Hudson County Marriage License Info
Hudson County is one of the most densely populated areas in New Jersey. It has 12 municipalities along the west bank of the Hudson River. Jersey City is the county seat and the largest city. Couples who want to marry in Hudson County must get a marriage license from their local municipal registrar. The County Clerk, E. Junior Maldonado, does not issue vital records or marriage licenses. Instead, each town in Hudson County has its own office that handles these requests. Both applicants must visit the registrar together to start the process.
Hudson County Quick Facts
Where to Get a Marriage License
In Hudson County, marriage licenses come from the local registrar in your town. The Hudson County Clerk does not issue them. Each of the 12 municipalities runs its own vital statistics office. You apply at the office in the town where either you or your partner lives.
Jersey City is the busiest office in Hudson County. It frequently offers special weekend hours during peak wedding seasons. Hoboken has a registrar office at 124 Grand Street. Dawn Delorenzo serves as the registrar there. You can reach the Hoboken office at 201-420-2040. Secaucus handles marriage licenses by appointment only. Call ahead to set up a time.
The image below shows the Hudson County Clerk website. While this office does not issue marriage licenses, it provides links to other county services and can direct you to the right registrar in Hudson County.
Every town in Hudson County has slightly different hours. Call before you go.
| Hoboken Registrar |
Dawn Delorenzo, Registrar 124 Grand Street Hoboken, NJ Phone: (201) 420-2040 |
|---|---|
| North Bergen |
Carol J. Camacho 1116 43rd Street, 2nd Floor North Bergen, NJ Phone: (201) 392-2050 Appointments only, records from 1928 |
| Bayonne City Clerk |
630 Avenue C Bayonne, NJ Phone: (201) 858-6029 |
| Union City |
Carlos H. Vallejo 3715 Palisade Avenue Union City, NJ Phone: (201) 348-5731 |
Hudson County Marriage License Requirements
New Jersey sets the same rules for all counties. In Hudson County, both people must appear at the registrar office at the same time. You each need a valid photo ID. A passport or driver's license works fine. Bring your Social Security card or a document that shows your number, such as a W-2 or tax return.
If you were married before, you must show proof that the prior marriage ended. A certified copy of the divorce decree or a death certificate will do. Both applicants must be at least 18 years old. New Jersey does not require a blood test. The marriage laws under Title 37 cover all of these rules for Hudson County and the rest of the state.
Note: Bring original documents. Most Hudson County offices will not accept photocopies or digital images on a phone screen.
Secaucus Marriage License Office
Secaucus requires appointments for all marriage license applications. Walk-ins are not accepted. This town sits near the Meadowlands and has a smaller population than cities like Jersey City or Bayonne. The registrar handles marriage licenses along with birth and death records.
Visit the Secaucus vital statistics page for current hours and how to book your appointment. The page lists what documents you need to bring. It also has the fee amount for a marriage license in Hudson County.
Secaucus processes marriage licenses quickly once you have your appointment set. Plan to arrive on time with all your paperwork ready.
Hoboken Marriage License Details
Hoboken is a popular place to get married in Hudson County. The city has a vibrant waterfront and many event venues. The registrar at 124 Grand Street handles all marriage license applications for Hoboken residents. Dawn Delorenzo runs the office and can answer questions about the process.
You can learn more on the Hoboken vital statistics and licensing page. It covers marriage licenses, birth certificates, and other records. The page also lists the office hours and any appointment rules that may apply.
Hoboken draws many couples from across Hudson County. If you live in Hoboken, this is where you apply for your marriage license.
Marriage License Waiting Period
After you apply in Hudson County, a 72-hour waiting period starts. You cannot use the license right away. A judge may grant a waiver to skip this wait in special cases. Ask the registrar for details on how to request a waiver in Hudson County.
Your Hudson County marriage license is valid for 30 days. Hold the ceremony within that time. If it expires, you must start over and pay the fee again. Most couples apply about two weeks ahead of their planned date. This gives a good buffer for the three-day wait and any unforeseen delays.
New Jersey Marriage License Laws
The NJ Department of Health marriage page has all the state rules that apply in Hudson County. It lists every step from application to filing the signed license after the ceremony. Requirements are the same whether you apply in Jersey City, Hoboken, or any other Hudson County town.
Under state law, the registrar of the town where either applicant lives issues the license. You can hold the ceremony anywhere in New Jersey. It does not have to be in Hudson County. After the wedding, the officiant signs the license and sends it back to the issuing registrar. That registrar files it as a permanent marriage record.
The NJ registrar directory lists contact information for every municipality. Use it to find the right office in Hudson County for your marriage license application. The NJ Office of Vital Statistics also keeps statewide records and can issue copies of marriage certificates.
Jersey City Marriage License Office
Jersey City is the largest city in Hudson County. It has more than 280,000 residents. The city clerk handles a high volume of marriage license applications each year. Jersey City frequently opens special weekend hours during busy wedding seasons to help couples get their paperwork done faster.
If you live in Jersey City, this is where you apply. The office is located at city hall. Bring all your documents and be prepared for possible wait times during peak periods. Jersey City is one of the busiest spots for marriage licenses in all of Hudson County.
Note: Check the Jersey City website or call ahead to confirm whether weekend hours are in effect when you plan to visit.
Cities in Hudson County
Hudson County has 12 municipalities. Each one has a registrar that issues marriage licenses. Apply at the office in the town where you or your partner lives.
Other municipalities in Hudson County include Secaucus, Kearny, Harrison, East Newark, Guttenberg, and Weehawken. All handle marriage licenses through their local registrar.
Nearby Counties
These counties share a border with Hudson County. If you live close to a county line, check your address to confirm which registrar handles your marriage license. You must apply in the town where you reside.