Applications for NJ marriage licenses may be obtained at the municipal office in the bride's town. If the bride does not live in the state of New Jersey, you can apply at the municipal office of the groom's town. If both the bride and groom are from out of state, apply at the municipal office of the town where the ceremony will take place. You can also download an application from the State of NJ.

Do not sign the marriage application prior to going to the Municipal Registrar. You must sign the application, while under oath, in the presence of the issuing authority.

Fees:
Due at the time of application is the fee of $28.00.

Requirements for entering into a Marriage:
For two persons to establish a Marriage 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;
• 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 approve in writing by any judge of the Superior Court, Chancery Division, Family part.

Other Requirements:

• The bride, groom and one witness who is 18 years of age or older and knows the couple.
• Some towns will require proof of residency such as a driver's license, lease or tax return.
• It is recommended that you apply at least two weeks before the ceremony. You may apply as early as 6 month prior to the wedding. The marriage license is valid for 30 days from the date of issuance.
• The individual performing the ceremony should file the license with the registrar in the municipality where the marriage took place within 5 days of the wedding.
• Premarital blood tests are no longer necessary in New Jersey.

Where to apply:

• 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.

From: The State of NJ Department of Health and Human Services

Marriage Application (REG-15) and Instructions

What should you bring with you, when you apply for your marriage license:

1. If you are divorced or have had your marriage annulled, bring the divorce decree or the civil annulment documents.
2. Death certificate, if your former spouse is deceased.
3. A copy of your birth certificate, drivers license, passport or state I.D.
4. Proof of your residency.
5. Your social security card or social security number*.
6. A witness (18 years or older) who knows both the male and female applicants.
7. A $28.00 fee.

*Your social security number is not subject to Right to Know laws and will be kept confidential.

If any documents are in a foreign language they must be accompanied by an 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.

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.