How to Get Married in NJ, From License to Transportation

New Jersey is one of those states that has it all: beautiful beaches, historic charm, amazing food and proximity to New York City for city seekers. And so, how to get married in NJ is all about embracing the parts of the state you love the most. "New Jersey offers endless options for your dream wedding," says Nicole Serse, the co-founder and planner behind Well-Dressed Events. "If the city vibe isn't for you, head to Sussex County for a more serene countryside feel. Prefer something coastal? Cape May County delivers stunning beachside venues with a relaxed charm. No matter your style or aesthetic, you'll find a variety of venues to match your vision." There are other benefits, too. "New Jersey's extended wedding season, from June to October, gives couples plenty of opportunities to celebrate during the most beautiful times of the year," Serse adds. "Travel is also a breeze, thanks to the state's proximity to major cities and convenient mass transit options." We tapped Serse and Bergen County-based wedding photographer Alaina Strepparava of Alaina Elizabeth Photography to weigh in on their favorite parts of New Jersey weddings, and what couples planning weddings in the state need to know.

In this article:

• How to Get a Marriage License in New Jersey
• Notable Wedding Locations in New Jersey
• How to Plan a Wedding in New Jersey Step-by-Step

How to Get a Marriage License in New Jersey

Especially with the bustling Jersey Shore, New Jersey is a popular state for destination weddings, and the good news is "you don't need to be a New Jersey resident to get married here," Serse says. "To obtain the marriage license in New Jersey, couples must visit the local municipal office in the city where the ceremony will take place, and both partners must be present." Note that for couples who are residents, the NJ marriage license can be obtained in the municipality where either marrier lives and is valid throughout the state. Check out the state government's site for more information, and "be sure to read any fine print in your venue's contract, as some boroughs or cities may have specific requirements about where to apply for the license," Serse recommends. "We typically recommend couples apply for their marriage license 30 to 45 days before the wedding. Keep in mind, there's a 72-hour waiting period before the license is issued, and once valid, you'll have 30 days to use it—aka get married!" The cost of an NJ state marriage license varies but never exceeds $100.

Notable Wedding Locations in New Jersey

"There are many factors to consider when venue scouting and location is undoubtedly one of the most important," Serse says. "Fortunately, New Jersey offers a variety of hidden gems and stunning areas for weddings." New Jersey wedding venues run the gamut: city chic, coastal, country and beyond.

North New Jersey

Strepparava is based in Northern New Jersey—Bergen County, specifically—and loves the area for a New Jersey wedding. "Anything near the Ridgewood, Montclair or Closter areas is great because there are things to do, and they're also super close to New York City," she says. "There are great restaurants and activities for guests if they are traveling for the wedding." Not far from those cities is The Gold Coast, another city-centric area. "It includes the beautiful waterfront stretch of Weehawken, Hoboken and Jersey City and boasts breathtaking views with a chic and modern ambiance," Serse says. The entire area is really accessible, with Teterboro and Newark airports within 10 miles and New York's JFK and Laguardia within 20.

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Ocean County

"For those seeking a more relaxed and summery vibe, Monmouth and Ocean counties provide the perfect setting," Serse says. "These areas offer charming and historic towns with a romantic, coastal atmosphere, making them feel like a destination wedding spot for your guests." These areas are just a touch north of the more in-demand Jersey Shore but still coastal and cool.

Jersey Shore

Set aside your stereotypes: The Jersey Shore is so much more than what MTV showcased it as. In fact, the region encompasses nearly 150 miles of beaches. "Long Beach Island is probably my favorite, but there are so many great towns, like Asbury Park and Spring Lake," Strepparava says. "There is a ton to do down there if you're getting married in the summer months, so your guests can turn your wedding into a mini vacation." The nearest airport to Jersey Shore venues is Williamsport, which is actually in Pennsylvania, but whichever airport they fly into, guests will need to arrange for driving transport as well.

Cape May

The southern tip of the Jersey Shore gets its own special mention for the unique vibe it offers for weddings. Located on the very end of the state's beachy peninsula, it has Victorian architecture and quaint shopping and dining areas. "Cape May County delivers stunning beachside venues with a relaxed charm," Serse says.

