How to get married online in New Jersey (Step-by-Step Guide)

What could there possibly be against getting married in the Garden State? New Jersey has all the essentials on a couple's wish list, including various venues and some of the most imaginative and accomplished wedding specialists. Although it may seem alluring, it's important for couples to realize that New Jersey has unique laws regarding weddings within the state and what they can do if they want an online marriage in New Jersey.

Are online marriages legal in New Jersey?

Before the global pandemic, laws controlling the legality of weddings and celebrants were fairly strict. The officiant and the couple had to be present for the union to be considered legal. They also had to go visit the county clerk's office to obtain a marriage license. However, this caused a serious issue as the virus spread, social isolation set in, and several county clerk offices were closed.

Then, In 2019, the Utah County marriage license office and Utah County information technology departments started a year-long effort to create a fully digital end-to-end marriage license issuance and recording process, as part of a campaign promise to "bring the Clerk/office Auditor's into the 21st century." Couples now have the option to apply for a marriage license, do the ceremony, and have the officiant submit the necessary paperwork for the marriage certificate all online as of January 2020. This Utah online marriage procedure did away with the requirement that a couple must physically visit the office to get and return their marriage license.

The best part? Anyone can get legally married online through Utah's process, since you don't have to be a resident! You will receive a legal US Marriage Certificate since marriages performed legally in one state are recognized across the country, as long as they do not violate federal or state laws.

What if I want to have an in-person wedding in New Jersey? What documents are required?

Both partners must bring the following documents to the appointment or in-person visit to start the procedure and identity documentation for any attending witnesses.

1. Evidence of identity - A legitimate state or federal ID, such as a driver's license or passport, can be used to demonstrate your identification.
2. Evidence of residency - If an applicant is a resident of New Jersey, you only need to provide residence documentation for one application.
3. Social Security Number - Americans must provide identification that includes their Social Security number.
4. Witness. A witness at least 18 years old must be present for a couple to get a marriage license.

A New Jersey marriage licence application costs $28. However, be mindful that this does not accommodate the fuel spent on commuting, the ceremony, and the officiation.

Can I obtain a marriage license from New Jersey without visiting in person?

In New Jersey, the process for obtaining a marriage license varies county by county. None of the Counties allow you to get a Marriage License completely online.

According to the State of New Jersey, Department of Health & Senior Services, State Bureau of Vital Statistics and Registration, here's what you need to apply for a marriage license:

1. Print out and complete the marriage license application form. You may also get an application form at the Local Registrar's office.
2. Do not sign the marriage application form before going to the Local Registrar. You must sign the application, while under oath, in the presence of the issuing authority.
3. Social security number is required by law for US citizens and will be kept confidential.
4. Any documents in a foreign language must be accompanied by a certified English translation.

Requested additional documents (these documents are helpful but not required):

1. A copy of your birth certificate to establish your parents’ names and related birth information.
2. If you are divorced, have had a previous civil union dissolved, domestic partnership terminated or have had a civil union annulled, please bring the decree(s) or the civil annulment documents.
3. If your former spouse/civil union or domestic partner is deceased, please bring the death certificate.

Other Counties in New Jersey may have different requirements. We recommend that you check the county near you to see their specific requirements.

Keep in mind that this does not include the process for finding an officiant, organizing, and having a wedding ceremony, which still has to be completed to be legally married. For your wedding ceremony, you will also be required to be within New Jersey–meaning you, your officiant, and your witnesses will all be required to be located within New Jersey. Your other guests may still join online.

If you want to skip all the hassle and steps, Courtly has optimized the whole procedure for you, providing you with a convenient way out. Using Courtly, couples may carry out the entire procedure remotely from any place. A legitimate US marriage certificate may be acquired quickly, easily, and with minimal documentation.

Are online marriages legal outside the United States?

If you want your wedding to be certified and/or recognized in a nation other than the United States, you might need to get an Apostille certification. An apostille guarantees that your marriage license is valid, verifiably legitimate, and recognized in all nations that have ratified The Hague Apostille Convention of 1961. Although distant appearance ceremonies conducted by a Courtly officiant are permitted by U.S. law, foreign countries or immigration authorities' approval of them may not always be recognized as valid, especially if your companion is a foreign national.

What are the processes involved in getting married online in New Jersey?

Using Courtly, couples may do the entire process online from any place. A legitimate U.S. marriage certificate may be acquired quickly, easily, and in most cases, in less than 48 hours, without any documentation.

1.Complete the sign-up procedure by creating an account.

It's as simple as ABC to register with Courtly to be married online! To join up, simply click the "Get Married" icon in the top right corner and follow the on-screen instructions. As soon as you create your account, you should be able to access it.

2. Upload your pictures and private data.

A government-issued I.D. with the applicant's name and birthday clearly displayed is required. In order to help you obtain your marriage license, our concierge will use our secure I.D. verification procedure. Our system accepts several types of I.D.s from more than 200 nations!

We will check for any ambiguities and work with the authorities to make sure everything is ready for your big day.

3. Decide on the ceremony's format, setting, and officiant.‍

It's time to act! Choose a venue and ceremony style that suits you. Depending on the time and day you select, we'll match you with one of Courtly's legally qualified US officiants.

4. After paying for your wedding package, you will get an email confirmation.

Make the payment and watch for Courtly's email of confirmation. When this is finished, the wedding bells should start to sound!

5. Join your family and friends online to celebrate your marriage!

Finally, get hitched online while lounging in your house (or any other place with a strong internet connection!). It should take roughly 15 minutes to complete the ceremony.

A digital copy of your U.S. marriage certificate will be sent to you immediately after your online wedding, and a printed copy will be sent to you within a few business days. Soon after the wedding, you may download your digital marriage license.

So, getting married online in New Jersey is a fast and uncomplicated process. With just a few steps, you'll be able to complete the process with ease. All you need is a valid email address, identification, and your payment method. For more information about Courtly's effort in making New Jersey online marriage possible, please visit our website.

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