How to Get Your New Jersey Wedding License
I’ve created your complete guide to getting your New Jersey wedding license. Find out everything you need to know to get your license and plan for what comes next – your wedding!
What You Need for Your New Jersey Wedding License
The first thing you’ll need to do to get your New Jersey wedding license is complete the correct paperwork. Fill out the Application for License: Marriage, Remarriage, Civil Union, or Reaffirmation of Civil Union. (Catchy title, right?) If you prefer, you can get a paper copy from your County Clerk’s office.
You should fill out the paperwork before you submit it, but DON’T sign it ahead of time. When you’re at your application appointment, you’ll sign it under oath.
To obtain a New Jersey wedding license, you and your partner must
- Be at least 18 years old
- Not be in a civil union, domestic partnership, or marriage in any state
You should bring these documents with you. If they’re in any language other than English, bring certified English translations.
- A state- or federal-issued I.D. such as a driver’s license or passport
- Proof of New Jersey residency for at least one applicant (if applying as a New Jersey resident)
- Your Social Security Number
- A witness who is at least 18 years old
- A $28 application fee
Where to Go for Your Wedding License
Once you have all of these documents together, you’ll make an appointment with the Registrar of Vital Statistics. They’re responsible for issuing your New Jersey wedding license. If you live in New Jersey, apply in the county where you live. If you’re having a destination wedding in New Jersey, apply in the county where your wedding will take place.
Note: Wedding licenses are issued three or more days after you submit your application. It’s also only valid for 30 days from the date that it’s issued. Make sure you know when you want to hold your ceremony before you apply.
What’s Next with Wedding Planning
Now that you know how to get your New Jersey wedding license, you can start thinking about the other pieces of planning your wedding. What you do next depends on the route you want to take – a courthouse elopement or wedding.
A Courthouse Elopement in New Jersey
Every county runs things a little differently depending on their resources, staffing, etc. I photograph a lot of weddings in Asbury Park, so I’ll give an example of how things work in Monmouth County.
Monmouth County Clerk Christine Giordano Hanlon performs marriage ceremonies in the Ceremony Room. It’s a cute room in the clerk’s Freehold office. Up to 21 people can fit in the room when seated. More can stand. Scheduling a ceremony is pretty easy. You just have to call the office at (732) 431-7324.
On the day of your courthouse ceremony, bring two adult witnesses with you. They should have their state- or federal-issued I.D.
Tip: Don’t write your witnesses’ names on your marriage license until you’re at your ceremony. Once their names are added to your marriage license, you can’t change them. If one witness has to back out, you have to apply for a whole new marriage license.
A New Jersey Wedding
If you don’t want to have a courthouse wedding, you have a few more details to sort out. You should give yourself enough time to plan the experience you want. Your wedding can still be as big or intimate as you want it to be. You will need to secure a venue, officiant, and any other vendors you want to work with. Depending on the scope and style of your celebration, you may want to find caterers and florists, for example.
If you’re curious about the differences between a microwedding and more traditional wedding experience, check out these blog posts.
How to Book Your New Jersey Wedding Photographer
Whether you decide to use your New Jersey wedding license for a courthouse elopement or big celebration, you deserve photos to commemorate the experience. This is a big milestone in your life with your partner. Document it with photos that feel as unique as you!
I’m Rebecca, a New Jersey wedding photographer. I specialize in eclectic, joyful wedding photos. I’d love to document your wedding. Inquire with me today!
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