
New Jersey Wedding Laws
Drafted and last reviewed for accuracy by the New Jersey marriage law team at the Universal Life Church Ministries on
The Garden State is considered one of the more densely populated states. With so many people per square mile, it makes sense that certain details surrounding marriage laws can get lost in the crowd. The Universal Life Church Ministries has put together this in-depth guide to help make planning a wedding far easier to tackle.
New Jersey Marriage Requirements
The basic rules for marriage in New Jersey are quite straightforward. Two people under the age of 18 cannot wed there under any circumstances. Additionally, New Jersey does not allow for marriage between any dependents or ancestors, as well as siblings and any relative who is considered whole or half-blood kin. However, marriage between first cousins can be sanctioned in the state. Both federal and state laws allow same-sex couples to be married within New Jersey.
Non-residents are also allowed to wed in the state, but there are certain restrictions. The couple must go to a specific town/municipal area to obtain the license and can only go back to that town/municipal registrar to submit completed paperwork and other required documentation.
How to Get a New Jersey Marriage License
Obtaining a marriage license in New Jersey requires following a few simple steps. The couple must pick up an application for a marriage license and appear before the town/municipal clerk. As with most license applications, both members of the couple will need to show photo identification in order to verify all data on the paperwork. The application fee is currently $28 in New Jersey. When the license is released, the couple must bring along a witness. The couple will then bring the document to the wedding, where it will require additional signatures.
Applying For a Marriage License in New Jersey
There are some interesting facts that set New Jersey laws apart from other states. For one, the ceremony cannot take place for at least 72 hours after the license is obtained by the couple. It is possible to waive this waiting period, but special permission is required from the Superior Court. The officiant or couple must deliver the completed license back to the registrar within 30 days of the application’s approval and five days from the wedding itself.
How to Become a Wedding Officiant in New Jersey
In New Jersey, ministers who are ordained through the Universal Life Church Ministries are considered members of the clergy. This allows ULC ministers to officiate a wedding regardless of gender or religious background. Couples often opt for this because it allows them the chance to bring a close friend or family member into the ceremony in an active way. Though not always required, a minister of the ULC may be asked to produce specific documentation in order to prove his or her status within the church.
The ULC offers a Classic Wedding Package to ministers who may need to show official documents to a registrar. All of the required paperwork is included, which will make your life a lot easier when asked to show your credentials.
Getting Married in New Jersey
There are few requirements placed on the couple in terms of how the ceremony must go. The couple is free to follow whatever whims they wish and create an event that perfectly reflects their love and religious beliefs. However, it is mandatory in New Jersey that both members of the couple be physically present for the event. In addition, there must be a formal declaration of consent before the officiant and witnesses. Typically, this is covered in the ceremony itself. Still, it is important to include this declaration in some fashion if you forego tradition.
Finalizing the Union
The last steps involved in a wedding ceremony revolve around the officiant. It is the responsibility of the minister to fill out and look over the marriage license. Should there be a blank spot where the couple was supposed to sign or if a witness left the event before a signature was obtained, the officiant must contact the parties to have the document completed in a correct fashion. The minister is also required to fill out the form with his or her own personal information. This will include a name, address, and a few other minor details.
Understanding what will be expected of you when officiating a wedding in New Jersey is quite important. Before you can help two people you care about tie the knot, give yourself time to refresh yourself on all the basics. The Universal Life Church Ministries has made it easy for you to find the answers to any lingering questions you might have. Simply explore the resources and feel confident in your approach.
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