What Are New Jersey Marriage Records?

Marriage records in New Jersey are official documents that provide proof of a union between two individuals. The practice of maintaining these records began in 1848 at the statewide level. Per the New Jersey Revised Statutes (NJRS) Title 26 Section 26:8-4, state authorities maintain these records in physical, electronic facsimile, or digitized form.

The most common types of marriage records include marriage certificates and licenses.

A marriage license permits a couple to marry and is typically obtained before the wedding ceremony. It includes essential details such as the individuals' names, ages, and the date of application.

Meanwhile, a marriage certificate serves as proof that a marriage has occurred. Issued after the wedding, this document contains similar information to the marriage license but is often more formal and can include additional details like the officiant's name.

These documents legally verify marital status, which is necessary for inheritance issues, insurance claims, Social Security benefits, name changes, or when applying for specific licenses. For genealogists and historians, marriage records outline relevant information about family lineage and social history.

Are Marriage Certificates Public Records?

Marriage records, including certificates, are generally regarded as public records. However, access can be restricted in certain circumstances, and certain sensitive information, such as Social Security numbers (SSNs), can be redacted.

This is outlined in the New Jersey Open Public Records Act (OPRA), which governs public access to government records.

The public can request copies of marriage records, but complete details are usually not disclosed. Only those individuals whose names appear on the marriage certificate or their legal representatives can obtain the official copy of the document.

When accessing marriage certificates, the following information is generally available:

• Birth dates for both parties
• Date and place of marriage
• Full names of parents
• Names of both spouses
• Names of witnesses

How To Look Up Marriage Records in New Jersey?

Individuals must contact various government agencies to search for marriage records in New Jersey. One is the Office of Vital Statistics and Registry (OVSR), which maintains records from 1950 onwards.

Local vital records offices, such as those in the City of Bridgeton and Burlington Township, hold records from 1947 onwards.

Depending on the relevant agency, records can be requested in person, by mail, or online. Fees may apply for each request, and the amount can vary based on the method of request and the agency handling the search.

How To Search Marriage Certificates?

Knowing the difference between a certified copy and an informational copy of a New Jersey marriage certificate is important for individuals seeking these documents for various purposes.

A certified marriage certificate copy is the official version of the document, which is generally valid for legal use, such as name changes or applying for benefits in the state. Only authorized individuals, including the parties named on the certificate and their close relatives, can request this type.

Meanwhile, an informational copy is a non-official copy that cannot be used for personal matters. It can typically be requested by anyone without restrictions.

Here are the different methods for obtaining certified copies of marriage certificates in the state:

In-Person

Individuals can search for marriage certificates by visiting the OVSR and the local registrar's office where the marriage occurred.

First, one must identify the correct office holding the required marriage documentation. Secondly, they must bring a valid government-issued ID and any necessary documents to prove their relationship to the individuals named on the record.

A $20 payment is typically required for the first certified copy, with an additional $5 for each extra copy purchased simultaneously. Accepted payment methods include cash or money orders, excluding personal checks.

Online

Interested parties can also search for marriage certificates from anywhere with an internet connection. The state provides the New Jersey State Archives, which allows residents to search the online database for marriage records dating from 1848 to 1900. This database can be accessed to look up marriage information by entering relevant details and paying nominal fees.

Another popular online option is VitalChek. This website is an authorized vendor endorsed by the OVSR to provide marriage record copies from 1931.

To obtain a copy, visit the VitalChek platform, complete the online form, and pay a $25 fee for the first copy, $2 for each additional copy, and an additional vendor fee. After payment, follow the submission process as instructed on the website.

In addition to VitalChek, certified copies of marriage certificates from the past 40 years can be requested through the Vital Records Online Service. To make a request, individuals must have:

• Driver's license
• Credit card
• Two forms of alternate ID
• Proof of a change of name and/or address, if applicable
• Proof of relationship with the individuals named in the certificate

The first copy costs $25, and an additional $2 fee for each extra copy of the same record. Other expenses include a $5 processing fee and a non-refundable $5 identity verification fee.

Processing time varies and is not guaranteed, depending on the number of requests received. Available shipping options include USPS First Class and UPS Next Day Air.

By Mail

Individuals can forward their mail-in requests to the local vital records office where the marriage occurred. The request must include the requester's details, such as name, address, and phone number, along with the names of the individuals on the record, the date of marriage, and the requester's relationship with them.

Additionally, the requester must include a photocopy of their ID and a check or money order for the applicable fee, usually around $20 to $25, depending on the office. A self-addressed stamped envelope should also be provided.

One can also send their requests by mail to:

How To Search Marriage Licenses?

In New Jersey, marriage licenses are primarily maintained by local registrars in the municipalities where the marriage took place, such as the City of New Brunswick, Woodbury City, and Cherry Hill Township. To search for and obtain a copy of a marriage license in the state through local registrars, follow these steps:

• Determine the eligibility of the requesting individual.
• Present valid identification.
• Gather the required information, such as the full names of both parties, the date of marriage, and the place of marriage.
• Complete and submit the application form found in the relevant local vital records office, either by mail or in person.
• Pay the applicable fee, which ranges from $20 to $28 for the first copy and $5 to $15 for each additional copy.

One can also tap the OVSR to acquire copies of marriage licenses dating from 1918.

How To Search Marriage Records Online?

