Marriage License Requirements in New Jersey
New Jersey has no single county clerk issuing marriage licenses — state law assigns this to the registrar of the municipality where an applicant lives, or, if neither party is a New Jersey resident, the municipality where the ceremony will take place. Requirements below apply statewide; the license fee is set by state law and is the same in every municipality.
| Minimum age to marry | 18, with no exceptions. |
|---|---|
| Waiting period | 72 hours from the time the application is submitted (weekends count); a Superior Court judge may waive this for good cause. |
| License validity | The application is valid for 6 months before a license is issued (extendable to 12 months with registrar approval); once issued, the license itself must be used within 30 days. |
| Blood test required | No |
| Documents you’ll need | Valid photo ID for both applicants. |
What a New Jersey marriage license costs
Unlike almost every other state, New Jersey’s fee is set entirely by state law, not by the municipality — it’s a uniform $28 everywhere, confirmed identically across the three municipalities we’ve researched so far.
Counties we cover in New Jersey
Requirements above are set by New Jersey state law and apply the same way statewide. Because licensing is handled by municipal registrars rather than a county office, always confirm which local registrar covers your address before applying.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a New Jersey marriage license cost?
$28 everywhere in the state — unlike most states, New Jersey’s fee is set by state law rather than left to the local office, so it doesn’t vary by municipality.
Which office do we apply at in New Jersey?
New Jersey has no county clerk for marriage licenses at all. You apply at the registrar of the municipality where you (or your partner) live, or, if neither of you is a New Jersey resident, the municipality where the ceremony will take place.
Can New Jersey’s 72-hour waiting period be waived?
Yes, a Superior Court judge can waive it for good cause, but it’s not automatic — there’s no premarital-course option like some other states offer.
Is a blood test required to get married in New Jersey?
No. New Jersey does not require a blood test or medical exam.
See how New Jersey’s fees compare to other states → Getting married in a different county than you live in →