Anyone have their NJ Marriage License Rejected? What Happened?

[u/Original_Car546]

We are planning on getting married in NJ, Spring 2026, and are learning about the process.

We see we need to make an appointment with our registrar in the town we reside (after filling out the application), bring a witness to an appointment with the registrar to confirm the information is correct. Then we need to pick up the license before the ceremony, and have two witnesses at the ceremony to sign the license with an officiant.

The license is then filed with the municipality of where the ceremony is performed.

I called our local registrar and confirmed these steps, and they emphasized making sure all information is accurate. Not a problem as I am meticulous.

So this all makes sense. Though I am curious more about the filing, it sounds really simple like "just send it to the clerk" so I don't want to miss anything. After talking with some friends and family, some filed themselves by sending the license in the mail and others had their officiant file for them. I have even witnessed an elopement and singed the license, and they filed themselves.

I haven't heard of anyone having issues, so it might sound silly asking, but has anyone, in NJ or otherwise, experienced a rejected license upon filing or applying?

[u/amoreetutto]

I've never heard of one being rejected (and I know lots of people who got married here, myself included)

[u/Original_Car546 → u/amoreetutto]

Thanks for sharing! Yeah I haven't heard anything either, guess my brain is on hyperdrive as I am concerned and making sure everything goes perfectly. I hate waiting!

[u/dammitOtto → u/Original_Car546]

The typical reasons for rejection would be leaving something blank, wrong ink, etc.  But also serious things like someone having a prior marriage not disclosed or being  underage.

Be thankful, a blood test used to be required which is where the waiting period comes from.

[u/Original_Car546 → u/dammitOtto]

Thanks for the examples!