In addition to the official online resources provided by the OSVR, local vital records offices, and the New Jersey State Archives, individuals can explore several non-governmental resources to search for New Jersey marriage records. The online options listed below allow users to access relevant marriage information without needing certified copies.

FamilySearch

FamilySearch offers an extensive collection of marriage records, including indexes and images of civil county marriage records for many New Jersey counties. Users can search for marriage records from before 1848 to the present for free.

Reclaim The Records

This organization offers the New Jersey Marriage Index for 1901 to 2016, which is available online for public access. The index serves as a valuable resource for genealogical research.

RecordsFinder

RecordsFinder is a commercial record retrieval service that allows users to search for marriage records across various jurisdictions, including New Jersey. While it may not provide certified copies, it can help locate relevant marriage information.

While these online resources may not provide certified copies, they can help confirm whether a marriage occurred and gather related details such as names, dates, and locations.

When Can You Access Confidential Marriage Records?

Confidential marriages are a type of union that provides additional privacy by restricting public access to certain marriage details. Couples may choose this option for various reasons, including confidentiality, avoiding witnesses, or protecting from disclosure.

If one seeks information about a specific marriage with unique privacy concerns or restrictions, a court order is typically required to access confidential records.

In New Jersey, however, confidential marriages are not recognized. The state does not permit couples to obtain a confidential marriage license, meaning all marriages are recorded as public documents.

Nonetheless, access may be restricted under certain circumstances, such as protecting minors, safeguarding adoption-related records, or complying with court-ordered seals in cases of domestic violence.

In these situations, records can only be accessed by authorized individuals, such as the parties named in the records, their legal representatives, or others with a court order granting permission.

How Do You Apply for a Marriage License?

To apply for a marriage license in New Jersey, applicants must fulfill the requirements specified by the New Jersey Department of Health (DOH) OVSR and local vital records offices. The following is an overview of the details regarding marriage license applications in New Jersey:

• Identification Required:Applicants must provide valid identification, such as a driver's license, passport, or state/federal ID.
• Age Requirements: Both parties must be at least 18 years old to apply for a marriage license. If either party is under 18, they must obtain a court order to marry.
• Residency Requirement: Couples must apply for a marriage license in either party's municipality. If neither applicant is a New Jersey resident, they should apply in the municipality where the marriage ceremony will occur.
• License Validity:A New Jersey marriage license application is valid for six months, extendable to one year with approval. Only one license is issued per application. Expired licenses require reapplication and a $28 fee.
• Waiting Periods: Once the application is filed with the local registrar, there is a 72-hour waiting period before the marriage license is issued.
• Officiants and Witnesses: In New Jersey, a marriage ceremony requires at least one witness who is 18 or older. The officiant can be a religious leader or a civil official authorized to perform marriages.
• Blood Test Requirement: New Jersey does not require blood tests for marriage licenses.
• Proxy Marriage Allowability: Proxy marriages are not permitted in New Jersey. Both parties must be present when applying for the marriage license and during the ceremony.

How Do I Correct a Mistake on My Marriage Certificate?

Errors in filling out marriage certificate applications are relatively common in New Jersey. These mistakes can include:

• Misspelled names
• Incorrect dates
• Misstatement of gender
• Inaccurate details about the place of marriage

As stated in the "Correcting a Vital Record" section of the DOH website, one can request corrections by following the steps below:

• Identify the Error: Review the marriage certificate to pinpoint any discrepancies.
• Gather the Supporting Documentation: In New Jersey, acceptable documentation includes church records of marriage or newspaper announcements, especially when correcting names, dates, or locations. Birth certificates, court orders, and other vital records that support the correction request are also acceptable.
• Complete the Amendment Application Form: Fill out the Application to Amend a New Jersey Vital Record (REG-15) form.
• Submit the Application: Mail the completed REG-15, along with the required documentation and payment for processing fees, to the address provided in the form. The correction cost is around $20, but it can vary based on specific circumstances.
• Wait for the Document to Be Processed: After submission, depending on the number of pending requests, there may be a waiting period while the application is being processed.
• Receive the Amended Certificate: Once the amendment is approved, individuals will receive an amended marriage certificate reflecting the corrected information. Certified copies of the amended record can also be obtained for an additional fee if requested.

Are Marriage Records Under the New Jersey Address Confidentiality Program (ACP) Accessible?

The New Jersey Address Confidentiality Program (ACP) is designed to protect the addresses of individuals who are victims of domestic violence, stalking, sexual assault, and reproductive health patients and providers.

Residents of New Jersey who participate in the ACP can use the program to create a confidential marriage record. By enrolling in the ACP, they receive a legal substitute address, which can be used when applying for a marriage license.

Marriage records created under the ACP are not accessible to the public. The actual addresses of program participants are kept confidential and only available to designated officials involved in the program's operation and law enforcement for legitimate purposes.

New Jersey Marriage Statistics Trends

Recent statistics reveal that 53% of adults in the U.S. aged 18 and older are currently married, a decrease from 58% in 1995. Meanwhile, the cohabitation rate has risen, with 7% of Americans now living with a partner, compared to just 3% almost three decades ago.

Marriage trends in New Jersey differ from the national averages. The following table highlights key marriage statistics for the state:

Related Articles

What Different Types of Marriages Are There? 

What Is Civil Marriage: Pros and Cons