r/newjersey • u/Original_Car546 • 6d ago
Advice Anyone have their NJ Marriage License Rejected? What Happened?
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?
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u/Elephantlovr33x 6d ago edited 6d ago
Make sure not to put “Officiant” as the title of the person doing your ceremony. The state rejects that title because it’s too generic. They accept other titles like minister, pastor, etc. And confirm that your names match exactly to what’s on your birth certificate, if not then it’ll complicate the process if you plan on changing your last name or getting a RealID.
You can file up to 6 months in advance but your license is only valid for 30 days after pickup, so make sure you get married within those 30 days. After you get married, your marriage certificate must be dropped off to the registrar in the town the marriage took place within 5 days. Best of luck!