Marriage Licenses
In order to get married in New Jersey, the bride and groom must apply for and obtain a marriage license. In Randolph, marriage licenses are handled by the Registrar of Vital Statistics. This page outlines everything you’ll need to know about applying for a marriage license. If you have further questions, call the Registrar at 973.989.7050.
You would apply for a marriage license in Randolph if…
- either the bride or groom resides in Randolph OR
- neither the bride nor groom is a resident of New Jersey but the marriage ceremony will be performed in Randolph
For your convenience, we have made the Application for a Marriage License available online. To view it, you will need the freely available Adobe Reader software installed on your computer, version 4 or higher. This is a “fillable form” and may be filled out on your computer. Complete instructions are provided on the first page of the application.
You are not required to download and complete the application form in advance of your visit to the Registrar but doing so will make the process that much easier. If you do complete the form in advance, please do not sign the application as it must be signed under oath in the presence of the issuing authority.
Age requirements
Applicants must both be at least 18 years old, with one exception:
- Applicants under 18 may marry if both parents consent to the marriage. The consent must be given under oath in front of two witnesses.
- Both parental consents and judicial approval of such consents are necessary if the applicant is younger than 16.
How much does it cost?
The application fee is $28.00, payable by check, cash or money order.
Who can perform the marriage ceremony?
- any federal, state, municipal judge or magistrate (even if they are retired)
- any county clerk
- any county surrogate
- any mayor or deputy mayor of a town
- the chairman of any township committee
- any religious minister
When should you apply for a marriage license?
Marriage licenses will not be issued sooner than 72 hours after the application has been made, unless ordered to do so via an appropriate court order. If the marriage is scheduled for a Saturday or Sunday, the application should be made no later than the preceding Tuesday. Holidays and weekends are not considered working days, and do not count toward the 72 hour time period.
If the couple wishes to have both a civil and religious ceremony performed on the same day, two licenses will be issued on the basis of a single application but two fees will be collected. If the couple wishes to have two religious ceremonies and wants to have a public record of each, they must apply for only one license, use it, and then return to the Registrar, complete another license application and pay the $28.00 fee. The same application form is used for both licenses; the distinction is made by checking the box at the top of the form indicating the application is for a “Reaffirmation of Marriage” license.
What to bring with you when you come
Both bride and groom must appear in person to apply for the license. You will need to bring copies of your birth certificates, driver’s licenses or passports, know your social security numbers and provide proof of residency such as a driver’s license, lease, tax return, etc.
A witness also at least eighteen (18) years of age who knows both the bride and groom must appear with the applicants and swear to the completeness and accuracy of the answers supplied by the applicants.
If either party has been in a marriage, domestic partnership or civil union before, a copy of a death certificate, divorce decree, dissolution of civil union or termination of domestic partnership must be submitted with the application.
If the bride and groom cannot come in at the same time, either applicant may complete his/her part of the application and start the waiting period. The other applicant must return with the same witness to complete his/her part of the application. The application must be completed by both parties before the license will be issued.
How long is the license valid?
Marriage licenses are valid for thirty days from the date they are issued.
Please call ahead for an appointment.
The Registrar may be reached by calling 973.989.7050.