Planning a wedding is an exciting time, filled with dreams of a beautiful ceremony and a joyous celebration. But before you can say "I do" in the Garden State, there's a crucial first step: obtaining a marriage license. It's easy to overlook the administrative details amidst all the excitement, but legally solidifying your union is essential for countless reasons, from accessing shared benefits and tax advantages to ensuring legal recognition of your relationship. Navigating the application process can seem daunting, so understanding the requirements upfront will save you time and stress.
Getting your marriage license in New Jersey is a straightforward process when you know the rules. Knowing where to apply, what documents to bring, and how long the license is valid are all critical pieces of the puzzle. Delaying this step could postpone your wedding day, and incorrect information can cause unnecessary hurdles. Don’t worry, though, we’re here to guide you through each step of the New Jersey marriage license application process so you can focus on the fun parts of wedding planning!
What Do I Need to Know 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, proof of residency, and their social security numbers. Additionally, you will need to know your parents' names, birthplaces (including mother's maiden name), and dates of birth. Divorced applicants must present divorce decrees, and widowed applicants must present a death certificate of the deceased spouse. Certified copies are not required, but providing them may expedite the process. All documents must be in English or officially translated.
The specific documents accepted for proof of identity include a driver's license, passport, or state-issued non-driver ID. Acceptable proof of residency generally includes a driver's license, utility bill, bank statement, or any official document showing your name and current address in New Jersey. It's crucial to remember that both applicants must apply together in the municipality where either of them resides. If neither applicant is a New Jersey resident, the application must be made in the municipality where the marriage ceremony will be performed, and the license is only valid for that specific location. Providing accurate information and having all necessary documents readily available will help ensure a smooth application process. Be prepared to answer questions about previous marriages, if applicable, and be aware that there is a 72-hour waiting period between applying for the license and it being issued. This waiting period can only be waived by a court order in extraordinary circumstances. The marriage license is valid for 30 days from the date of issuance.How long is a marriage license valid in New Jersey?
A marriage license in New Jersey is valid for 30 days from the date of issuance. This means you must get married within that 30-day window, or the license will expire, and you will need to reapply.
The 30-day validity period is strictly enforced. The date the license is issued counts as day one. Couples should carefully plan their wedding date to ensure it falls within this timeframe. If the license expires, you will need to go through the entire application process again, including completing the application, providing the required documents, and paying the fee. There are no extensions or waivers for expired marriage licenses in New Jersey. Therefore, it's generally recommended that you apply for your marriage license no more than a month before your planned wedding date, but also factoring in the 72-hour waiting period. This will allow sufficient time for the mandatory waiting period and provide the full 30 days for the wedding to occur, minimizing the risk of the license expiring before you can use it.Where in NJ do I apply for a marriage license?
You must apply for a marriage license in the municipality where either you or your future spouse reside. If neither of you are New Jersey residents, you should apply in the municipality where the marriage ceremony will take place, and that license is only valid for that specific municipality.
Regardless of residency, the application process always occurs in person at the local registrar's office. It's best practice to contact the registrar in advance to confirm their hours of operation, required documentation, and accepted forms of payment. Both applicants must be present to apply, and if either applicant is under 18, marriage is prohibited in New Jersey. The marriage license is valid for 30 days from the date of issuance. After the ceremony, the officiant is responsible for signing and returning the license to the issuing municipality, typically within 5 days of the ceremony. Certified copies of the marriage certificate can then be obtained from the same municipality where the license was issued.Is there a waiting period after applying before I can get married in NJ?
Yes, in New Jersey, there is a mandatory 72-hour (3-day) waiting period after applying for a marriage license before the license can be issued and you can get married. This waiting period begins from the time the application is officially filed with the local registrar.
This waiting period is designed to provide a cooling-off period for couples and to ensure that both parties are making a well-considered decision about entering into marriage. It's a standard practice in many jurisdictions to offer this brief window for reflection. It is important to note that the 72-hour waiting period calculates from the exact time the application is filed. For instance, if you apply at 2:00 PM on a Monday, the license will be available at 2:00 PM on Thursday. There is a limited exception to this waiting period. A Superior Court judge can waive the 72-hour waiting period under extraordinary circumstances. However, waivers are rare and require a compelling reason, so planning ahead to account for the waiting period is generally advised. Make sure to factor this waiting period into your wedding planning timeline to avoid any last-minute complications or delays.What are the residency requirements for getting a marriage license in NJ?
In New Jersey, at least one applicant must reside in the municipality where the marriage license application is being made. If neither applicant is a New Jersey resident, the application must be filed in the municipality where the marriage ceremony will be performed.
To elaborate, if one applicant lives in, say, Trenton, New Jersey, but the other lives out-of-state or even in another New Jersey town, the application must be made in Trenton. Proof of residency, like a driver’s license or a utility bill displaying the current address, will be required. This ensures the application process is tied to a local address for administrative purposes.
If neither party is a New Jersey resident, the requirement shifts to the location of the wedding ceremony. For example, if a couple from New York plans to get married in Cape May, New Jersey, they must apply for the marriage license in the Cape May municipality. This simplifies the process for non-residents, allowing them to obtain the necessary license without needing to establish New Jersey residency.
How much does a marriage license cost in New Jersey?
In New Jersey, the cost of a marriage license is $28.00. This fee is set by the state and is consistent across all municipalities.
While the $28 fee is standard, it's important to note how payment must be made. Generally, you will pay in person at the local registrar's office in the municipality where you intend to marry. Acceptable forms of payment can vary by location, so it's best to contact the registrar's office directly to confirm whether they accept cash, checks, money orders, or credit/debit cards. Don't assume that all methods are accepted. Beyond the license fee, remember that you will also need to present certain documents when applying. These typically include proof of identity (such as a driver's license or passport), proof of residency, and certified copies of divorce decrees (if applicable). Failure to provide these documents can delay the application process, so gathering them beforehand is crucial for a smooth experience.What if one of us is divorced; what extra paperwork is needed in NJ?
If either applicant has been divorced, you'll need to present the original divorce decree or a certified copy when applying for a marriage license in New Jersey. This documentation is required to prove the previous marriage has legally ended and you are free to remarry.
In addition to the standard required documents (proof of identity, residency, social security number), the divorce decree is essential. The clerk reviewing your application needs to verify that the divorce was finalized. A decree nisi (preliminary decree) is generally *not* sufficient; it must be the final decree. It's a good idea to contact the marriage license bureau in the municipality where you plan to apply *beforehand* to confirm exactly what they require, as specific interpretations or recent updates in regulations can vary slightly. Bear in mind that if the divorce decree is not in English, you will likely need to provide a certified translation along with the original document. It is best to secure a professional translation that is certified, as notaries and other unqualified individuals cannot offer this service. Be aware that omitting this paperwork may result in a rejection of the marriage license application until the proper paperwork is provided.Congratulations on taking this exciting step! Getting your marriage license in New Jersey might seem a little daunting, but hopefully, this guide has made the process a little clearer. We wish you all the best in your upcoming wedding and a lifetime of happiness together. Thanks for reading, and please come back and visit us again soon for more helpful tips and resources!