HOW TO APPLY FOR A MARRIAGE OR CIVIL UNION LICENSE

 

In order to apply for a Marriage or Civil Union License, in the State of New Jersey, the following must be done:

Please print out and complete the Marriage or Civil Union license application form.

Do not sign the marriage or civil union application form before coming into the Registrar's office.

You must sign the application, while under oath, in the presence of the issuing authority.

Requirements for entering into a Marriage or Civil Union:

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

  1. Not be a party to another civil union, domestic partnership or marriage in this State or recognized by this State;
  2. For Marriage, be of the opposite sex ; and for Civil Union, be of the same sex
  3. 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.

Where to Apply:

The application is submitted in the town where either party resides. This License will be valid throughout the State of New Jersey.

If neither party resides in New Jersey, the application is submitted in the town where the ceremony will take place. In this case, the License will only be valid in the town of the issuing authority.

What to bring when applying for a marriage or civil union license:

1.                  Both parties must appear

2.                  A witness, over the age of 18, who knows both parties must also appear.

3.                  Birth Certificates

4.                  Proof of residency

5.                  If either party has been married or in a civil union before, divorce or civil union disolvement decree(s), or copy of death certificate for former spouse or partner

6.                  A fee of $28

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

After the application is submitted, there is a 72 hour waiting period before the License can be issued. Once the License is issued, it is only good for 30 days.