage license has been filed along with a PDF copy of your completed license.
  • Instructions for obtaining your State of New Jersey Certified Marriage Certificate.
  • Name change guide, complete with forms and instructions.


Common 
​Marriage License Questions

Elopement & Wedding Ceremony Specialists
Down the Jersey Shore

How Licensing Works

Marriage Licensing Process

Apply.

You'll apply together. Bring a witness and $28
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Wait.

Allow the 72 hour waiting period to pass. Then pick up your license.
 

Hand it over.

On the wedding day, just give the license to your officiant. We'll take care of the rest.

 IS A MARRIAGE LICENSE REALLY REQUIRED?


Yes, If you wish to be legally married. Your officiant cannot marry you without "permission" and your marriage license is essentially a "permission slip".


If you wish to have a vow renewal for an existing marriage, or if you would like a ceremony that is only symbolic, a license will not be necessary.


CAN WE APPLY BY MAIL OR ONLINE?


Unfortunately, you can not. The only way to apply for a marriage license in New Jersey is in person, at the Registrar's office, during normal business hours.


CAN WE AVOID THE WAITING PERIOD?


It is possible but exceptionally unlikely. The waiting period can only be waived by the order of a Superior Court Judge. This is not a simple and quick process and will require you to file a motion and appear in court. We strongly advise that you should only seek this route in the case of an EXTREME emergency. Based on the experience of past clients, forgetfulness or procrastination will not constitute an emergency in the eyes of the court.


ARE WITNESSES REALLY NECESSARY?


If you're planning to be legally married in New Jersey, witnesses will be required. You'll need one witness with you at City Hall when you apply for your marriage license. On the day of the ceremony, you'll need three signatures on your marriage license. The signatures will be from your officiant and two adult witnesses.

If needed, we are available to assist you with the two witnesses needed at the ceremony. Unfortunately, we can not assist with witnessing your marriage license application.