Created by FindLaw's team of legal writers and editors | Last reviewed September 30, 2022
This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw’s team of legal writers and attorneys and in accordance with our editorial standards.
The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area.
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.
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 |
|
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. New Jersey codified this right in 2021. |
Marriage Ceremony |
Proxy Marriage
Penalties for Violating Marriage Ceremony Laws
|
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.
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.
Contact a qualified attorney.
Get tailored family law advice and ask a lawyer questions. Many attorneys offer free consultations.