APPLYING FOR A MARRIAGE LICENSE

BY APPOINTMENT ONLY, PLEASE CALL 908-322-6700 EXT. 211 or 212

An application may be obtained in the local Registrar’s Office or via the Internet at:
www.state.nj.us/health/forms/index.shtml

Requirements for entering into a Marriage:

For two persons to establish a Marriage/ Civil Union in this State, it shall be necessary that they satisfy all of the following criteria:

• Not be a party to another civil union, domestic partnership or marriage in this State or recognized by this State; and
• Be of the same same sex for civil union; marriages can be same or opposite sex couples.
• Be at least 18 years of age, except that applicants under the age of 18 may enter into a Marriage/Civil Union with parental consent. Applicants under the age of 16 must obtain parental consent and have the consent approved in writing by any judge of the Superior Court, Chancery Division, Family part.

Where to apply:

The marriage/civil union license application is to be made in the New Jersey municipality in which either party resides and the license is valid throughout the State of New Jersey. If neither applicant is a New Jersey resident, submit the application in the municipality where the marriage/civil union ceremony will be performed, the license is only valid in the issuing municipality.

Please contact the Local Registrar to determine if license applications are handled during business hours or by appointment.

Required documents when applying for a Marriage/ Civil Union license:

• Proof of identity such as your driver's license, passport or state/federal I.D. Proof of your residency.
• Your social security card or social security number.*
• A witness, 18 years of age or older.
• The $28 application fee.

*Social security number is required by law for US citizens and will be kept confidential.

Any documents in a foreign language must be accompanied by a certified English translation.

After you apply:

There is a 72-hour waiting period before the license is issued. The waiting period begins when the application is filed with the Local Registrar. There is no 72 hour waiting period for a Remarriage/Reaffirmation of Civil Union; however, you must bring a certified copy of your existing Marriage/Civil Union certificate.

The marriage/civil union license application is valid for six months from the date accepted, unless the Registrar has given prior approval to extend the validity of the application to a maximum of one year.

Those wishing a ceremony by the Mayor must call and set up an appointment at 908-322-6700, Ex. 314.  The Municipal Court Judge no longer performs ceremonies.

COPIES OF MARRIAGE / CIVIL UNION / DOMESTIC PARTNERSHIP CERTIFICATES

You may obtain copies of the above for a nominal fee by following this procedure.

DEATH CERTIFICATES

Original death certificates are typically issued by a Medical Examiner or physician and copies are often obtained through funeral directors. However, certified copies of Death Certificates may also be obtained directly for a nominal fee. Here's the procedure for applying for a certified copy of a death certificate.