Salem County Marriage License Guide

Salem County is in the southwest corner of New Jersey. It has 15 municipalities and a rural character that sets it apart from the more crowded parts of the state. The City of Salem serves as the county seat. Couples who want to marry in Salem County must get a marriage license from their local registrar. The county clerk does not hand out marriage licenses. You go to the vital statistics office in your town. Both people must appear in person. Each town in Salem County keeps its own records. Getting a valid marriage license is the first step before any wedding can take place here.

Where to Get a Marriage License in Salem County

Marriage licenses in Salem County come from local municipal registrars. Dale A. Cross serves as the Salem County Clerk. That office handles notary services, trade names, and certain public records. But the county clerk does not issue marriage licenses. For that, you must visit the registrar in the town where you or your partner lives.

Salem County has 15 towns and townships. Each one has a local clerk or registrar who can process marriage license forms. The offices are small in many of these towns, so hours may be limited. Always call first before you go. Some offices are open only on certain days of the week. Staff can tell you what to bring and when to show up.

The image below links to the Salem County Clerk official site. This site has contact info and links to county services. While this office does not handle marriage licenses, it can point you to the right local registrar.

If you are not sure which town you fall under in Salem County, call the county clerk and they can help you find the right registrar for your marriage license.

City of Salem Marriage License Records

The City of Salem is the county seat and the main hub of Salem County. The registrar in Salem keeps records that go back to 1859. That is more than 160 years of vital records, which makes this office a key resource for anyone who needs old marriage certificates or other historical documents from Salem County.

If you live in the City of Salem, this is where you apply for your marriage license. Both you and your partner must go to the registrar in person. Bring valid photo ID and your Social Security card. If you had a past marriage, bring proof that it ended. The registrar will check your forms and set a date for your license to be ready.

The City of Salem registrar page has more details on the office, its hours, and what forms you may need. The image below shows this page.

Note: The City of Salem office may have limited hours during the summer months. Call ahead to make sure the registrar is open when you plan to visit.

Elmer Borough Vital Statistics

Elmer Borough is a small town in Salem County. It has its own vital statistics office that handles marriage licenses for local residents. Like most small towns in Salem County, the office may not be open every day. Staff can walk you through the forms and tell you what documents you need.

The Elmer Borough vital statistics page has details on how to reach the office and what services it offers. Below is a look at that page.

Elmer is one of the smaller towns in Salem County, but it still runs its own registrar. This is true across New Jersey. Even the smallest borough has the power to issue a marriage license to its residents.

Salem County Marriage License Requirements

All marriage license rules in Salem County come from New Jersey state law. Under Title 37, both people must be at least 18. There is no blood test needed in this state. You must bring a valid form of photo ID. A driver's license or passport will work. You also need to show your Social Security number.

If either person had a prior marriage, you must prove it ended. Bring a final divorce decree or a death certificate for the former spouse. All documents must be originals. Most Salem County registrars will not accept copies of these papers.

• Valid photo ID for both applicants
• Proof of Social Security number
• Divorce decree or death certificate if previously married
• Both applicants must appear in person
• Fee paid at time of application

Note: Some Salem County registrars may ask for extra documents. Call your local office before you visit to confirm what you need for your marriage license.

Salem County Surrogate Office

The Salem County Surrogate Office handles estate matters, wills, and guardianship cases. While it does not deal with marriage licenses, it is part of the county court system and can be a resource for couples who need certain legal documents. For instance, if you need a certified copy of a death certificate to prove a prior marriage ended, the surrogate office may be able to help.

You can visit the Salem County Surrogate Office services page for more on what they handle. The image below shows this page.

The surrogate office is in the Salem County courthouse. It is open on regular business days. If you have questions about legal documents that relate to your marriage license in Salem County, the staff there can point you in the right direction.

Marriage License Waiting Period

New Jersey law requires a 72-hour wait after you apply for a marriage license. This applies in Salem County and every other county in the state. Once the three days pass, your license is active. You then have 30 days to hold your ceremony.

If the 30 days pass and you have not married, the license expires. You will need to file new forms and pay a new fee at the Salem County registrar. Plan your wedding date with this in mind. Most couples apply about two to three weeks before the ceremony. That gives enough time for the wait plus any changes to plans.

A judge can waive the 72-hour wait in certain cases. Ask your Salem County registrar about this if you are in a rush. The waiver is not automatic, and you may need to show a valid reason for the request.

New Jersey Marriage License Laws

The NJ Department of Health marriage page is the main state source for marriage license rules. It lists every step, every fee, and every form you need. Salem County registrars follow these same rules when they process your marriage license.

The New Jersey Department of Health vital records site also holds statewide marriage records. If you need a copy of a marriage certificate for an event that took place in Salem County, you can order it through this office. Fees apply for each certified copy. The state office can also help if the local Salem County registrar does not have the record you need.

Under state law, the registrar of the town where either person lives is the one who issues the marriage license. You do not have to hold the ceremony in that same town. The wedding can take place anywhere in New Jersey. After the ceremony, the person who performed it signs the license and sends it back to the registrar who issued it. That office then files it as a permanent record in Salem County.

Cities in Salem County

Salem County has 15 municipalities. Each one has a local registrar who handles marriage license applications. Apply in the town where you or your partner lives.

Other towns in Salem County include Pennsville, Woodstown, Carneys Point, Pittsgrove, and Quinton. All issue marriage licenses through their local registrar.

Nearby Counties

These counties share a border with Salem County. If you live near a county line, check your address to find out which registrar handles your marriage license. You must apply in the municipality where you reside.