How to get married at the courthouse in New Jersey is a common question among couples seeking a simple, affordable, and legally recognized marriage ceremony in the Garden State. Whether you’re a New Jersey resident or coming from out of state, getting married at the courthouse is a practical option that doesn’t require months of planning or large expenses. New Jersey offers a straightforward process that balances legal requirements with accessibility. From bustling urban centers like Newark and Jersey City to smaller townships such as Princeton or Cape May, courthouses throughout the state provide civil marriage services. This in-depth guide explains everything you need to know about getting married at the courthouse in New Jersey, including legal requirements, step-by-step instructions, and practical tips to ensure your courthouse wedding is smooth, meaningful, and officially binding.
Requirements to Get Married at the Courthouse in New Jersey
Before proceeding with your courthouse wedding in New Jersey, you and your partner must meet the following legal and administrative requirements:
1. Minimum Age Requirement: Both parties must be at least 18 years old to marry without needing parental or judicial consent. In exceptional cases, individuals aged 16 or 17 may marry with parental consent and a judge’s approval. However, anyone under the age of 16 cannot marry under any circumstances in New Jersey.
2. Residency Requirements: If at least one applicant is a New Jersey resident, you must apply for your marriage license in the municipality where that person resides. The ceremony, however, can take place anywhere in the state. If neither party is a New Jersey resident, you must apply for the license in the municipality where the marriage will occur, and the ceremony must be held in that same city or town.
3. Valid Identification and Documentation: Both parties must provide valid photo identification, such as a driver’s license, passport, or state-issued ID. In addition, you must supply your Social Security numbers, if applicable. Some municipalities may also require proof of residency, such as a utility bill or lease agreement, especially when determining where you are eligible to apply.
4. Marriage License Application: You must apply in person at the Registrar of Vital Statistics office in the appropriate municipality. Both applicants must appear together and bring a witness who is 18 years or older. The witness must bring a valid photo ID and must be fluent in English or bring an interpreter.
5. Marriage License Fee: The application fee for a marriage license is \$28. Some offices accept only cash or money orders, so it’s best to contact your local registrar in advance to confirm accepted payment methods.
6. Waiting Period: New Jersey enforces a 72-hour waiting period from the time the application is filed until the license is issued. This means you will need to plan in advance and cannot get married on the same day you apply. If you need the license issued sooner for an emergency or military deployment, a judge can waive the waiting period under special circumstances.
7. License Validity: Once issued, the marriage license is valid for 30 days. The wedding ceremony must occur within that time frame, or a new application will be necessary.
8. Previous Marriages: If either applicant has been married before, you must provide the exact date of divorce, annulment, or the spouse’s death. While you typically don’t need to submit legal documents, some registrars may request copies for verification, especially if the divorce was recent or foreign.
All Steps to Get Married at the Courthouse in New Jersey
1. Determine Where to Apply for Your Marriage License
The first step in getting married at the courthouse in New Jersey is figuring out where to apply for your marriage license. If one or both of you are residents, apply in the municipality where one of you lives. For example, if you live in Camden and your partner lives in Trenton, you can apply in either location. If you’re both from out of state and plan to marry in Hoboken, then you must apply at Hoboken’s Registrar of Vital Statistics. Knowing where to apply is crucial, as applying in the wrong jurisdiction can invalidate your ceremony.
2. Gather Required Documents and Visit the Local Registrar
Once you know where to apply, gather all necessary documents, including valid photo ID, Social Security numbers, and your chosen witness’s ID. You and your partner must visit the Registrar’s Office together, accompanied by your witness. You’ll be asked to complete an application and sign an oath attesting to the truthfulness of the information. Offices typically operate during business hours Monday through Friday, and many require appointments—especially in larger cities like Newark, Elizabeth, or Jersey City. After applying, you’ll pay the \$28 fee and begin the mandatory 72-hour waiting period.
3. Receive the Marriage License After the Waiting Period
Once the waiting period is over, you can return to the Registrar’s Office to pick up your marriage license. Most offices will call you or give you a specific pickup date. Be sure to confirm office hours and bring photo ID again when collecting the license. Keep in mind the license is only valid for 30 days, so schedule your wedding accordingly. In rare cases, you may be able to authorize someone else to pick up the license with written permission.
