New Jersey Marriage Laws
Created by FindLaw's team of legal writers and editors | Last updated May 18, 2018
Whether you've gotten engaged spontaneously or have planned it for a while, you've decided that you're ready to get married. Besides making plans about when and where the big day will occur, you also have to take care of some legal business before you walk down the aisle. This includes making sure that you meet particular age, consent, and capacity requirements as well as specific prerequisites to make your marriage valid in New Jersey.
New Jersey Marriage Laws at a Glance
An attorney knows best when it comes to a complete statutory analysis, but anyone can certainly benefit from reading a breakdown of the law written in readable language. See the chart below for an overview of New Jersey's marriage laws.
Statutes |
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Validity of Marriage |
Marriage Licenses Although the law is similar in other states, New Jersey has specific marriage license requirements. Below are a few key items to note.
Waiting Period You must wait 72 hours after getting the license before you can marry. |
Types of Marriage |
Common Law Marriage New Jersey doesn't permit common law marriage. Same Sex Marriage Due to the U.S. Supreme Court ruling, same sex marriage is legal in all states, including New Jersey. |
Marriage Ceremony |
Proxy Marriage
Penalties for Violating Marriage Ceremony Laws
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Note: State laws are always subject to change through the passage of new legislation, rulings in the higher courts (including federal decisions), ballot initiatives, and other means. While we strive to provide the most current information available, please consult an attorney or conduct your own legal research to verify the state law(s) you are researching.
New Jersey Marriage Laws: Related Resources
- New Jersey Family Laws
- New Jersey Marriage Age Requirements Laws
- Marriage FAQs
- Tips for Marriage
- Getting Married: Checklist
Need Help with New Jersey Marriage Laws? Contact a Family Law Attorney
If you have an impending marriage, then you might have concerns with how your situation relates to New Jersey's marriage laws. Gain peace of mind by talking to an experienced family law attorney near you right away.
Next Steps: Search for a Local Attorney
Contact a qualified attorney.