If you're a New Jersey resident, you'll apply for your marriage license at your home municipal building. If you live in different municipalities, you can apply at either municipal office.

If you're not a resident of New Jersey, you'll apply at the municipal building in the municipality that your marriage ceremony will take place.

A local Registrar will not issue a marriage license sooner than 72 hours after the application for a license has been made, unless ordered to do so via a Superior Court order.

If the ceremony is scheduled for a Saturday or Sunday, the application should be made no later than the preceding Tuesday.  If the application is made on a Wednesday or Thursday, the 72 hours will end on Saturday or Sunday, but the Registrar will probably not be available on those days or any public holiday.

If both parties are unavailable to complete the application 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 (who must be at least 18 years old) to complete his/her part of the application.

The application must be completed by both parties before the license will be issued. The application is valid for six months from the date filed. Once the license is issued, it is good for 30 days from the date of issuance.

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You'll need an intended ceremony date, the name, and address of your officiant, the marriage license application form. These details and forms will be provided to you by South Jersey Officiants once a reservation is in place.

In addition, you'll need:

• Proof of your identity by presenting your driver’s license, passport, or state/federal ID. We suggest bringing your birth certificate as well.

• Proof of your residency. Bring a recent tax bill, bank statement, utility bill, or paystub showing your current address.

• Your social security card or social security number.

• A witness, 18 years of age or older.

• $28 application fee.

• If you are divorced, you will need the name of your most recent spouse, along with the date of marriage and the date of divorce. A marriage decree is not required but it is helpful to have anyway.

• If you are widowed, you will need the name of your most recent spouse, along with the date of marriage and the date that he/she passed away. A death certificate is not required but it is helpful to have anyway.

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As soon as your officiant arrives for your event, he/she will ask you for your marriage license. After the ceremony, the officiant will sign your license along with the witnesses required.

Your officiant is responsible for filing your license in the municipality that the ceremony took place.

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After the wedding, South Jersey Wedding Pros will provide you with detailed information regarding your completed marriage license, how to obtain a certified marriage certificate, along with a guide on the name change process.