What Should You Know About Getting Married in New Jersey?

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For newly engaged couples, this is a very exciting time when you’re setting a date and planning your big day. It’s important to know the local laws while preparing to get married so that you do not run into any issues that could put a damper on your big day.

New Jersey has some laws like most states regarding documents you need for applying for a license, rules on residency requirements and fees. There are laws on covenant marriages, vow renewals, domestic partnerships and civil unions. Here is what you should know about getting married in New Jersey.

Where to begin

Contact a local Registrar to verify information and find out exactly what documents and fees they will be expecting when you apply for a marriage license in New Jersey. You’ll want to get this done a month before the wedding. each county will have specific rules and requirements in which you need to talk to a Registrar.

Residency

You don’t have to be a resident of New Jersey to get married. You just apply at the Registrar at the municipal office where the bride resides and if she is not a resident then you can apply at the groom’s town of residence. Two non-residents apply in the town where the ceremony will take place and show proof of residency.

Covenant Marriage

For a covenant marriage, you need a picture ID, certified copies of birth certificates or naturalization certificates or a valid passport. Make sure you know your social security number and the fee is $28+. For minors under 18, you’ll need both parents to give consent in front of two witnesses to get a marriage license. Children under 16 would need judicial approval and is more likely in cases or pregnancy or birth of a child.

Bring documentation if you were previously married to prove the marriage was dissolved through death or divorce.

Renewal of Vows

You can get remarried in New Jersey and you won’t have a waiting period of more than three days. Apply the Tuesday before a weekend wedding.

Domestic Partnership

You’ll have fewer rights in a domestic partnership than you will in a civil union. Just get a domestic partnership from a local registrar of vital statistic in any municipality in New Jersey. Same sex couples over 18 or opposite sex couples 62 years or older may get a domestic partnership. You’ll just need to show proof of residence and joint financial responsibility.

Civil Unions

As of October of 2013, gay couples can marry in New Jersey. As of 2007, they could apply for a civil union. It’s mostly the same benefits as marriage including adoption, medical decision-making, inheritance, health insurance, hospital visitation and the ability to not have to testify against a partner. To do this, bring a witness over 18 when you apply for the license.

These are the rules for getting married in New Jersey.

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