A: Getting Married in New Jersey? Please visit the State of New Jersey Department of Health website for all of the details on how to obtain a Marriage License in the State of New Jersey.
FAQs
Q: How do we obtain a Marriage License?
Q: What should we do with the Marriage License once we receive it?
A: Please remember to bring your Marriage License to the ceremony! Also, please do not write on it or alter it.
Q: How do I obtain a copy of my marriage certificate?
A: The New Jersey license comes with 4 copies – one for the county, one for the state, one for the married couple, and one for me, the officiant. Following the ceremony I will sign your Marriage License, give you the pink copy and retain the blue copy for my permanent record. Within 5 business days of your ceremony, I will send the original and one copy of the Marriage License to the town clerk where your ceremony was performed.
Q: Is it necessary for us to meet with you in person prior to our wedding?
A: I strongly recommend that we meet in person prior to your wedding to go over the details of your ceremony. However, the in-person meeting is not a requirement, as questions and concerns can be handled via phone and email. I will do my best to accommodate your busy schedules and assist you in any way possible.
Q: May we write our own vows?
A: Of course you may write your own vows! Additionally, you can elect to either speak your own vows or repeat your vows after I recite them. If you elect to speak on your own vows, then I suggest that each of you write down your vows on 1 or 2 – 3×5 index cards. Then have your Maid of Honor / Best Man hold the index cards and hand them to you during the vows portion of the ceremony.
Q: Do you attend the rehearsals?
A: I typically do not attend the rehearsal. As a good friend of mine is quick to say, “The Minister is just a fence post at rehearsals.” The coordinator is the person that walks everyone through the ceremony process, indicating exactly where the Minister will stand. If it is important for you that I attend the rehearsal, then please call me to discuss the details.
Q: When will you arrive to our ceremony?
A: I typically arrive 45 minutes before the ceremony to go over any additional details and to complete/sign the Marriage License.
Q: What is a Unity Candle?
A: A Unity Candle consists of one large pedestal candle that sits in between two smaller taper candles. During the ceremony the Mothers of the Bride and Groom, or any other loved ones will light the two taper candles signifying your current family. You and your fiancé will take the taper candles and light the pedestal candle together, signifying your new family. The ceremony can have a religious or non-religious meaning. There are different meanings for the Unity Candles.
Q: What is a Rose Ceremony?
A: A Rose Ceremony is an older tradition where the Bride and Groom, after taking their vows, exchange a single red rose to each other. It symbolizes their first gift to each other as husband and wife as well as an expression of their love for one another. A section can be added to include your mothers each receiving a rose as well.
Q: What is a Sand Ceremony?
A: A Sand Ceremony is a Hawaiian Tradition that can be used in place of a Unity Candle, especially in beach weddings or outdoor weddings where candles are often difficult to use. It holds a similar meaning as the Unity Candle. Two small containers of sand are combined into one large container by the Bride and Groom, unifying the two.