4. Schedule Your Courthouse Ceremony with a Municipal Judge or Court Clerk
Next, you’ll need to schedule your civil ceremony at the local municipal courthouse or through a municipal judge or court-appointed officiant. Some courthouses, such as those in Atlantic City or Hackensack, offer walk-in hours for weddings, while others require a scheduled appointment. The cost for a courthouse ceremony usually ranges from \$50 to \$100, and appointments typically last 15–30 minutes. Be sure to confirm availability, especially if you are getting married near a holiday or during peak wedding season.
5. Arrive at the Courthouse for Your Wedding Ceremony
On the day of your wedding, arrive at the courthouse with your marriage license, valid ID, and any additional witnesses required (some officiants request one or two witnesses even though the law doesn’t require them). Dress neatly and arrive early to allow for check-in procedures. The ceremony is usually short but meaningful and may include an exchange of vows and rings. Some couples choose to bring a photographer or family member to capture the moment. After the ceremony, the officiant will complete and sign your marriage license.
6. File the Marriage License and Obtain Certified Copies
Once your license is signed, it must be returned to the Registrar’s Office that issued it. The officiant typically handles this part, but you should follow up to ensure it has been filed. After it is processed, you can request certified copies of your marriage certificate for legal purposes such as changing your name, updating tax forms, or applying for immigration benefits. Each certified copy generally costs \$10 to \$25, depending on the municipality.
Things to Consider When Deciding to Get Married at the Courthouse in New Jersey
1. New Jersey’s Courthouse Weddings Are Legally Binding and Widely Accepted
A courthouse wedding in New Jersey holds the same legal weight as a religious or private ceremony. Once your license is filed and recorded, your marriage is valid throughout the U.S. and internationally. This is a great option for couples who prefer a civil, secular, or budget-friendly approach to marriage.
2. Make Sure You Follow the Right Municipal Procedures
One of the most important details is applying for your license in the correct municipality. Unlike some states with uniform statewide processes, New Jersey's application rules depend on residency and ceremony location. Misapplying could delay your wedding, so call ahead or check the town’s official website to confirm the process.
3. Some Towns Offer More Flexible Ceremony Options
While larger cities like Newark or Paterson may have limited courthouse wedding slots due to volume, smaller towns like Flemington, Ocean City, or Morristown may have greater flexibility. Some towns even offer courthouse weddings on weekends or allow outdoor ceremonies near municipal buildings. Exploring less crowded locations may offer a more personalized experience.
4. Don’t Forget to Budget for Certified Copies
Your signed marriage license does not automatically come with certified copies. These are often needed to update your name or for legal documentation, so you should request them soon after the ceremony. Ordering two or more certified copies is recommended in case you need to submit one while keeping a personal copy.
5. Language and Interpretation Services May Be Required
If you or your partner, or your witness, is not fluent in English, you may be required to bring an interpreter. New Jersey requires that everyone involved in the license application understands the process. If needed, check if the Registrar offers translation assistance or if you’ll need to hire a certified interpreter.
6. You Can Still Celebrate After a Courthouse Wedding
Getting married at the courthouse doesn’t mean skipping celebration. Many couples host a small reception afterward at a local restaurant or invite family and friends for a home gathering. Courthouse weddings are ideal for couples planning a larger celebration later, or for those who simply want an intimate, stress-free start to married life.
Conclusion
Understanding how to get married at the courthouse in New Jersey empowers couples to plan a legally valid, budget-friendly, and stress-free wedding day. With clear requirements, a structured process, and flexible scheduling, getting married at the courthouse in New Jersey is an ideal choice for couples who want to prioritize legal formality and intimacy over costly venues or lengthy planning. From applying for a marriage license and respecting the 72-hour waiting period to scheduling your ceremony and securing certified copies of your marriage certificate, every step is designed to help you start your married life with confidence and clarity. Whether you're saying "I do" in a courthouse in Jersey City, Montclair, or a coastal town like Asbury Park, getting married at the court in New Jersey is a timeless and practical way to begin your journey together.
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