You've picked the person, and maybe even the venue — now for the easiest part of the whole wedding: the paperwork. Getting a marriage license in New Jersey is simpler and cheaper than most couples expect. Here's everything you need to know.
How Much Does a Marriage License Cost in NJ?
A New Jersey marriage license costs $28. The fee is set by the state and paid to the local registrar when you apply. That covers the license itself; certified copies of your marriage certificate afterward (which you'll want for name changes, insurance, and records) carry a small additional fee that varies by municipality.
Where to Apply
Apply at the local registrar's office in the New Jersey municipality where either of you lives. A license issued in your home municipality is valid for a ceremony anywhere in New Jersey. If neither of you lives in New Jersey, apply in the municipality where the ceremony will take place — in that case, the license is only valid there.
What You'll Need to Bring
- Photo ID for both of you (driver’s license, passport, or state ID)
- Proof of residency (if applying in your home municipality)
- Your Social Security numbers
- One witness who is 18 or older
- The $28 fee
- If previously married: divorce decree or spouse’s death certificate details
Requirements can vary slightly by town — some registrars take walk-ins, others require appointments — so call your local registrar's office before you go.
The 72-Hour Waiting Period
New Jersey requires a 72-hour waiting period between when you apply and when the license is issued. There's no blood test and no residency waiting period beyond that — just the 72 hours. Practically, that means you can't apply the day before your wedding. Give yourself at least a week of cushion.
How Long Is the License Valid?
Once issued, a New Jersey marriage license is valid for 30 days. That creates a sweet spot: apply roughly two to three weeks before your wedding date. If the license expires before the ceremony, you'll need to reapply and pay the fee again.
Quick NJ Marriage License Timeline
- About 1 month out: gather documents and line up your witness
- 2-3 weeks out: apply together at the local registrar with your witness
- 72 hours later: license is issued and ready
- Wedding day: your officiant and two witnesses sign the license
- After the wedding: order certified copies of your marriage certificate
Budgeting for the Rest of the Wedding
At $28, the license will be the single cheapest line item in your entire wedding budget. For the bigger numbers, see our breakdown of how much a wedding costs in NJ and our guide to how far in advance to book your venue.
Getting Married in Monmouth County
Once the paperwork is handled, the fun part begins. At Branches in West Long Branch, our all-inclusive wedding packages cover the venue, catering, bar, staff, and coordination — one contract, one price, no hidden fees. One last note: license requirements occasionally change, so confirm current details with your local registrar's office when you apply.
