How to Apply For a Marriage License in New Jersey

Weddings are taking place every day in the Garden State. From intimate backyard nuptials to swanky waterfront weddings, people are saying their I dos morning, noon and night in New Jersey. If you’d like to be one of those who marry in Jersey, make sure you get your marriage license first.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Birth certificate of any applicant 24 years or younger
• Identification
• Cash

1. Collect the birth certificate, driver’s license, military ID or valid passport for both the bride and groom.
2. Gather certified final divorce decrees if either or both parties have been married previously. Alternatively, a certificate of death of a previous spouse should be obtained.
3. Visit the Web site under the Resources section to find the location of the marriage license issuing office in the county where the bride resides. If the bride does not live in New Jersey, choose the office of the where the ceremony will take place.
4. Visit the county Web site and find the cost of the marriage license in the city or county office you will be applying.
5. Head to the county office with bride, groom, documentation (including premarital certificate) and $28 cash within 3 to 30 days of the ceremony.

Tips & Warnings

• First cousin marriages are permitted.
• Minors under 16 years old may marry with an order by the Family Court of New Jersey. Minors 16 and 17 years old may marry with consent from both parents.
• Domestic partnerships are available for same sex couples over 18 and opposite sex couples over 62 years old.
• Both the bride and the groom must present themselves, either together or at different times at the same office, to apply for and sign the marriage license.
• Proxy, common law and same sex marriages are forbidden.
• There is a mandatory 3-day (72 hour) waiting period from the time you apply until you are able to marry. Weekend weddings require the couple to receive their marriage license on Monday or Tuesday.
• New Jersey marriage licenses are valid for 30 days.

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