Planning a wedding in New Jersey? Amidst the excitement of choosing venues, florists, and that perfect dress, it's easy to overlook a crucial first step: obtaining your marriage license. A marriage license is more than just a piece of paper; it's the legal foundation upon which your marriage is built. Without it, that dream ceremony won't result in a legally recognized union.
Understanding the process of securing a marriage license in New Jersey is essential to ensuring a smooth and stress-free path to "I do." From residency requirements and necessary documentation to waiting periods and expiration dates, navigating the regulations can seem daunting. Failing to adhere to these requirements can lead to frustrating delays or even invalidate your marriage plans. Taking the time to understand the requirements will save you a lot of stress!
What are the frequently asked questions about getting a marriage license in NJ?
What documents do I need to apply for a marriage license in NJ?
To apply for a marriage license in New Jersey, both applicants must provide proof of identity, age, residency, and social security number. Acceptable documents include a valid driver's license, passport, birth certificate, social security card, and proof of current address like a utility bill or bank statement. If either applicant has been divorced or had a previous civil union dissolved, they must also present the divorce decree or civil union dissolution document.
For proof of identity and age, a valid photo ID such as a driver's license, passport, or state-issued identification card is typically accepted. A certified copy of your birth certificate can also fulfill the age and identity requirements. Providing proof of residency usually involves presenting documents that clearly show your current address. This could include a utility bill, a bank statement, or a lease agreement. Both applicants must reside in the New Jersey municipality where they are applying for the marriage license, otherwise, they must apply in the municipality where one of them resides. It's crucial to remember that all documents presented must be originals or certified copies; photocopies are generally not accepted. Be prepared to answer questions about your parents, including their birth names and birthplaces. The information you provide on the application must be accurate, as falsifying information is against the law. Contact the specific municipal clerk's office where you plan to apply for the most up-to-date requirements, as policies can sometimes vary slightly.How long is a NJ marriage license valid for after it's issued?
A marriage license in New Jersey is valid for 30 days from the date of issuance. If you do not get married within those 30 days, the license expires, and you will need to reapply and pay the application fee again.
This 30-day validity period is strictly enforced. It's important to factor in the mandatory 72-hour waiting period after applying, before the license is actually issued. Therefore, careful planning is crucial to ensure the marriage ceremony takes place within the allotted timeframe. If circumstances change and you are unable to marry within the 30-day window, don't proceed with an expired license; doing so would invalidate the marriage. Remember to calculate the 72-hour waiting period and the 30-day validity period accurately when scheduling your wedding. Failing to do so can lead to unnecessary complications and the need to restart the application process. Contact the local registrar in the municipality where either applicant resides for any clarifications needed.Can I apply for a marriage license in any town in NJ?
No, you cannot apply for a marriage license in just any town in New Jersey. You must apply in the municipality where either you or your future spouse resides. If neither of you are New Jersey residents, you must apply in the municipality where the marriage ceremony will take place.
To clarify, the application process is location-dependent based on residency. If both you and your partner are New Jersey residents, you can apply in either of your towns of residence. However, if one of you is a New Jersey resident and the other lives out-of-state or in another country, you *must* apply in the municipality where the New Jersey resident lives. This requirement ensures proper record-keeping and adherence to local regulations. If neither applicant is a New Jersey resident, it's crucial to remember that you must apply in the municipality where the marriage ceremony will actually be performed. This ensures that the license is valid for the specific location of your wedding. Contacting the specific town clerk's office *before* applying is always a good idea to confirm any local requirements or procedures specific to that municipality.What are the residency requirements for obtaining a marriage license in New Jersey?
New Jersey does not require applicants for a marriage license to be residents of the state. You can get married in New Jersey even if neither you nor your partner live there, as long as you meet all other eligibility requirements.
Although residency is not a requirement, it does impact where you apply. If both applicants are New Jersey residents, you must apply in the municipality where either applicant resides. If only one applicant is a New Jersey resident, you must apply in the municipality where the resident applicant lives. If neither applicant is a New Jersey resident, you can apply in any municipality in New Jersey.
Remember that even though you don’t need to be a resident, you still need to provide valid identification and proof of age. Both applicants must be at least 18 years old to marry in New Jersey without parental consent. If previously married, you will need to present proof of how the last marriage ended (divorce decree, death certificate, etc.). You also need to know your social security numbers and the names, dates, and places of birth of your parents, including your mother's maiden name. The application fee varies by municipality.
What is the waiting period after applying before I can get married in NJ?
In New Jersey, there is a mandatory 72-hour (3-day) waiting period after applying for a marriage license before the license is issued and you can legally get married. This waiting period begins immediately after your application is officially processed by the local registrar.
The purpose of this waiting period is to provide a cooling-off period, allowing couples time to reconsider their decision before proceeding with the marriage. The 72-hour timeframe is strictly enforced and calculated from the exact time your application is processed, not simply the day you applied. Weekends and holidays are included when calculating the 72-hour period. For example, if you apply on a Thursday morning, you would be eligible to receive your marriage license and get married on Sunday morning. It's important to plan accordingly when scheduling your wedding ceremony. Be sure to factor in the 72-hour waiting period plus the license's validity period, which is 30 days from the date of issuance. This means you must get married within 30 days of the date the license is issued or the license will expire, and you will have to reapply and pay the fee again. Applying well in advance of your planned wedding date is always recommended, especially if you have a specific date in mind.What fees are associated with getting a marriage license in NJ?
The fee for a marriage license in New Jersey is $28. This fee is uniform across all municipalities and is payable to the local registrar where you are applying.
The $28 fee covers the cost of processing and recording your marriage license application. Payment methods may vary depending on the municipality, so it's advisable to inquire with the registrar's office directly regarding accepted forms of payment (e.g., cash, check, money order). Be prepared to pay the fee at the time you submit your application, as the registrar will not begin processing your application until payment is received. While the initial $28 fee covers the license itself, keep in mind that you may incur additional costs associated with the marriage ceremony. These can include fees for the officiant performing the ceremony, rental fees for the ceremony venue, and any costs associated with obtaining certified copies of your marriage certificate after the ceremony has taken place. Certified copies are often required for legal name changes, insurance purposes, and other official documentation. The cost for certified copies varies from town to town.What if I'm divorced, do I need additional documentation for a NJ marriage license?
Yes, if you are divorced, you will need to present a certified copy of your divorce decree (also known as a Judgment of Divorce) when applying for a marriage license in New Jersey. This document is required to verify that you are legally free to marry.
The divorce decree serves as proof that your previous marriage has been legally terminated. The clerk needs to verify the finality of the divorce to ensure compliance with New Jersey marriage laws, which prohibit bigamy (being married to more than one person at the same time). Make sure the copy you provide is a certified copy issued by the court that granted the divorce, as a photocopy or uncertified version may not be accepted. It's important to note that if your divorce occurred in a foreign country, the documentation requirements might be different. In such cases, it's highly recommended to contact the local registrar's office in the municipality where you intend to apply for the marriage license well in advance. They can advise you on the specific documents that will be needed to demonstrate the validity of the foreign divorce under New Jersey law. In some instances, you may be asked for an apostille, an official government certification validating the document's authenticity.And that's it! Getting your marriage license in New Jersey might seem like a lot of steps, but hopefully, this guide has made the process a little clearer. Thanks for reading, and we wish you all the best in your upcoming wedding and marriage! Feel free to come back if you have any other questions about planning your big day.