Union Township Marriage License Info
Union Township issues marriage licenses at its municipal building at 1976 Morris Avenue. The township is in Union County in northeastern New Jersey. Couples must apply for a marriage license in person at the Union Township office. The Union County Surrogate also offers free weddings for couples in the area. Marriage records less than 50 years old have restricted access, while records over 50 years old are open to the public. The township staff will guide you through the process and help with all the forms you need to file for your Union Township marriage license.
Union Township Marriage License Facts
Where to Get a Union Township Marriage License
The municipal building at 1976 Morris Avenue in Union Township is where you go for a marriage license. Both partners must show up in person. You can reach the office at 908-851-8507 to ask about hours and whether you need an appointment. Call before your visit so you know what to bring and when to come.
The image below shows the official Union Township website, which provides access to township departments and services including the office where marriage licenses are handled.
Visit the Union Township website for hours, directions, and general information about township services.
The staff at the Union Township office will check your documents, walk you through the application, and collect the fee. Plan to spend about 30 to 45 minutes at the office. Bring all your paperwork so you do not need a second trip to the Union Township building on Morris Avenue.
| Office | Union Township Municipal Building |
|---|---|
| Address | 1976 Morris Avenue Union, NJ 07083 |
| Phone | 908-851-8507 |
Note: The Union Township office handles marriage licenses at the municipal level. The Union County Clerk is a separate office and does not issue marriage licenses for Union Township.
Union Township Marriage License Requirements
Union Township follows New Jersey's statewide rules for marriage licenses. Both people must go to the office at 1976 Morris Avenue at the same time. You can not send someone else on your behalf. Bring all required items on the first trip to avoid a return visit.
Each applicant needs a valid photo ID such as a driver's license or passport. You also need your Social Security number. If you lost the card, bring a W-2 or other document that shows the number. A witness who is at least 18 years old must come with you to the Union Township office. The witness signs the marriage license application along with both applicants.
If either person had a prior marriage, bring proof that it ended. A certified divorce decree or death certificate is what the Union Township office needs to see. Only original or certified copies work. Photocopies are not accepted. Under New Jersey Title 37, both applicants must be at least 18 years old to apply for a marriage license.
- Valid photo ID for each applicant
- Social Security number or proof of it
- One witness aged 18 or older
- Proof of prior marriage dissolution if needed
- The $28 marriage license fee
How to Apply for a Marriage License in Union Township
Start by calling the Union Township office at 908-851-8507 to ask about scheduling your visit. The staff will let you know what times are open and if you need to make an appointment. Ask if any forms are available ahead of time so you can fill them out before your trip to 1976 Morris Avenue.
On the day of your visit, go to the Union Township municipal building with your partner, your witness, all documents, and the $28 fee. The clerk will check your IDs, review your paperwork, and have you complete the application. Both applicants and the witness sign the form. The visit should take under an hour.
After your application is filed, there is a 72-hour waiting period. This is a New Jersey state law, not a Union Township rule. You can not use the marriage license during this wait. Once 72 hours pass, your Union Township marriage license is good for 30 days. You must hold your ceremony within that window. If you miss it, you must start over and pay the fee again at the Union Township office.
Note: In rare cases, a judge may waive the 72-hour waiting period. Ask the Union Township clerk about this option if you have a time-sensitive situation.
Union Township Marriage Records
After your wedding, the officiant files the signed marriage license with the Union Township registrar. This creates the official marriage record on file with the township. You can then request certified copies of your marriage certificate from the same office at 1976 Morris Avenue.
There is an important rule about access to Union Township marriage records. Records that are less than 50 years old have restricted access. Only the people named on the record or their legal representatives can get copies. Records that are more than 50 years old are open to the public. This means older marriage records from Union Township can be accessed by anyone for genealogy or historical research.
The image below shows the Union County public records page, which provides information on accessing vital records across the county including Union Township.
The Union County public records portal can help you search for older records from Union Township and other towns in the county.
You will need at least two or three certified copies of your Union Township marriage certificate after your wedding. Use them for name changes, bank updates, insurance filings, and your own records. Ask the Union Township office about the current fee for certified copies when you visit or call.
Marriage License Fees in Union Township
The fee for a Union Township marriage license is $28. New Jersey sets this fee for all towns in the state. You pay when you submit your application at the municipal building on Morris Avenue. Ask about accepted payment methods when you call the Union Township office. Some municipal offices take only cash or money orders.
Certified copies of your Union Township marriage certificate have a separate fee. Check with the office at 908-851-8507 for current rates. Plan to order at least two or three copies at the time of your request. You will use them for name changes, legal filings, and personal records after your wedding.
Union County Surrogate Free Wedding Ceremony
One unique feature for couples in the Union Township area is that the Union County Surrogate offers free wedding ceremonies. This is a cost-saving option for couples who want a simple, legal ceremony without the expense of hiring an officiant. The Union County Surrogate's office can perform the ceremony after you have your marriage license in hand.
The image below is from the Union County Surrogate's website, which details the free wedding ceremony service available to couples in Union Township and the rest of Union County.
Contact the Surrogate's office for details on how to schedule your free ceremony.
Keep in mind that you still need to get your marriage license from Union Township first. The 72-hour waiting period must pass before you can use the license. Once the wait is over, you can schedule your free ceremony with the Union County Surrogate. This is separate from the Union Township marriage license process. The Union County Clerk's office can also provide more information about county-level services.
New Jersey Marriage License Rules
New Jersey law governs all marriage licenses, including those from Union Township. The NJ Department of Health sets the statewide rules. The $28 fee, 72-hour wait, and 30-day validity are the same in Union Township as in every other town in New Jersey.
You do not have to live in Union Township to get a marriage license there. New Jersey lets you apply in any town. Some couples pick the town where the ceremony will be. Others pick the office with the best hours or the shortest wait. The Union County registrar directory lists all local registrars in the county so you can compare options.
New Jersey does not require blood tests, medical exams, or proof of residency for a marriage license. Both applicants must be at least 18 years old. The process is the same in Union Township as in every other municipality in the state.
Union County Marriage License
Union Township is part of Union County. All marriage licenses from the township become part of the county vital records system. For more about how the county handles marriage records, other towns in Union County where you can apply, and more resources, visit the Union County marriage license page.