Marriage License Application Process

Marriage License Applications are completed electronically through a digital application and reviewed via an in-person meeting.

Any couple interested in applying for a marriage license must complete the Marriage License Application Request Form.

Applicants must provide the scheduled date and location of the wedding ceremony as well as the officiant's (person performing the ceremony) information in order to begin the process.

It is the couple's responsibility to find an officiant and have that information available.

PLEASE NOTE: YOU MAY ONLY APPLY FOR A MARRIAGE LICENSE IN THE BOROUGH OF LODI IF YOU MEET ALL OF THE REQUIREMENTS BELOW. 
LICENSES ISSUED BY THE BOROUGH OF LODI ARE ONLY VALID IN NEW JERSEY.

  Marriage License Application Fee: $28.00 (Check or Money Order ONLY!) due at the time of the in-person application review 

You may only apply for a marriage license in the Borough of Lodi if:

• One or both applicants currently resides in the Borough of Lodi - Proof of Lodi residency is required
• For out of state applicants, you may apply in Lodi only if the ceremony is taking place within the Borough

Requirements for Entering into a Marriage:
The following criteria must be met before two people can enter into a marriage:

• Not be a party to another civil union, domestic partnership or marriage in NJ or recognized by NJ
• Be at least 18 years of age

Documentation Required when Applying:

• Proof of Identity (valid driver's license, passport or state/federal I.D.)
• Proof of Residency
• Social Security Number (will be kept private and confidential)
  • Physical card not necessary if number is known
• A witness, 18 years of age or older that knows both applicants

Additional Information Required when Applying:

• Names of both applicant's parents as it appears on the parent's birth certificate
  • Maiden name for mothers
• Birthplace of both applicant's parents
• Date and location of Ceremony
• Officiant Information
• If either applicant is divorced you must provide the exact date (month, day and year) and location where the divorce was filed - You may bring a copy of your divorce decree to refer to but are not required to
• If former spouse is deceased you must provide the exact date (month, day and year) and location where the death took place - You may bring a copy of the death certificate to refer to but are not required to

Any documents in a foreign language must be accompanied by a certified English translation.

Any non-English speaking applicant is required to bring an English-speaking translator to the application appointment. Witnesses or other applicants MAY NOT act as a translator.

After the application is completed:

• There is a mandatory 72 hour waiting period before the license can be issued
  • The waiting period begins when the application is filed with the local registrar who will date and time stamp the application
  • There is no 72 hour waiting period for remarriage; however, you must bring a copy of your existing marriage license
• The application is valid for six (6) months from the date it is completed and filed with the local registrar
  • If, after six (6) months there is no marriage license issued as a result of the application it will be void and the parties of the voided application must reapply.
• Once the marriage license is issued it is valid for thirty (30) days from the time it is issued by the local registrar as it is date and time stamped
  • All additional information required on the marriage license is to be completed on the day of the ceremony as instructed by the officiant
  • Two (2) witnesses must be present during the ceremony and are required to fill out and sign the license along with the officiant
  • Following the ceremony the officiant has five (5) business days to return the license to the local registrar in the municipality where the ceremony took place - The license ONLY gets filed in Lodi if the ceremony took place in Lodi
  • Once the license is filed with the local registrar where the ceremony took place certified copies may be issued

When completing the Marriage License:

"Officiant" is not a valid title - Any license with the title Officiant listed in Field 5c will require an amendment with the State of New Jersey which will delay the filing process.

Applicable religious titles in the State of New Jersey are as follows:

Contact Information