As your coach from start to finish, what will Debra bring to your special day?

I’ll prepare two scripts for you.

You have choices with flowers, food and venue. Why shouldn’t you have the same with your ceremony’s wording and rituals? I’ll prepare two versions, each incorporating the special things you’ve shared with me, but with different approaches.

First, I get to know you.

What are your stories? What makes the two of you laugh? What are your concerns, hopes, dreams? Are you blending religious beliefs or traditions from each of your families? How might you want to include children, or even pets? With your vision and my expertise, I’ll help you start seeing how your ideal wedding can become a reality.

I’ll get there early on your wedding day.

I’ll arrive one hour prior to your ceremony. I’ll make sure the marriage license is completed. And I’ll meet with the photographer and musicians or disc jockey to assure everyone is on the same page.

We’ll hone the wording together to get it just right.

You’ll find me to be very easygoing. I’m here for you. Even if you need last-minute changes, I’m happy to help make that happen. This is your day. I’ll be there to help make it stress free and personal.

We’ll rehearse together.

I’ll walk your bridal party through the ceremony so everyone knows what to expect.

If your wedding doesn’t start on time, no worries.

I’ll never charge anything additional if things run late.

I keep taking care of you after the wedding.

I’ll take care of sending out the original license via certified mail. I’ve found this detail invaluable in assuring that it’s returned with a signature and not lost in the regular mail.

A love like yours deserves attention like this.

Marriage License in New Jersey FAQs

Click on FAQ about New Jersey marriage licenses below to see the answer.

How do I apply for a New Jersey marriage license?

You would print out and complete the New Jersey marriage license application form. You may also get an application form at the Local Registrar’s office. Do not 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.
REG-D77 - Application for License: Marriage, Remarriage, Civil Union, Reaffirmation of Civil Union Form

What are the requirements for entering into a marriage?

Requirements for entering into a marriage for two persons in this State, it shall be necessary that they satisfy all the following criteria:

Not be a party to another civil union, domestic partnership or marriage in this State or recognized by the State of New Jersey;
Be of the opposite sex; and
Be at least 18 years of age, except that applicants under the age of 18 may enter into a marriage 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 Court.

Where do I apply for a NJ marriage license?

The marriage 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 ceremony will be performed, the license is only valid in the issuing municipality.

What required documents are needed when applying for a New Jersey marriage license?

‍Proof of identity by presenting the following items:

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.

Requested additional documents (these documents are helpful but not required):‍

A copy of your birth certificate to establish your parents’ names and related birth information.
If you are divorced, have had a previous civil union dissolved, domestic partnership terminated or have had a civil union annulled, please bring the decree(s) or the civil annulment documents.
If your former spouse/civil union or domestic partner is deceased, please bring the death certificate.

What happens after I apply for a New Jersey marriage license?

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; however, you must bring a certified copy of your existing marriage.

The marriage 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.

Only one marriage license may be granted from a marriage application. If the license expires before being used, a new application must be made and another $28 fee remitted. The only exception to this requirement is in the case where a civil and religious ceremony are to be performed on the same day. In this case, the Local Registrar will photocopy the marriage application, marking one “A” and one “B”, and issue the corresponding marriage licenses, marking them “A” and “B” as well. One copy will be used for the religious ceremony and the other for the civil ceremony.

What happens when a couple wants to get remarried in New Jersey?

For individuals who are currently in a marriage in New Jersey or are in an opposite sex marriage in another state or country there exists the option to reaffirm your relationship/vows by registering a Remarriage.

In order to apply for a Remarriage the couple must provide proof of their existing opposite sex marriage, meet the requirements for entering into a marriage in New Jersey and follow the guidelines above to completing the license application.

The process for a Remarriage License are the same as for the Marriage License, except that the Remarriage License must be accompanied by the proof of existing marriage and once the application is filed there is no 72 hour waiting period before the license is issued.

How do I file for a Civil Union license?

