If the bride is a resident of New Jersey, the marriage license should be obtained in the municipality where she lives. If groom is a state resident and the bride is not, the marriage license should be obtained in the municipality where he lives.
If neither of you are residents of New Jersey, the marriage license must be obtained from the registrar of the town where the ceremony is to be performed and can be used only in that town.
To save time, before you go to the local registrar’s office, determine if license applications are handled through appointment or business hours Also, you can download and complete the marriage license application form from https://nj.gov/health/vital/registration-vital/marriage-licenses/ or you can fill it out at the local registrar’s office. Make sure you don’t sign the marriage application form before going to the local registrar. You must sign the application while under oath, in the presence of the issuing authority.
Items to bring with you:
- Proof of identity by presenting your driver’s license, passport or state/federal ID
- Proof of your residency
- Your Social Security card or Social Security number
- A witness, 18 years of age or older
- $28 application fee
After you apply, there is a 72-hour waiting period before the license can be issued. The application is valid for six months from the date it is filed. Once the license is picked up, it is valid for 30 days from the date of issuance.
