Certified Marriage Certificates In New Jersey
What happens after you get married, how your New Jersey wedding officiant can help you obtain certified copies and when same-day processing may be available.
MARRIAGE LICENSE VS. MARRIAGE CERTIFICATE
They are not the same thing.
MARRIAGE LICENSE
The legal document you obtain before you get married. It gives you authorization to marry and must be properly completed after the marriage takes place.
CERTIFIED MARRIAGE CERTIFICATE
The official certified record of your marriage that becomes available after you are legally married and the completed marriage license has been filed with the registrar.
License first.
Marriage second.
Certified Marriage Certificate after.
MARRIED TODAY. CERTIFICATE TODAY.
As a Certified Municipal Registrar, I may be able to personally facilitate the filing of your completed marriage license for qualifying weekday marriages, so you can obtain your Certified Marriage Certificate the same day.
Same-day processing depends on the marriage taking place during the appropriate registrar's business hours and the registrar being available to process the record.
WEEKDAYS ONLY
Registrar hours vary by municipality. During the summer, many New Jersey municipal offices have shortened Friday hours and may close around noon.
NO ADDITIONAL FEE FROM ME
There is no additional fee from me for same-day processing. You are responsible only for the municipality's fee for your certified copies.
GET TWO COPIES
I recommend ordering at least two Certified Marriage Certificates so you have an additional certified copy available when needed. You may order additional copies if you wish.
Same-day availability is subject to municipal hours, requirements, availability and office closures.
NEED TO GET MARRIED QUICKLY?
Last-Minute Marriages May Be Possible.
Sometimes couples need to get legally married quickly because of immigration, pregnancy, insurance, benefits, travel, military obligations, real estate or other time-sensitive circumstances.
I can often adjust my own schedule to accommodate a last-minute marriage. The timing, however, depends on two important factors:
THE REGISTRAR
The appropriate municipality must be able to accommodate your marriage license application and processing.
THE 72-HOUR WAITING PERIOD
New Jersey generally requires the marriage license to mature for 72 hours after the application is filed before the marriage can take place.
If timing is important, contact me as soon as possible. Once I understand your circumstances, I can help you determine what may be possible.
WHY WOULD I NEED A CERTIFIED MARRIAGE CERTIFICATE?
Your Certified Marriage Certificate may be required when you need official proof of your marriage.
NAME CHANGE
You may need a certified copy when changing your name with government agencies, financial institutions and other organizations.
IMMIGRATION
A Certified Marriage Certificate may be required as official proof of marriage for immigration and visa-related matters.
HEALTH INSURANCE & BENEFITS
Employers, insurance providers and benefit administrators may require proof of marriage when adding a spouse or updating benefits.
LEGAL & FINANCIAL MATTERS
Providing proof of marriage when required for financial, legal or property-related matters.
HOW THE PROCESS WORKS
From Marriage License to Certified Certificate
01. GET YOUR MARRIAGE LICENSE
Once your officiant is booked, apply for your New Jersey Marriage License with the appropriate Local Registrar and allow for the required waiting period.
02. GET LEGALLY MARRIED
Your marriage is solemnized and the marriage license is properly completed.
03. THE LICENSE IS FILED
The completed marriage license is returned to the appropriate registrar so your marriage can be officially recorded.
04. ORDER YOUR CERTIFIED COPIES
Once your marriage has been recorded, certified copies can be obtained from the appropriate registrar.
For qualifying weekday marriages, I may be able to facilitate this process so you can obtain your Certified Marriage Certificate the same day.
Book Your Wedding Officiant First
Before applying for your New Jersey Marriage License, you must have a wedding officiant booked.
My name and Weddings By Aretha may only be provided to a Registrar after you have officially booked my services.
HOW MANY CERTIFIED COPIES SHOULD WE GET?
I Recommend At Least Two.
You may order as many certified copies as you need, but I generally recommend obtaining at least two Certified Marriage Certificates.
Having an additional certified copy available can be helpful if you need your certificate for more than one legal, financial or administrative matter.
Certificate fees are paid directly to the municipality and vary by registrar.
CHANGING YOUR NAME AFTER MARRIAGE?
Your Certified Marriage Certificate is the starting point.
If you choose to change your last name after getting married, the change is not completed by the Registrar's Office when your marriage is recorded.
You must first be legally married and receive your Certified Marriage Certificate. You can then use the certified certificate as documentation when updating your name with the appropriate government agencies, financial institutions and other organizations.
The process may include updating your name with Social Security, the Motor Vehicle Commission, your passport, employer, banks, insurance providers and other accounts or records.
Helpful Name Change Resources
For additional guidance on the name change process:
Please Note
Information provided by Weddings By Aretha is for general informational purposes only and is not intended to constitute legal advice.
Requirements and procedures may vary based on individual circumstances. Please consult the appropriate government agency or a qualified legal professional regarding your specific situation.
NEED ANOTHER COPY OF YOUR MARRIAGE CERTIFICATE?
Additional Copies Are Easy to Obtain.
If you are already married and need another Certified Marriage Certificate, you can request additional copies from the Local Registrar or vital records office that maintains your marriage record.
Either spouse can request certified copies and you may order as many as you need. A fee applies for each copy and is paid directly to the issuing office.
Once your completed Marriage License has been filed, obtaining certified copies is your responsibility.
As your wedding officiant, I do not order or pick up Certified Marriage Certificates on your behalf.
If you used my Same-Day Certified Marriage Certificate Service, I remain with you through the process so you can receive your certified copies directly from the Registrar that day.
Not Sure Which Registrar to Contact?
Use the State of New Jersey's directory to locate the appropriate Local Registrar.
ALREADY MARRIED?
But Planning A Wedding?
If you're already legally married and would like me to perform a larger ceremony for your family and friends, you will need to provide your Certified Marriage Certificate before the ceremony.
From there, we can create a beautiful wedding ceremony and celebration that feels every bit as meaningful and special as the day you've envisioned.
FAQs
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It is the official certified record showing that your marriage has been legally registered. It is different from the marriage license you obtain before getting married.
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For qualifying weekday marriages, same-day processing may be available. It depends on the marriage location, registrar hours, municipal requirements and the registrar's availability.
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No. I do not charge an additional fee for facilitating same-day processing. You are responsible for the municipality's fee for your Certified Marriage Certificate.
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I recommend obtaining at least two certified copies. You may order additional copies if needed.
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Possibly. I can often adjust my schedule for last-minute marriages, but timing also depends on the Local Registrar and New Jersey's required waiting period.
Complete my Inquiry Form as soon as possible so I can determine how I may be able to help.
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Yes. As a wedding officiant, I can still perform a beautiful wedding ceremony for you and your guests, even if you're already legally married.
You will need to provide your Certified Marriage Certificate beforehand so I can verify that your legal marriage has already taken place.