You would print out and complete the civil union license application form. You may also get an application form at the Local Registrar's office.
REG-D30
"Entering into a Marriage or Civil Union in New Jersey" Brochure

Do not sign the civil union application form before going to the Local Registrar. You must sign the application, while under oath, in the presence of the issuing authority.

REG-D77
Application for License: Marriage, Remarriage, Civil Union, Reaffirmation of Civil Union Form

What required documents are needed when applying for a Civil Union License in New Jersey?

Here are the requirements for entering into a Civil Union.

For two people to establish a civil union in New Jersey, they must satisfy all of the following requirements:

Not be a party to another civil union, domestic partnership or marriage in this state or that is recognized by this state*;
Be of the same sex ; and
Be at least 18 years of age, except that applicants under 18 may enter into a civil union with parental consent. Applicants under age 16 must obtain parental consent and have the consent approved in writing by any judge of the Superior Court, Chancery Division, Family Part.

*Same sex couples who meet the above requirements and are registered as domestic partners may enter into a civil union with the same person without terminating their domestic partnership first. If the domestic partnership was registered in New Jersey, it automatically terminates when the civil union is registered. If the domestic partnership was registered in another state, that state's laws determine the impact on the domestic partnership. A couple that has previously entered into a civil union or a same-sex marriage may apply for a Reaffirmation of Civil Union License.

What are the required documents when applying for a Civil Union License in New Jersey?

Here are the requirements when applying for a Civil Union License

Proof of identity by presenting 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.

Requested additional documents (these documents are helpful but not required):

A copy of your birth certificate to establish your parents' names and related birth information.
If you are divorced, have had a previous civil union dissolved, domestic partnership terminated or have had a civil union annulled, please bring the decree(s) or the civil annulment documents.
If your former spouse/civil union or domestic partner is deceased, please bring the death certificate.

What are the required documents when applying for a Civil Union License in New Jersey?

You may apply in the New Jersey municipality in which either person resides. The license is valid throughout the state. If neither applicant lives in New Jersey, submit the application in the municipality where the civil union ceremony will be performed. The license is only valid in the issuing municipality.

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

What happens after I apply for a Civil Union License?

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 reaffirmation of Civil Union; however, you must bring a certified copy of your existing marriage or civil union.

The 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.

Only one Civil Union license may be granted from a Civil Union application. If the license expires before being used, a new application must be made and another $28 fee remitted.

The only exception to this requirement is in the case where a civil and religious ceremony are to be performed on the same day. In this case, the Local Registrar will photocopy the Civil Union application, marking one "A" and one "B", and issue the corresponding Civil Union licenses, marking them "A" and "B" as well. One copy will be used for the religious ceremony and the other for the civil ceremony.

Reaffirmation of Civil Union in New Jersey

For individuals who are currently in a Civil Union in New Jersey or are in a same sex union in another state where the rights afforded that union are equal to the rights afforded married couples, there exists the option to reaffirm your relationship/vows by registering a Reaffirmation of Civil Union.

In order to apply for a Reaffirmation of Civil Union the couple must provide proof of their existing same sex union, meet the requirements for entering into a civil union in New Jersey and follow the guidelines above to completing the license application.

The process for a Reaffirmation of Civil Union License are the same as for the Civil Union License, except that the Reaffirmation of Civil Union License must be accompanied by the proof of existing union and once the application is filed there is no 72 hour waiting period before the license is issued.

For More Information regarding Marriage Licenses in New Jersey and elsewhere

This is maintained by the Bureau of Vital Statistic and Registration. For information on registering, amending or obtaining copies of vital records, please contact them toll-free nationwide at 1-866-649-8726 or for individuals within the Department of Health and Senior Services.

To inquire about other state marriage licenses, please visit usmarriagelaws.com.

Planning

I’ll prepare two scripts for you.

First, I get to know you.

I’ll get there early on your wedding day.

We’ll hone the wording together to get it just right.

We’ll rehearse together.

If your wedding doesn’t start on time, no worries.

I keep taking care of you after the wedding.

A love like yours deserves attention like this.

Even when things go wrong it will be all right.

Marriage License in New Jersey FAQs

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