For most people, paperwork is the dullest part of their to-do list. It’s why there’s an entire business around having other people do our taxes, and why lines at the DMV tend to be as cheerful as a classroom viewing a Sex Ed lecture, taught by an army of old, grumpy teachers armed with rulers that could be mistaken for baseball bats. In all the years we’ve been in the wedding business, not one person has ever described the process of getting a marriage license as the fun part –ever.
Still, the only thing worse than doing paperwork, is having to do it multiple times or make more than one trip because you’ve missed an important detail. So continuing our work from last week, we’re going to help you out.
This week, we’re going to focus on exactly what you need for your South Jersey Wedding registration.
- Is there a registration fee?
For the State of New Jersey, the registration fee is 28 dollars.
- Documentation required for the State for NJ:
- Proof of identity by presenting your driver’s license, passport or state/federal I.D.
- Proof of your residency.
- Your social security card or social security number.
- A witness, 18 years of age or older.
- The $28 application fee.
Also, a copy of your birth certificate and any official documentation regarding any previous marriages is helpful but not mandatory.
- What’s the time frame for registration and pick-up?
As started last week, you’ll need to wait at least 72 hours after the application has been submitted before it can be picked up, and it will only be valid for 30 days. However, the marriage license itself is valid for up to 6 months once it’s been accepted before you come by to pick it up. So you actually can get the application done well ahead of time and give yourself some breathing room before you go to pick it up and it becomes wedding prep crunch time.
- Important note regarding witnesses:
For Morris County, a copy of both witnesses ID’s must be brought or delivered to the County Clerk at least 2 days before the scheduled ceremony. The witnesses will also have to have their ID’s on hand during the signing of the license
- Returning the license:
After the ceremony, the Officiant will be tasked with making sure all of the documentation is in place and then filing the license at their local Registrar’s Office.
Let all of those tasks simmer on low for two-to-three weeks, and then BAM, you and your partner should be owners of a shiny, new Marriage Certificate. Quest completed. Now go forth, the quicker this is all done, the quicker it will be behind you.
Sources/additional reading.
Official State of NJ wedding license guide and application pdf download.
