Married in NJ: A Guide to Handling Your Marriage License After the Big Day

Congratulations, you’re married! After months of planning and preparation, your special day has finally arrived and the whirlwind of emotions and celebrations has come to an end. But as you return to the bliss of newlywed life, there is one important aspect that requires your attention – your marriage license. While it may seem like a mere piece of paper, your marriage license holds great significance and should be handled with care. In this article, we will discuss what to do with your marriage license after your wedding in the state of New Jersey. So let’s dive in and ensure that this important document is properly handled and cherished for years to come.

Understanding the Purpose of a Marriage License

A marriage license is an important document that legally recognizes a marriage between two individuals. In New Jersey, obtaining a marriage license is one of the requirements for a couple to lawfully get married. This document serves as proof that the couple has fulfilled all the necessary legal requirements and are now recognized as a married couple by the state.

To obtain a marriage license in New Jersey, couples must apply at their local Registrar of Vital Statistics office, whether they are residents of the state or not. The process usually takes about 20 minutes and both parties must be present during the application. The fee for a marriage license in New Jersey ranges from $28 to $90, depending on the municipality where you apply.

Receiving Your Marriage License After Your Wedding

After getting married, couples will receive their official marriage certificate from the officiant within three weeks of their wedding ceremony. This certificate is different from the marriage license and is given as proof that you have been legally married. It includes important information such as date and location of your wedding along with signatures from both parties and witnesses.

Upon receiving your marriage certificate, it is recommended to review it carefully to ensure that all information is accurate. Any discrepancies or errors should be brought to the attention of your local Registrar of Vital Statistics office so they can be corrected.

Filing Your Marriage Certificate

So, what happens to your marriage license now that you have received your marriage certificate? Well, in New Jersey, there are two options for filing your document: by mail or in person.

If you choose to file by mail, send your completed marriage certificate along with any fees and required documentation to the address listed on your application form. It is important to note that only certified copies will be accepted for filing through mail.

Alternatively, you can also file your certificate in person at your local Registrar of Vital Statistics office. Be sure to bring the original document and any required fees or documentation.

Updating Your Name and Other Information

After your marriage is officially recognized by the state, you may wish to update your name and other personal information. This can include changing your last name, updating your marital status on official documents, and updating your insurance policies.

To update your last name, you will need a certified copy of your marriage certificate. With this document, you can go to the Social Security Administration office to start the process of changing your name on important documents such as your driver’s license, passport, and credit cards. You may also need to visit other government agencies or private organizations to change your marital status or update personal information.

Saving Your Marriage Certificate for Future Use

Although it may seem like a small piece of paper, it is important to keep your marriage certificate in a safe place for future use. You may need it to apply for spousal benefits or if you ever want to legally change your name in the future. It is recommended to keep a physical copy of your marriage certificate along with digital copies stored on a secure device such as a flash drive.

In addition, be sure to keep all other legal documents related to your marriage in a secure location as well. This includes any prenuptial agreements, name change forms, and copies of important documents such as birth certificates and social security cards.

Obtaining and filing a marriage license is an important step towards legally establishing a marriage in New Jersey. After receiving their official marriage certificates, couples must file them through mail or in person at their local Registrar of Vital Statistics offices. It is also recommended that couples update their names and other personal information after getting married and save their marriage certificate for future use.

Remember that having an updated marriage license is important for any legal purposes, so be sure to keep it in a safe place. With all the necessary steps completed, you can now enjoy the start of your new life as a legally recognized married couple.

Understanding Marriage Licenses in New Jersey

Marriage is a sacred and legally binding union between two individuals. In the state of New Jersey, obtaining a marriage license is an essential step in the journey towards a happy and everlasting marriage. Before walking down the aisle, couples must understand the intricate process of obtaining and using a marriage license, including what to do with it after your wedding day.

Obtaining a Marriage License in New Jersey

According to New Jersey state laws, couples must obtain a marriage license at least 72 hours before their wedding ceremony. The application can be filled out and submitted either online or in person at the local Registrar of Vital Records office. However, both parties must be present to sign and swear to the accuracy of the information provided.

Some key requirements for obtaining a marriage license in New Jersey include:

– Both parties must be at least 18 years old or have parental consent if under 18.
– Proof of identification such as driver’s license, passport, or birth certificate.
– $28 application fee (may vary by county).
– Social security numbers.
– Any previous divorce decrees or death certificates if applicable.

Once approved, couples will receive their marriage license which is valid for 30 days. It’s crucial to note that there is a mandatory three-day waiting period between receiving the license and getting married. If there are any special circumstances where couples need to waive this waiting period, they can apply for a court order with their local Judge.

