PLEASE READ THE INFORMATION BELOW CAREFULLY! ASK US IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS!
PLEASE NOTE:
ALL STATES REQUIRE THAT A COUPLE OBTAINS A VALID MARRIAGE LICENSE
BEFORE THEIR CEREMONY DAY.
YOU MUST HAVE A VALID MARRIAGE LICENSE ISSUED BY THE STATE WHERE THE MARRIAGE
CEREMONY WILL TAKE PLACE---FOR INSTANCE, YOU CANNOT USE A PENNSYLVANIA LICENSE FOR A CEREMONY IN NEW JERSEY.
Also, in all states, you will need legal proof when applying for a license that any previous marriages have legally ended by divorce or death.
2hearts 2gether 4ever will gladly counsel prospective couples on the requirements for a marriage license in NJ, PA, DE or MD, including the steps necessary for acquiring a marriage license, upon request. However, most couples getting married in New Jersey will find the general information below will give them a head start in answering most questions they have regarding the process. It will even direct you to a NJ marriage license application form that can be printed and completed by the couple before going to a registrar. If you plan on having 2hearts 2gether 4ever perform your marriage ceremony, he will provide you with the necessary information you will need to complete your license application. Information for acquiring a marriage license in other states is also found below.
Marriage licenses for weddings in New Jersey are obtained by the bride and groom visiting the Registrar of Vital Statistics in the New Jersey town/borough/township where either party resides. If one of the parties is not a New Jersey resident, the license can be obtained from the Registrar in the NJ resident's hometown. In either of those cases, the wedding may then be performed in any town in New Jersey. If, however, BOTH the bride and groom reside outside of New Jersey, the license MUST be obtained from the New Jersey town where the wedding will take place. Be sure to take an adult (minimum age 18) witness who knows both of you when you go to apply for the license (both residents and non-residents). You will need proper photo identification (driver's license, passport, or government ID) and other personal information. You will also need to supply the registrar with the details of your wedding--date, location, time, and contact information for the person performing your marriage. Any person who has been previously married must also provide proof (divorce decree, death certificate, etc.) to the registrar of that marriage being legally dissolved. You can get detailed information on applying for a NJ license, including a printable application you can complete and take to the registrar by clicking here.
Application for a marriage license may be made up to six months in advance of the wedding day (check with appropriate local registrar to confirm exact dates regarding your wedding ceremony)---such an advance application is often useful for couples who do not live in NJ and may have difficulty scheduling a visit to the proper registrar's office just a few weeks before the wedding day. IF NEITHER THE BRIDE OR GROOM ARE NJ RESIDENTS, PLEASE MAKE A POINT OF DISCUSSING THE LICENSE REQUIREMENTS AND PROCEDURES WITH ME DURING OUR INITIAL DISCUSSIONS! In any event (resident or non-resident, there is still a minimum three-day watiing period, and the license cannot be actually issued to you more than 30 days before the ceremony.
It takes 72 hours--3 days, before a license will be issued to you in New Jersey--you will not receive the license on the day you apply--you will need to return to "pick up" the license some time after the 72-hour "waiting period" has passed. (other rules apply for other states...see below or ask us for info). As of this time the total cost of the marriage application is $28 in New Jersey. Here is a website with a directory to local Registrars of Vital Statistics in New Jersey.
Please contact me if you need information or assistance in applying for a DE, PA, or MD marriage license. However, the following link will provide information regarding Delaware marriage licenses, http://www.nccde.org/126/Marriage-Licenses Some general information on obtaining a Pennsylvania marriage license can be found at http://dsf.chesco.org/wills/cwp/view.asp?a=3&q=609227 Most weddings we perform in Maryland are in Cecil County, and info is here: http://mdcourts.gov/clerks/cecil/marriage.html However, don't hesitate to contact me with licensing questions regarding any location in MD, NJ, PA, or DE.
After applying, when you return to pick up the New Jersey marriage license, please inspect it carefully. Anyone can make a mistake, including the registrar's office. Make certain all names and addresses, as well as other identifying info on the license is accurate and spelled correctly. I have received licenses where the names are spelled incorrectly, or where the bride's name is in the "groom" box. Mistakes take much longer to correct after a wedding, so take a few minutes to save a lot of time and aggravation later if there are mistakes. Once you receive the license, it is valid for 30 days (NJ and DE--in PA a license PA is valid for 60 days, and a MD license is valid for 6 MONTHS). Be sure you do not write on it or sign it. The person performing your marriage will complete the license after the ceremony per each state's requirements. YOU MUST PRESENT A VALID MARRIAGE LICENSE TO THE OFFICIANT BEFORE THE CEREMONY TO BE MARRIED--DO NOT LOSE IT OR FORGET TO BRING IT TO THE CEREMONY. You will also need at least two adult witnesses to attend your ceremony and sign your marriage certificate for NJ and DE marriages. Pennsylvania and Maryland marriage licenses require that only the officiant sign the license--a legal ceremony an be performed with just the officiant and the couple. If you will not have two witnesses present for ceremonies in Carneys Point, Pennsville or Penns Grove, NJ, notify 2hearts 2gether 4ever in advance. We can usually arrange to have witnesses present without any extra cost to you for "local" ceremonies.
2hearts 2gether 4ever will see that your marriage license will be officially filed with the proper office/registrar after the ceremony. You will receive a ceremonial copy of your license following the ceremony. However, you will need a certified copy of your license for numerous legal matters following marriage. 2hearts 2gether 4ever will provide you with step-by-step information on how to contact the proper registrar and request a certified copy of your marriage license depending on the state where you celebrate your marriage .
2hearts 2gether 4ever will be pleased to answer any questions you have about obtaining a license, or any other matters pertaining to your wedding. YOU MUST ACQUIRE A LICENSE IN ADVANCE AND PRESENT IT TO YOUR OFFICIANT BEFORE YOUR CEREMONY, SO PLEASE ASK IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS ABOUT HOW TO GET A LICENSE WELL BEFORE YOUR WEDDING DAY!