New Jersey has become a sought-after wedding destination for couples from across the country, offering stunning waterfront venues, picturesque gardens, and convenient access from major metropolitan areas. If you’re considering getting married in the Garden State but don’t live here, you’ll be pleased to know that New Jersey welcomes out-of-state couples with relatively straightforward legal requirements. Understanding the process before you begin planning ensures your destination wedding proceeds smoothly from both legal and logistical perspectives.
Many couples choose New Jersey for weddings because it offers the perfect blend of natural beauty, sophisticated venues, and accessibility for guests traveling from various locations. Whether you’re drawn to the state’s waterfront properties, historic estates, or elegant event spaces, knowing how to navigate marriage requirements as non-residents helps you focus on creating the celebration you’ve envisioned.
Can Out-of-State Couples Get Married in New Jersey?
New Jersey welcomes couples from anywhere in the United States or internationally to obtain marriage licenses and marry within the state. You don’t need to establish residency, own property, or have any connection to New Jersey beyond choosing to celebrate your wedding here. This openness makes the state particularly attractive for destination weddings and couples with ties to multiple locations.
The process for out-of-state couples mirrors what New Jersey residents follow. You’ll apply for your marriage license at a county clerk’s office, wait the required 72 hours, and then have your ceremony performed by a legally authorized officiant. No additional steps, fees, or requirements apply simply because you live elsewhere.
Your New Jersey marriage license will be legally recognized in your home state and throughout the country. Once your marriage is recorded in New Jersey, you can obtain certified copies of your marriage certificate to use for name changes, insurance updates, and other legal purposes back home.
How Do You Obtain a Marriage License as Non-Residents?
Both parties must appear in person at a New Jersey county clerk’s office to apply for your marriage license. You cannot apply by mail, online, or through a representative. This in-person requirement means you’ll need to travel to New Jersey at least once before your wedding day, or arrive early enough to obtain your license before your ceremony.
Choose which county clerk’s office to visit based on convenience rather than where your wedding will occur. Your marriage license is valid throughout New Jersey regardless of which county issues it. Many out-of-state couples select the county where their venue is located for simplicity, but you could visit any of New Jersey’s 21 county clerk’s offices.
Bring valid government-issued photo identification for both parties. Driver’s licenses from your home state work perfectly, as do passports, state ID cards, or military IDs. You’ll also need proof of Social Security numbers through Social Security cards, W-2 forms, or pay stubs showing your full numbers.
If either party was previously married, bring certified copies of divorce decrees or death certificates proving those marriages legally ended. These documents must be originals or certified copies from the issuing jurisdiction, photocopies won’t be accepted. Obtaining these documents from your home state or country before traveling to New Jersey prevents delays during your application.
What Is the Waiting Period and License Validity?
New Jersey requires a 72-hour waiting period between when you receive your marriage license and when you can legally marry. If you pick up your license on Monday at 2:00 PM, your ceremony cannot occur until Thursday at 2:00 PM. This waiting period applies to everyone, including out-of-state couples, with no exceptions unless you obtain a court waiver for extraordinary circumstances.
Your marriage license remains valid for six months after issuance. This generous window gives you flexibility if plans change, though most couples marry within weeks of obtaining their license.
Plan your New Jersey visit strategically around the 72-hour requirement. Many out-of-state couples arrive four to five days before their wedding, obtaining their license shortly after arrival and using the waiting period for final venue visits, rehearsals, and time with traveling guests. This approach ensures you meet the legal requirement without feeling rushed.
Who Can Officiate Your New Jersey Wedding?
New Jersey recognizes various officiants as legally authorized to perform marriages, including active or retired judges, current or former New Jersey mayors, and clergy members ordained by their religious denominations. Your officiant must be legally qualified in New Jersey at the time of your ceremony for your marriage to be valid.
Many wedding venues work with officiants familiar with New Jersey marriage law and experienced in serving out-of-state couples. If you’re bringing your own officiant from your home state, verify they’re authorized to perform marriages in New Jersey.
Your officiant will complete your marriage license after the ceremony, along with you, your partner, and two witnesses who must be at least 18 years old. The officiant then returns the completed license to the county clerk’s office within five days. Most professional officiants handle this automatically, but confirm this will happen since you’ll likely have returned home by then.
How Do You Get Your Marriage Certificate?
Once your completed marriage license is filed with the county clerk’s office, your marriage becomes officially recorded. This typically happens within a week or two after your ceremony, depending on how quickly your officiant returns the paperwork and the county’s processing timeline.
You can request certified copies of your marriage certificate from the county where you obtained your license. Most counties allow requests by mail, making it convenient for out-of-state couples who have returned home. You’ll need to provide identification, your wedding date, both parties’ names, and the appropriate fee, which typically ranges from $10 to $25 per copy.
Order multiple certified copies of your marriage certificate. You’ll need these documents for name changes with Social Security, driver’s license updates, insurance modifications, and other legal purposes. Having several copies prevents delays when you need to submit documentation to multiple agencies simultaneously.
What Practical Considerations Should You Plan For?
Coordinate your travel timeline carefully around the 72-hour waiting period and your ceremony date. Factor in potential travel delays, and don’t schedule your license pickup so close to your ceremony that flight cancellations or other complications could jeopardize your legal marriage. Building buffer time protects against unexpected issues.
Consider weather and seasonal factors when planning your New Jersey wedding. The state experiences all four seasons distinctly, with hot, humid summers and cold, potentially snowy winters. Your venue should have contingency plans for weather, particularly if you’re planning an outdoor celebration.
Provide detailed information about the area to help traveling guests plan their visits. Include recommendations for accommodations at various price points, directions from major airports, and any special considerations about the venue location or New Jersey travel.
Celebrate Your Destination Wedding at Windows on the Water
At Windows on the Water, we’ve welcomed countless out-of-state couples who chose our stunning 86-acre waterfront property in Millstone, New Jersey, for their destination weddings. Our experienced team understands the unique needs of couples planning from a distance and provides comprehensive guidance on everything from obtaining your marriage license to coordinating with local vendors. As winners of the WeddingWire Bride’s Choice award and The Knot Best Of Weddings 2018, we’ve perfected the art of helping destination couples create seamless, beautiful celebrations.
We work closely with you throughout the planning process, offering recommendations for officiants familiar with New Jersey law, coordinating timing around the 72-hour waiting period, and ensuring every detail is handled properly despite the distance. Our central New Jersey location offers easy access from major airports and highways, making travel convenient for you and your guests. Contact us today to discuss your destination wedding plans and discover how we transform out-of-state weddings into unforgettable celebrations where legal requirements are handled smoothly and your focus remains on the joy of your special day.