Inland New Jersey

If the city isn't your aesthetic and you're not a beachy summer wedding couple, consider some of the historic and beautiful areas just a touch inland. "If the city vibe isn't for you, head to Sussex County for a more serene, countryside feel," Serse says. Strepparava agrees: "Princeton and Morristown are also beautiful towns that have a lot to do for guests."

How to Plan a Wedding in New Jersey Step-by-Step

Aesthetically, you can create just about any type of wedding in New Jersey. However, there are some common to-dos (in addition to obtaining an NJ wedding license!) you'll want to follow, no matter the vibe. Read on for our experts' step-by-step guide to planning a wedding, including specific steps to get married in NJ.

1. Set a Budget—and Don't Forget Tax

"The average cost of a wedding in New Jersey varies depending on the venue, guest count and specific details of the event, and it's important to remember that there's no one-size-fits-all approach," Serse says. "Costs in New Jersey are obviously on the higher side, and we have a sales tax added to items. For a standard venue wedding with around 125 guests, costs typically start at approximately $35,000 to $40,000—and this is during off-peak season, with a more simplistic approach." There are outliers, of course: "More extravagant weddings, particularly in high-demand areas or with elaborate details, can exceed $100,000. On the other hand, more intimate celebrations generally begin at around $15,000, depending on the couple's preferences and priorities." Decide what elements matter most for you and budget for those; you can start with The Knot Budget Advisor tool, which helps estimate costs based on data from real couples.

2. Consider the Seasons and the Humidity

The best time to get married in NJ varies, depending on your vision for the wedding. "[Peak season is] any time between the end of April or early May to the very beginning of November," Strepparava says. "It's important to keep in mind that the summer months can get extremely hot and humid, especially July and August. Even if you are a summer person, you run the risk of your hair and makeup being affected by the humidity—but you may luck out and have a beautiful, zero-humidity day!"

Serse sees the beauty in all seasons. "In New Jersey, we're fortunate to experience all four seasons, and yes, there are even couples who embrace those chilly winter temperatures," she says. "With stunning foliage, the fall months are a particularly popular time for weddings. Each season offers its own unique charm, allowing couples to tailor their weddings to their personal preferences. Costs can vary greatly depending on the style of the wedding. For instance, a summer tented wedding can be more expensive due to the added expenses of tent rentals, flooring, climate control and decor."

3. Choose Your Vendors—and Book Them Early

"If you're eyeing a peak-season wedding date, we strongly recommend booking your venue as soon as possible—even if it's more than 18 months away," Serse says. "Venues and vendors are now being booked much further in advance, so if you find a venue or service you love, don't hesitate to lock it in." She says the same applies to the other "big-ticket" vendors—think entertainment, photography and catering. "If their style resonates with you and fits within your budget, it's best to secure them early."

Strepparava agrees that, among all the many decisions you'll make, the venue should come first in the marriage process in NJ. "The number one thing is finding a venue that matches your overall aesthetic," she says. "So much about photography depends on the location, so picking a place that has great photo opportunities—both indoor and outdoor—is key." Need a starting point? Check out The Knot Vendor Marketplace for vendors in your specific marrying location.

4. Focus on Food

Getting married in NJ has another great perk: "New Jersey is known for its incredible cuisine and unmatched restaurants," Serse says. "From pasta perfection to seafood delights, your guests are sure to leave with full hearts and satisfied palates!" Strepparava mentions the food as well. "The amount and the quality at so many New Jersey venues is incredible," she says. "We also throw great parties here! I've been to weddings in other states where things seem way slower, which isn't a bad thing, but for so many weddings in New Jersey, people are just on the dance floor all night long, having a great time."

5. Book Transportation

How do you get married in NJ is one thing, but how do guests get there is just as important of a question. "If you're considering a New Jersey wedding, you want to consider transportation options for guests, especially in areas where the venue is 20-plus minutes away from the hotel," Serse recommends. Also, consider the seasonal popularity (and traffic) of your chosen destination. "If you're planning a wedding down the shore, especially in the summer, keep in mind that your guests are going to need to figure out accommodations very far in advance, and things like traffic should be factored into your wedding day timeline," Strepparava says.