New Jersey Marriage License Guide (2026)
New Jersey marriage licenses are issued by the MUNICIPAL Registrar of Vital Statistics, not the County Clerk. The fee is a flat $28 statewide, with a 72-hour waiting period between application and issuance, and the license is valid 30 days. Apply in the municipality where either applicant lives, or where the ceremony occurs if neither is a NJ resident.
The one thing to knowThe County Clerk does not issue marriage licenses in New Jersey -- apply with your MUNICIPAL Registrar of Vital Statistics, and expect a 72-hour waiting period.
The process
- Apply at the right municipality
Apply with the Municipal Registrar of Vital Statistics where either applicant lives, or where the ceremony occurs if neither is a NJ resident.
- Bring a witness
Both parties and one witness (18+) appear with photo ID and proof of residency.
- Wait 72 hours
There is a 72-hour waiting period between application and issuance.
- Pay the fee
The fee is a flat $28 statewide.
- Marry within 30 days
The license is valid 30 days.
Marriage license fees by county — all 21 New Jersey counties
The County Clerk does not issue marriage licenses in New Jersey; the fee shown is the statewide $28 charged by your municipal registrar.
| County | Where to apply |
|---|---|
| Atlantic County | $28 · municipal/town clerk |
| Bergen County | $28 · municipal/town clerk |
| Burlington County | $28 · municipal/town clerk |
| Camden County | $28 · municipal/town clerk |
| Cape May County | $28 · municipal/town clerk |
| Cumberland County | $28 · municipal/town clerk |
| Essex County | $28 · municipal/town clerk |
| Gloucester County | $28 · municipal/town clerk |
| Hudson County | $28 · municipal/town clerk |
| Hunterdon County | $28 · municipal/town clerk |
| Mercer County | $28 · municipal/town clerk |
| Middlesex County | $28 · municipal/town clerk |
| Monmouth County | $28 · municipal/town clerk |
| Morris County | $28 · municipal/town clerk |
| Ocean County | $28 · municipal/town clerk |
| Passaic County | $28 · municipal/town clerk |
| Salem County | $28 · municipal/town clerk |
| Somerset County | $28 · municipal/town clerk |
| Sussex County | $28 · municipal/town clerk |
| Union County | $28 · municipal/town clerk |
| Warren County | $28 · municipal/town clerk |
New Jersey-specific details
Marriage licenses are issued by the MUNICIPAL Registrar of Vital Statistics -- not the County Clerk. Apply where either applicant lives, or where the ceremony occurs if neither applicant is a NJ resident.
What to bring
- Both parties, in person
- One witness age 18 or older
- Photo ID for each party
- Proof of residency
- The $28 fee
Frequently asked questions
Who issues marriage licenses in New Jersey?
The MUNICIPAL Registrar of Vital Statistics, not the County Clerk.
How much does it cost?
A flat $28 statewide.
Is there a waiting period?
Yes. There is a 72-hour waiting period between application and issuance.
Where do we apply?
In the municipality where either applicant lives, or where the ceremony occurs if neither is a NJ resident.
How long is the license valid?
30 days.
Do we need a witness?
Yes. Both parties and one witness (18+) appear with photo ID and proof of residency.