Ocean County Marriage License Information

Ocean County marriage licenses are available from the County Clerk in Toms River and from local registrar offices throughout the county's 33 municipalities. Ocean County is one of the largest counties in New Jersey by land area, stretching from the Barnegat Bay shoreline to the Pine Barrens. The County Clerk, Scott M. Colabella, runs the main office at the courthouse on Washington Street. Ocean County also has branch offices in Lakewood and Manahawkin. These give couples in the north and south parts of the county a closer place to apply for a marriage license. Both applicants must appear in person with valid photo ID.

Ocean County Clerk Marriage License Office

The Ocean County Clerk is the main office for marriage licenses in the county. It is in the courthouse at 118 Washington Street in Toms River. Both people who plan to marry must visit the office together. Bring a valid photo ID such as a driver's license or passport. You also need proof of your date of birth and your Social Security card.

The clerk's staff will review your documents, ask a few questions, and have you sign the application. If you were married before, you must bring proof that the prior marriage ended. A certified copy of the final divorce decree or a certified death certificate is required. The clerk will not issue a marriage license in Ocean County without this proof.

The Ocean County Clerk website has more details on the application process and documents you need.

Call 732-929-2018 to ask about hours or to confirm what you need for your visit to the Ocean County Clerk.

Ocean County Branch Offices for Marriage Licenses

Ocean County has multiple branch offices in addition to the main clerk in Toms River. These locations provide the same services and make it easier for couples who do not live near the county seat. Ocean County covers a large area, so having branch offices saves time for many residents.

The Ocean County Connection is at the mall on Hooper Avenue in Toms River. You can reach it at 732-288-7777. The Northern Office is at 225 4th Street in Lakewood, NJ 08701. The phone number is 732-370-8850. The Southern Office is at 179 South Main Street in Manahawkin, NJ 08092. Call 609-597-1500 to reach the southern branch.

Each branch office can help you with a marriage license in Ocean County. Call ahead to check hours and to make sure the office is open on the day you plan to visit. Some branches may have different hours than the main clerk.

Note: The Lakewood branch serves the northern part of Ocean County and may be a better option for couples in that area than driving to Toms River.

What You Need for an Ocean County Marriage License

Both applicants must appear in person at the same time. Each person needs a valid photo ID. A driver's license, state ID card, or passport works. You also need proof of your date of birth. This can be your birth certificate or passport. Bring your Social Security card as well.

If either person was married before, you must show that the prior marriage is over. A certified copy of the final divorce decree is required for divorced applicants. If the prior spouse died, bring a certified death certificate. A photocopy will not be accepted in Ocean County. The document must have a court seal or official stamp.

• Valid photo ID for each applicant
• Proof of date of birth
• Social Security card
• Certified divorce decree or death certificate if previously married

Under New Jersey Title 37, both parties must sign the marriage license application in front of the clerk or registrar. You affirm that all the information is true. False statements can lead to penalties under state law. The clerk will check your documents and process the application for your Ocean County marriage license.

Local Registrar Offices in Ocean County

In addition to the County Clerk, you can get a marriage license at any local registrar office in Ocean County. New Jersey allows you to apply at the registrar in the town where either partner lives. Ocean County has 33 municipalities, and each one has a registrar of vital statistics. These offices are usually in the town hall or municipal building.

Toms River Township is the county seat and the largest town in Ocean County. The township registrar handles vital records including marriage licenses. Toms River has an online system for vital records at tomsrivernj.permitium.com. You can use this to start the process. More details about the Toms River registrar are on the township website.

Lakewood Township is the second largest municipality in Ocean County. The vital statistics office handles marriage licenses for Lakewood residents. You can find information about Lakewood vital records on the township site.

Lakewood also uses an online portal at lakewoodnj.permitium.com for vital record requests. Call the Lakewood registrar to ask if you can start your marriage license application online.

Jackson Township is another large town in Ocean County. The registrar is at 95 West Veterans Highway. The phone number is 732-928-1200, extension 1202. Jackson handles marriage licenses for residents of that township.

The New Jersey Department of Health has a full list of registrar offices in Ocean County.

Use this list to find the registrar closest to you. Each office may have different hours, so call before you visit.

Ocean County Marriage License Waiting Period

New Jersey requires a 72-hour waiting period after a marriage license is issued. This applies in Ocean County and all other counties. You cannot use the marriage license for a wedding until 72 hours have passed from the time the clerk or registrar issued it.

The license is valid for 30 days after the 72-hour wait ends. If you do not use it in that time, it expires and you must apply again. The New Jersey Department of Health explains the full rules on its website. Plan your visit to the clerk or registrar so the 72-hour period ends before your wedding date. A Superior Court judge can waive the wait in special cases, but this is not common and requires a formal request in Ocean County.

Ocean County Marriage License Fees

The fee for a marriage license is $28 in all of New Jersey, including Ocean County. You pay this when you apply at the County Clerk or a local registrar. Most offices take cash. Some accept checks or money orders. Ask about payment methods when you call the office.

If you need a certified copy of your marriage certificate later, the state charges $25. You can order copies from the New Jersey Office of Vital Statistics or from the Ocean County Clerk. Keep your original certificate safe. You may need it for name changes, insurance, or other legal matters after your marriage.

Note: Some local registrar offices in Ocean County may have slightly different payment options. Check with the office before you visit.

After Your Wedding in Ocean County

Once the wedding ceremony takes place, the officiant signs the marriage license along with two witnesses. The officiant then files the completed license with the registrar in the town where the ceremony took place. This must be done within five days of the wedding. The registrar records the marriage and sends a copy to the state.

You can get a certified copy of your marriage certificate from the registrar who recorded it or from the New Jersey Office of Vital Statistics. A certified copy costs $25. You will need this document for a name change at the Social Security office, the MVC, your bank, and other places. It is a good idea to order at least two certified copies of your marriage certificate from Ocean County.

Cities in Ocean County

Ocean County has 33 municipalities. Each one has a registrar who can issue marriage licenses. The largest towns include Toms River, Lakewood, Brick, and Jackson. All marriage licenses issued in Ocean County follow the same state rules and fees.

Other towns in Ocean County include Point Pleasant, Barnegat, Stafford, Berkeley, Manchester, and Little Egg Harbor. Each has a registrar who handles marriage licenses.

Nearby Counties

These counties border Ocean County. You can apply for a marriage license in any county where one partner lives. Make sure you know which county your address is in before you apply.