How to Apply for a Wedding/civil Union License

Obtaining your Marriage/Civil Union License in New Jersey is a relatively easy process. I always go over in detail how to go about this when I meet with couples for the first time; although it’s easy, it can reduce any anxiety you may have over where to go, what to bring, you get the idea; and for those of you I haven’t met – you can click on the link on my website – www.baribraun.com under my resource tab “NJ Marriage License Information”. But for those of you who don’t fall into either category, here’s some general information to get you going:
Where to apply for a marriage or civil union license –
Go to the registrar in the NJ municipality in which either of you resides (for a list of registrars, click on the link on my website under the resource tab : “NJ List of Local Registrars.”) If neither of you is a resident of NJ, then go to the County Clerk’s office where the ceremony will be performed.

When you should apply-
There is a 72 hour waiting period from the time when the application is filed with the Local Registrar to when the license is issued. Once the license is issued, it is only valid for 30 days, so you must go sometime within 30 days prior to your wedding date.

Who Should go
The application must be completed by both parties before the license will be issued so the two of you should go together along with one witness who must be at least 18 years old.

What to Bring when you apply-
Each applicant must bring valid ID that gives the name, age, date of birth, and proof of residency. It should be an ID issued by a government agency such as a certified copy of a birth certificate, driver’s license, passport, military id, etc. Also, bring your social security card or social security number.

If you have been married before, you must show a certified copy of divorce, death, or annulment.

You also need to bring the name and mailing address of the person performing the marriage

Finally, you’ll need to fill in your parent’s names, mothers’ maiden names, and places of their birth.


And , of course, the Obvious –
Don’t forget to bring your license on your wedding day. Your officiant and two witnesses (over 18 years of age) must sign the license. The Bride and Groom do not sign the license. Your officiant will then file it with the municipality in which the ceremony was performed. I suggest waiting at least two weeks after the wedding, at which time you can order certified copies of the marriage or civil union from the local Registrar where the ceremony took place or from the State Bureau of Vial Statistics and Registration.

I recently performend a wedding in Jersey City just overlooking the Hudson for a fabulous couple. They were one of the nicest couples you could every meet and very gracious. They actually met on the intenet which I find more and more from my couples is the way many have met their future spouces. The weather was great, not a cloud in the sky, and the location was outside at the exact place where the groom proposed. It was a small intimate affair and was truly from the heart.
There wasn’t a bridal party, just two jr jr bridesmaids (about 8 – 10 years old) who were gorgeous – they had long blonde hair, blue eyes, and were so very cute. For kids of their ages, they stood the test of time, standing every so still during the entire ceremony.
Vesna and Gale, if you read this, I want to thank you for placing your trust in me and for being so very nice. It was an honor for me to officiate and I wish you nothing but good fortune and happiness in your life together.
By the way, Jersey City is a great place for ethnic restaurants as I’m learning from doing many ceremonies there. After the ceremony, my daughter (I sometimes bring her along as the photographer when she’s not at college) and I out went out to a Vietnamese restaurant. It was yummy!!