Cape May County Marriage Licenses
Cape May County is one of the most popular places to get married in New Jersey. The county sits at the southern tip of the state, surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean and Delaware Bay. Couples come from across the region to hold beach weddings and seaside ceremonies here. A marriage license from Cape May County allows you to wed anywhere in New Jersey. The county has 16 municipalities, and each one has a local registrar who can process your marriage license application. The County Clerk office in Cape May Court House is another option for records and information.
Cape May County Marriage License Facts
Cape May County Clerk Office
The Cape May County Clerk is Rita M. Rothberg. The office is at 7 North Main Street in Cape May Court House, NJ 08210. This is the county seat and the center of government for Cape May County. The clerk office handles a range of public records, including marriage license records, property deeds, and passport applications. You can call the office at 609-465-1010 for questions about marriage license services.
The Cape May County government website has links to all county departments and services. You can find the clerk office page there along with hours, directions, and contact details. The county clerk does not issue new marriage licenses directly. That is done by the local registrar in each municipality. However, the clerk office can help with copies of existing marriage records for Cape May County.
The Cape May County government portal provides access to county services and department information.
Visit the Cape May County government website for official information.
This is the official Cape May County website where you can find clerk office details and marriage license resources.
| Office |
Cape May County Clerk 7 North Main Street Cape May Court House, NJ 08210 Phone: (609) 465-1010 |
|---|---|
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM |
| Website | capemaycountynj.gov |
Marriage License Requirements in Cape May
Cape May County follows the same marriage license rules as the rest of New Jersey. Both applicants must go to the registrar in person. You cannot apply online or by mail. Each person needs a valid photo ID such as a driver's license or passport. You must also show proof of your Social Security number. A Social Security card or a W-2 form works for this.
If either person was married before, proof is required that the prior marriage ended. A certified copy of the divorce decree or a death certificate for a former spouse must be presented. Under New Jersey Title 37, both people must be at least 18 years old to apply. There is no residency requirement. You do not have to live in Cape May County or in New Jersey to get a marriage license here.
The 72-hour waiting period starts when the registrar accepts your application. You cannot hold the ceremony until that time has passed. The license is then valid for 30 days. If the 30 days pass and you have not married, the license expires. You would need to apply again and pay the fee a second time in Cape May County.
Note: Summer is the busiest season for marriage licenses in Cape May County, so call ahead to check wait times and office availability during peak months.
Middle Township Marriage License Services
Middle Township is one of the largest municipalities in Cape May County. The clerk and registrar there is Suzanne Schumann. The office is at 33 Mechanic Street in Cape May Court House. The phone number is 609-465-8721. Office hours run from 7:30 AM to 4:00 PM, Monday through Friday. Marriage license applications are handled by appointment only at this office.
The Middle Township clerk and registrar page has more information about available services. You can find forms, fee details, and instructions for scheduling your appointment. This is one of the most commonly used registrar offices in Cape May County because of its central location in the county seat area.
The Middle Township clerk and registrar office handles marriage license applications and other vital records by appointment.
Visit the Middle Township clerk page for marriage license appointment details.
Middle Township is a convenient option for couples applying for a marriage license in Cape May County.
Other municipalities in Cape May County also have registrar offices. Wildwood, Ocean City, Lower Township, Upper Township, and the City of Cape May all accept marriage license applications. Each office has its own hours and may require an appointment. Check with the specific town before you go.
Cape May Marriage License Fees
A marriage license in Cape May County costs $28. This fee is set by the state and is the same at every registrar in New Jersey. You pay this when you submit your application. Most registrar offices in Cape May County accept cash and money orders. Some may accept personal checks. Call ahead to confirm what forms of payment your chosen office accepts.
Certified copies of the marriage certificate cost $25 for the first copy. Additional copies ordered at the same time are $10 each. You can order these from the registrar who issued the license or from the New Jersey Department of Health. Ordering from the local registrar in Cape May County is usually faster than going through the state office.
Note: Fees must be paid at the time of application, and most offices in Cape May County do not accept credit cards for marriage license transactions.
Cape May County Destination Weddings
Cape May County is a top choice for destination weddings. The beaches, historic Victorian homes, and waterfront venues draw couples from across the East Coast. The City of Cape May is especially popular. Its charm and walkable downtown make it a favorite for small and large weddings alike. Getting a marriage license is the first legal step for any wedding in Cape May County.
If you are planning a destination wedding in Cape May County, keep the timing in mind. You must apply for the marriage license at least 72 hours before your ceremony. The license is only valid for 30 days. Plan your application visit around your wedding date. Since you do not need to be a Cape May County resident, you can apply at any registrar here. Many couples apply at the Middle Township office or the City of Cape May office because of their central locations.
The City of Cape May Clerk is Erin Burke. You can reach her office at 609-884-9525. The Deputy Registrar is Ashane Wilson, reachable at 609-884-9529. This office holds marriage records from 1921 to the present. If you need an old marriage record from the city, contact them directly. They can help with both new applications and copies of past records in Cape May County.
Historical Marriage Records
Cape May County has marriage records that go back centuries. The county archives hold historical marriage records from 1795 to 1878. These records are a valuable resource for genealogy research and family history. If you are looking for a very old marriage record from Cape May County, the archives are the place to start.
The New Jersey State Archives also holds historical vital records. Their collection includes marriage records from across the state. For Cape May County records that predate modern record-keeping, the state archives can often fill in the gaps. You can visit in person or contact them to ask about available records.
For more recent records, the New Jersey Department of Health maintains marriage records from 1848 onward. The state registrar directory can help you find the right office to contact in Cape May County.
New Jersey Marriage License Laws
New Jersey marriage license law applies equally to all 21 counties, including Cape May County. The state requires both applicants to appear in person. Each must provide identification and a Social Security number. The fee is $28 statewide. The 72-hour waiting period and 30-day validity window are also state rules that apply in Cape May County.
The ceremony must be performed by someone authorized under New Jersey law. This includes members of the clergy, current and former judges, mayors, and certain ship captains. The officiant must sign the marriage license after the ceremony. They then return it to the registrar in Cape May County who issued it. The registrar files the completed license and sends the information to the state. This creates the official record of the marriage.
After the marriage is recorded, you can order certified copies. These are legal proof of the marriage. Many agencies and organizations require a certified copy. Banks, the Social Security Administration, and insurance providers are common examples. Order copies from the registrar in Cape May County or from the state Department of Health.
Cities in Cape May County
Cape May County has 16 municipalities. Each has a registrar who processes marriage license applications. There are no cities from Cape May County with dedicated pages on this site at this time. Below are the main towns where you can apply for a marriage license in Cape May County.
Municipalities in Cape May County include Cape May, Wildwood, Ocean City, Sea Isle City, Avalon, Stone Harbor, Middle Township, Lower Township, Upper Township, North Wildwood, West Wildwood, Wildwood Crest, West Cape May, Cape May Point, Woodbine, and Dennis Township.
Nearby Counties
These counties are near Cape May County. You can apply for a marriage license at any registrar in New Jersey, so neighboring county offices are also available to Cape May County residents.