How to Legally Get Married in New Jersey: Marriage License & Requirements (No BS Guide)
Planning your wedding in New Jersey? Whether you're dreaming of a rustic barn bash in Sussex County or an offbeat industrial vibe in Jersey City, there’s one thing you definitely can’t skip: the legal stuff. Yeah, I’m talking about that oh-so-sexy marriage license.
Getting legally hitched in NJ isn’t rocket science, but the rules can be confusing AF if you’ve never done this before. So here’s the real-deal, no-fluff guide to making your marriage official in the Garden State—without the headaches.
Step 1: Make Sure You Qualify (Duh)
Let’s knock out the obvious first. To get married in New Jersey, you must:
Be at least 18 years old (16–17 can marry with parental AND court approval… so basically, nope)
Not be currently married to someone else (you’d be shocked how often people forget this)
Not be related to each other in a creepy way (first cousins can marry if you're both over 65... I know… yikes, but okay)
Step 2: Gather Your Docs
Don’t walk in empty-handed like it’s a pizza shop. You’ll need:
✅ A valid photo ID (driver’s license, passport, or state-issued ID)
✅ Proof of residency (only one of you needs to be a NJ resident)
✅ Your Social Security number (just the number… they’re not checking your tax returns)
✅ $28 in cash or check (some towns don’t take cards, because the government is slow to reach everyone)
👆 Some towns may tack on a few extra dollars for certified copies later. (Fee may go up as this blog was written in 2025)
If you’ve been married before, bring your divorce decree or spouse’s death certificate. Yes, they will ask.
Step 3: Apply In Person (Together)
You and your fiancé(e) need to show up together at the Registrar’s Office in the town where either of you lives. If neither of you lives in NJ? Then apply in the town where the ceremony is happening. Here’s where people get tripped up: you need a witness who’s over 18 and has ID. That means no dragging your 12-year-old cousin because they’re “mature for their age.”
Step 4: The 72-Hour Rule (No, You Can’t Rush It)
After you apply, there’s a mandatory 72-hour waiting period before you can pick up the license. So no, you can’t get married tonight unless you applied three days ago. The clock starts once you file the application, not when you schedule the appointment. And weekends don’t count if the office is closed. (Because of course.)
Pro tip: Apply at least a week before your wedding to avoid unnecessary panic.
Step 5: Get That License & Make It Official
Once the 72 hours are up, you’ve got six months to use that license. After the ceremony, your officiant will fill out the license, sign it, and return it to the same Registrar’s Office. Then? You’re legally married, baby. 🎉
If you want official certified copies for name changes, health insurance, etc., you’ll need to request those separately—usually $5–$10 per copy. Don’t assume they mail it to you automatically.
Who Can Officiate in NJ? You’ve got options. Your officiant can be:
A judge, mayor, or municipal clerk
A minister or religious leader
Your cousin who got ordained online (yes, that still counts in NJ… one of my best friends got his when he served in Iraq and got his license to marry troops… how cute is that!?!)
If your officiant doesn’t live in NJ, they can still marry you as long as they’re ordained. Just make sure they know how to fill out the damn form.
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Want to Keep It Low-Key?
If you’re skipping the big party and just want to elope, most NJ towns offer a civil ceremony at the courthouse or town hall. Some even do outdoor ceremonies when the weather’s nice. Just ask your local clerk for details.
My Personal Tip? Don’t Wait Until the Last Minute
Look, I’ve seen it all… couples who forgot about the 72-hour rule, folks who thought a Vegas-style pop-up wedding was legal, even one groom who brought his fishing license instead of photo ID (seriously, man?!) Don’t be that person. Get the paperwork done early so your actual wedding day can be about love, not logistics.
Bonus: Some Towns Are Nicer Than Others
Yep, it’s true. Some registrar offices are friendly and helpful, while others act like you're asking to launch a rocket. If you're in North Jersey, Sussex County and Morris County towns like Sparta, Newton, or Morristown are usually pretty solid. (Just call ahead and double-check hours—some are appointment only.)
Ready to make it official? Hell yeah.
Now that you know how to legally get married in NJ, you can focus on the good stuff—like celebrating your love, not filling out forms. And when you’re ready for photos that actually feel like you two, reach out. I photograph real love stories with heart, humor, and zero fluff.