*** Please Note: Marriage license requirements are subject to change. Always verify the current requirements with the municipality, city clerk, or county office where you will be applying for your marriage license before making wedding plans. 

Marriage License Information (New Jersey, New York & Pennsylvania)

Getting legally married is a straightforward process, but there are a few important steps to complete before your wedding day. While I strive to keep this information current, marriage license requirements can change, so I always recommend confirming the details with your local clerk or county office before applying.

Most of the ceremonies I officiate take place in New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania. Here's what you need to know.

Step 1: Apply for Your Marriage License

The couple must apply for the marriage license together. As your officiant, I cannot apply for or obtain the marriage license on your behalf.

When you apply, you will typically need:

• A completed marriage license application

• Valid government-issued photo identification

• Any additional documentation required by your local office

• Applicable fees

Many offices require appointments, so be sure to contact the appropriate office before visiting.

If You're Getting Married in New Jersey

• New Jersey residents: Apply in the municipality where either partner resides. If you live in different municipalities, you may choose either one.

• Out-of-state residents: Apply in the municipality where your wedding ceremony will take place.

Waiting Period: New Jersey requires a mandatory 72-hour waiting period after you apply before your marriage license can be issued.

Witnesses: Two witnesses are required to sign the marriage license after the ceremony.

License Return: The completed license must be returned to the municipality where the ceremony took place within 5 days.

If You're Getting Married in New York

Regardless of where you live, you must obtain your marriage license from a city or town clerk in New York State before your ceremony. A New York marriage license may be used anywhere within New York State.

Waiting Period: New York requires a 24-hour waiting period after the license is issued before the ceremony may take place, unless a judicial waiver is granted.

Validity: Your marriage license is valid for 60 days from the date it is issued (180 days for active military personnel).

Witnesses: One witness is required for the ceremony. The witness must be at least 18 years old.

License Return: After the ceremony, I will complete and sign the marriage license and ensure it is returned to the issuing clerk's office for filing.

If You're Getting Married in Pennsylvania

• Pennsylvania residents: Apply in the county where either partner resides. If you live in different counties, you may choose either one.

• Out-of-state residents: Apply in the county where your ceremony will take place.

Waiting Period: Pennsylvania requires a mandatory 72-hour waiting period before your marriage license can be issued.

Witnesses: For a standard Pennsylvania marriage license, no additional witnesses are required beyond the officiant.

License Return: The completed marriage certificate must be returned to the county where the ceremony took place within 10 days.

Ordering Certified Marriage Certificates

Once your marriage has been officially recorded, you'll need to request certified copies directly from the office that issued your marriage license.

• New Jersey: Request certified copies from the municipality where your license was filed.

• New York: Request certified copies from the city or town clerk that issued your marriage license.

• Pennsylvania: Request certified copies from the county Register of Wills or Marriage License Office that issued your marriage license.

As your officiant, I am not permitted to obtain certified copies on your behalf.

I recommend ordering at least two certified copies, as you'll likely need them for changing your name, updating your driver's license or passport, banking, insurance, Social Security records, and other legal documents.

Helpful Reminder

Please plan ahead! Marriage licenses cannot be issued on your wedding day, and each state has its own waiting periods and expiration dates. Applying several weeks before your ceremony helps ensure everything is in place well before you say, "I do."

If you have questions about the marriage license process, I'm always happy to help point you in the right direction. While I can't obtain the license for you, I'll gladly answer questions and help make sure you're fully prepared for your wedding day.