Who can issue a marriage license if neither party is a resident of New Jersey?

Full question:

We are residents of Maryland. We are planning our wedding in Livingston, New Jersey. Where do we have to go, and who do we have to talk to, to get our marriage license?

  • Category: Marriage
  • Subcategory: License
  • Date:
  • State: New Jersey

Answer:

In New Jersey, a marriage license is issued by the licensing officer in the municipality where either person lives. If neither person is a resident of the state, the marriage license is issued by the licensing officer in the municipality where the proposed marriage will be performed. The legal authority here is N.J. Stat. § 37:1-3 which reads:
 
“The marriage or civil union license shall be issued by the licensing officer in the municipality in which either party resides or, if neither party is a resident of the State, in the municipality in which the proposed marriage or civil union is to be performed.”

Here, since both of you are non-residents of New Jersey, in order to get your marriage license, you can approach the licensing officer in Livingston as you are planning to solemnize the marriage in Livingston.

This content is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Legal statutes mentioned reflect the law at the time the content was written and may no longer be current. Always verify the latest version of the law before relying on it.

FAQs

To get married in South Dakota, both parties must appear in person at a county register of deeds office. You will need to provide valid identification, such as a driver's license or passport. There is no waiting period, and the marriage license is valid for 90 days. If either party has been previously married, you may need to provide the date of the divorce or death of the former spouse. Always check with the local office for any additional requirements.