New Jersey Marriage License Requirements 2026
Everything you need to legally marry in New Jersey: $28 license fee, 72 hours waiting period, 30 days validity, minimum age 18, 2 witnesses witnesses required. Apply at the Municipal Registrar.
New Jersey Marriage License: Quick Facts
How Much Is a Marriage License in New Jersey?
A marriage license in New Jersey costs $28. This is the standard fee charged by the Municipal Registrar when you submit your application in person. The fee covers the license itself, recording, and one certified copy of the marriage certificate in most counties.
Payment is typically accepted in cash, card, or check, though policies vary by county. Some counties charge extra for additional certified copies, which you may need for name changes, passport applications, or insurance updates after the wedding. Call your county clerk in advance to confirm accepted payment methods and total cost with additional copies.
Compared to the national average of $60-$80, New Jersey's fee is lower than most US states - one of the more affordable options.
How to Get a Marriage License in New Jersey
Gather required documents
Both partners need a valid government-issued photo ID. If you have been previously married, bring the final divorce decree or your former spouse's death certificate. New Jersey does not require proof of residency.
Visit the Municipal Registrar
Both applicants must appear in person at the Municipal Registrar in any New Jersey county. You can typically apply in the county where you plan to marry or the county where you live - check your specific county for any local rules.
Complete the application and pay the fee
Fill out the marriage license application and pay the $28 fee. Be ready to provide both Social Security numbers (or visa numbers for non-citizens), your parents' full names, and your places of birth.
Wait 72 hours
New Jersey has a mandatory 72 hours waiting period between application and ceremony. Plan your application visit at least a week before your ceremony to allow buffer time.
Complete the signing
The license is valid for 30 days from the date of issue. Ordained clergy of every religion, judges (federal, state, tax court, and municipal), county clerks, surrogates, mayors and former mayors, and civil celebrants certified by the New Jersey Secretary of State.
Return the signed license for recording
The completed license or certificate must be returned to the Municipal Registrar within the timeframe specified by New Jersey law. Because New Jersey allows self-uniting marriages, the couple - not a third-party officiant - is typically responsible for filing it. The county then processes your official marriage certificate.
Special Situations in New Jersey
Previously married
Bring the final divorce decree or death certificate of your former spouse. Some New Jersey counties require the decree be from within a certain number of months - check with the Municipal Registrar.
Out-of-state couples
New Jersey has no residency requirement, making it a popular state for destination weddings. Both partners just need to appear in person at the Municipal Registrar with valid ID.
Same-sex marriages
Same-sex marriages are fully legal in New Jersey following Obergefell v. Hodges (2015). The requirements are identical to opposite-sex marriages with no additional steps.
Non-citizens
Foreign nationals can marry in New Jersey on a tourist visa with a valid passport. The marriage itself does not change immigration status. You may need certified translations of any foreign documents.
Self-uniting option
New Jersey allows self-uniting marriages where no officiant is required. Ordained clergy of every religion, judges (federal, state, tax court, and municipal), county clerks, surrogates, mayors and former mayors, and civil celebrants certified by the New Jersey Secretary of State.
Important New Jersey Notes
Who Can Officiate in New Jersey
Ordained clergy of every religion, judges (federal, state, tax court, and municipal), county clerks, surrogates, mayors and former mayors, and civil celebrants certified by the New Jersey Secretary of State.
Good to Know
New Jersey raised the minimum marriage age to 18 with no exceptions via S427, signed June 22, 2018. The 72-hour waiting period can be waived only by a Superior Court judge for good cause. Residents apply in the municipality where either person lives, and the license is valid statewide; if neither applicant is a New Jersey resident, the application must be filed in the municipality where the ceremony will take place, and that license is valid only in that municipality. The marriage certificate must be signed by two witnesses who were present at the ceremony. New Jersey also permits religious societies, such as Quaker meetings, to join couples in marriage according to their own customs without a designated individual officiant (N.J.S.A. 37:1-13); this narrow exception is less standardized than Pennsylvania or Colorado self-uniting licenses, so confirm with the municipal registrar before planning a ceremony without an officiant.
New Jersey Marriage License Document Checklist
- Valid government-issued photo ID for both applicants (passport, New Jersey drivers license, state ID, military ID)
- Birth certificates if requested by the Municipal Registrar
- Social Security numbers for both partners (visa numbers acceptable for non-citizens)
- Divorce decree or death certificate if either partner was previously married
- Marriage license fee of $28 - confirm accepted payment methods with your county
- Out-of-state couples are welcome - no residency required
- 2 witnesses for the ceremony, each at least 18
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Marriage License Requirements in Other States
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New Jersey Marriage License FAQ
Everything you need to know about our free tools and how they help your wedding day.
A New Jersey marriage license costs $28. The fee is paid at the Municipal Registrar when you apply. Some counties may charge slightly more for processing or a certified copy of the marriage certificate. Payment methods vary by county - call ahead to confirm whether the office accepts cash, card, or check only.
Yes. New Jersey requires a 72 hours waiting period between applying for and using your marriage license. New Jersey raised the minimum marriage age to 18 with no exceptions via S427, signed June 22, 2018. The 72-hour waiting period can be waived only by a Superior Court judge for good cause. Residents apply in the municipality where either person lives, and the license is valid statewide; if neither applicant is a New Jersey resident, the application must be filed in the municipality where the ceremony will take place, and that license is valid only in that municipality. The marriage certificate must be signed by two witnesses who were present at the ceremony. New Jersey also permits religious societies, such as Quaker meetings, to join couples in marriage according to their own customs without a designated individual officiant (N.J.S.A. 37:1-13); this narrow exception is less standardized than Pennsylvania or Colorado self-uniting licenses, so confirm with the municipal registrar before planning a ceremony without an officiant.
A New Jersey marriage license is valid for 30 days from the date of issue. The ceremony must be performed within this window or you will need to reapply and pay the fee again. Keep the dates in mind when scheduling your application visit.
New Jersey accepts valid government-issued photo ID for both applicants. Acceptable forms include a US passport, state driver's license or state ID card, US military ID, permanent resident card, or foreign passport. Both partners must present ID in person at the Municipal Registrar.
Yes. New Jersey requires 2 witnesses for the ceremony. Witnesses must usually be at least 18 and capable of signing the marriage license. Most couples ask the maid of honor and best man, but anyone meeting the legal age requirement can serve.
No. New Jersey does not require residency to obtain a marriage license. Out-of-state couples can apply at any Municipal Registrar as long as both partners are present and bring the required ID. This makes New Jersey a popular destination wedding state.
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