The Importance of Marriage Licenses

Marriage licenses are not just mere pieces of paper; they hold significant legal implications for married couples. They serve as proof of your legal union and also act as a legal document when applying for health insurance, joint bank accounts, property ownership, spousal support benefits, tax filing status change and more.

Moreover, without a marriage license, a couple’s marriage is not considered valid or legally recognized. This means that any children born into the union may not have the same rights and benefits as children born into a legally recognized marriage.

What To Do With Your Marriage License After the Wedding

Once the wedding ceremony is over, couples must complete and return their marriage license to the local Registrar of Vital Records office within five days after the ceremony. Failure to do so could result in fines and penalties.

After returning your marriage license, you can obtain certified copies for your records. While it’s not mandatory, having copies of your marriage license can be helpful when applying for various government benefits or making any legal name changes.

Moreover, some states require couples to register their marriage licenses with the state’s department of health. In New Jersey, this step is not necessary; however, if you plan to move to another state after getting married, it may be a good idea to register your marriage with their department of health.

Legal Concerns After Getting Married in New Jersey

It’s crucial for newlyweds to understand that once they are married, they are bound by legal obligations towards each other that may come with consequences if not followed. For example, acquiring debt during a marriage in New Jersey makes both partners responsible for repayment regardless of whose name is on the loan or credit card.

Moreover, in case of a divorce, property division and alimony payments are determined based on the duration of the marriage. Hence having a record of your legal union through a marriage license becomes essential in such situations.

In conclusion, obtaining and using a marriage license in New Jersey plays an essential role in protecting a couple’s rights and responsibilities before and after their wedding day. It may seem like just another step in wedding planning, but it holds significant legal implications for married couples. By understanding the process and the importance of marriage licenses, couples can ensure a smooth and legally sound journey towards a happy and fulfilling marriage in the state of New Jersey.

1) What do I need to do with my marriage license after my wedding in NJ?
After your wedding ceremony, you will need to return your marriage license to the registrar of vital statistics in the county where you obtained it. This must be done within 30 days of your wedding date.

2) Do I need to apply for a new marriage license if I am getting married in NJ again?
Yes, if you are getting married in NJ for the second time, you will need to apply for a new marriage license. Each marriage requires its own valid and unique license.

3) Can someone else return my marriage license on my behalf?
No, the couple must both sign the marriage license and it must be returned by one of the spouses. It cannot be returned by a third party.

4) How long does it take to receive a certified copy of my marriage certificate in NJ?
It can take up to two weeks for your certified copy of your marriage certificate to be available. You can request this at the same time you return your marriage license or at a later date.

5) What should I do if there’s an error on my marriage license?
If there is an error on your marriage license, you should contact the registrar of vital statistics in the county where you obtained it. They will provide instructions on how to proceed with correcting the error.

6) Is there a fee for returning my marriage license in NJ?
There is no fee for returning your completed and signed marriage license to the registrar of vital statistics. However, if you request a certified copy of your marriage certificate, there will be a fee associated with that service.

In conclusion, getting married in New Jersey involves obtaining a marriage license beforehand and fulfilling a few key requirements. Once the wedding ceremony is completed, it is important to properly handle and store the marriage license to avoid any future issues. Some of the key steps to take include completing the license, having it signed by witnesses and officiants, and submitting it to the appropriate government office for filing. Additionally, couples should consider obtaining multiple certified copies of their marriage license for future use. It is also recommended to change one’s name or update any legal documents after marriage using the certified copy as proof. Overall, properly handling a marriage license after a wedding in New Jersey can ensure a smooth and legally recognized union. It is important for couples to understand and follow these steps in order to avoid any potential complications later on. Marriage is a significant milestone in one’s life and it should be celebrated with joy and assurance that all legal aspects have been properly taken care of. By taking these necessary actions, couples can ensure that they have fulfilled their responsibilities with their marriage license and can fully enjoy their new life together without any worries or hindrances.

Author Profile

Kelsey Garrison

Kelsey Garrison, our esteemed author and a passionate writer in the world of weddings and bridal fashion, has been an integral part of our website since its inception.

With a rich history in creating engaging content, Kelsey has consistently brought fresh insights and valuable information to our readers.

Starting in 2024, Kelsey made a significant transition to focus specifically on the "Wedding/Bridal Fashion, Wedding Tips" niche. This shift was driven by her desire to delve deeper into the intricacies of wedding planning and bridal fashion—a field that blends timeless elegance with contemporary trends.

Her articles are meticulously researched and designed to provide thorough answers and innovative ideas for all things wedding-related.