New Jersey Marriage Laws

New Jersey State's Marriage Ceremony Officiating Requirements

Residency Requirement in New Jersey: Not required to be resident of New Jersey.

Registration is required at the municipal office, where the bride resides. If she is non-resident of New Jersey, then apply in the groom's city or town of resident.
If both parties are non-resident, then choose ceremony place to apply for registration. You have to show your driving license, apartment lease, or tax bill as a proof of your residency.

Identification Requirement in New Jersey: You have to have picture identification such as your Drivers License, and certified copies of birth certificates, or valid passports or alien cards. You have to know your social security number.

Covenant Marriages: No.

If Previously Married: You must give proof to prove your previous marriage divorce or death. This includes legal copy of the final divorce decree or a certified copy of the spouse's death certificate.

Marriage Fees Required: To get marry in New Jersey, you will need $28, and only cash is allowed in some locales.

Renewal of Vows: Licenses for re-marriage in New Jersey are available. No waiting period fro a re-marriage license.

Wait Period: 3 days waiting period to get marry in New Jersey. If you have a major problem such as emergency, illness, military etc., then a Judge from Supreme Court can sign a waiver that would waive the waiting period.

Proxy Marriages: Not allowed. Both parties must be present.

Cousin Marriages: Allowed in New Jersey.

Common Law Marriage Options: Not allowed.

Marriage for Same-Sex Options / Civil Unions: This is allowed in New Jersey from 19th Feb, 2007. There are many reasons for this like adoption, medical decision-making, inheritance, health insurance opportunities etc.

Witnesses: Witness should be over 18 years old, and must be present at the time of your marriage.

Under 18 Marriages: For individuals under the age of 18 years, consent from their parents is must to obtain the marriage license. Judicial approval is required who are under the age of 16 years.

Marriage Ceremony Officiants: Only Legal persons are allowed to perform wedding ceremony such as Federal District Court Judges, magistrates, Municipal Court Judges, Supreme Court Judges, Tax Court Judge, retired justices and judges, any Mayor, President of NJ County Clerks, and minister.

30 days validity period is allowed for getting marriage license in NJ.

About Marriage Certificate Copy:

it's better if you confirm the information with the New Jersey county clerk or the local marriage license office before finalizing the marriage plans.