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1. What are the age requirements?

Applicants must both be at least 18 years old in order to get married in New Jersey.

2. How much does it cost?

The application fee is $28.00, payable by check, cash, or money order.

3. Who can perform the marriage ceremony?

• any federal, state, municipal judge, or magistrate (even if they are retired)
• any county clerk
• any county surrogate
• any mayor or deputy mayor of a town
• the chairman of any township committee
• any religious minister

4. When should you apply for a marriage license?

Marriage licenses will not be issued sooner than 72 hours after the application has been made unless ordered to do so via an appropriate court order. If the marriage is scheduled for a Saturday or Sunday, the application should be made no later than the preceding Tuesday.

If the couple wishes to have both a civil and religious ceremony performed on the same day, two licenses will be issued on the basis of a single application but two fees will be collected. If the couple wishes to have two religious ceremonies and wants to have a public record of each, they must apply for only one license, use it, and then return to the registrar, complete another license application, and pay the $28 fee. The same application form is used for both licenses; the distinction is made by checking the box at the top of the form indicating the application is for a "Reaffirmation of Marriage" license.

5. What to bring with you when you come?

Both parties must appear in person to apply for the license. You will need to bring copies of your current driver's licenses or passports (cannot be expired), know your social security numbers, and provide proof of residency only if a NJ resident such as a driver's license, lease, tax return, etc.

Additional documents that are helpful but not required include a copy of your birth certificate to establish your parents' names and related birth information and, if either party has been in a marriage, domestic partnership, or civil union before, a copy of a death certificate, divorce decree, dissolution of civil union or termination of domestic partnership.

A witness also at least 18 years of age who knows both parties must appear with the applicants and swear to the completeness and accuracy of the answers supplied by the applicants.

If the parties cannot come in at the same time, either applicant may complete his/her part of the application and start the waiting period. The other applicant must return with the same witness to complete his/her part of the application. The application must be completed by both parties before the license will be issued.

6. How long is the license valid?

Marriage licenses are valid for thirty days from the date they are issued.