Marriage/Civil Union Applications

In the State of New Jersey, residents apply for a marriage license in the municipality which they reside as determined by a VALID driver's license and utility bills which are in their name. When the marriage license is issued, it is valid for 30 days in any municipality in the State of New Jersey.

Congratulations on Your Upcoming Wedding . . . What's Next????

Where do I apply for my marriage license?

Non-residents apply for the marriage license in the municipality in which they intend to be married, When the marriage license is issued, it is valid for 30 days; however, it is only valid in the municipality in which you intend to be married. You must bring VALID identification with you to file for your marriage application.

What do you need to apply?

Download this document provided by the State of NJ Vital Statistics "Entering Into A Marriage or Civil Union In New Jersey"

Required documents when applying for a marriage license

Proof of identity by presenting your driver’s license, passport or state/federal I.D. Make sure your license is up to date and bring supporting documentation for any changes to your license.
Proof of residency by one applicant if a NJ resident/Vaid identification if out of state residency
Social Security number*
A witness, 18 years of age or older
The $28 application fee payable to "Sandyston Township" (check, cash or money order accepted)

Appointments are mandatory! Please call 973-948-3520 x200 to schedule an appointment.

Please visit the State of New Jersey, Vital Statistics website for information on what is needed to apply for a marriage license (form, requirements, proof of identiy/residency).

You may fill out the REG 77 "Application for Marriage, Remarriage, Civil Union or Reaffirmation of Civil Union" BUT only sign in the presence of the Registrar and your witness.

Upon filing the marriage application, the Registrar must hold your application for 72 hours.

You may apply for your marriage license within 30 days of your wedding date, but please remember to take into consideration the required 72 hour hold which is required by N.J. Statute. The only way to remove the 72 hour hold is through a Court Order.

Once issued, your license is valid for 30 days.

After you are married, your marriage certificate is filed in the municipality in which you were married and you must contact the Registrar in that municipality to obtain Certified Copies of your marriage.

Are you performing the ceremony?

If you are performing the ceremony, you are not required to be registered with the municipality or the State of New Jersey. You are required to have the necessary approvals through your training to perform the marriage, but you do not have to prove that information to the municipal clerk.

Please keep these things in mind for marriages in Sandyston Township:

Please DO NOT use the word "officiant" as your title. It is not permitted by the State of New Jersey. You must use an official title such as Minister, Reverend, Pastor.
Please DO NOT use "Branchville", "Frankford" or "Montague" as the "Place of Marriage" if the marriage takes place in Sandyston Township. "Branchville" or "Montague" is merely part of the zip code and not affiliated with Sandyston. Marriage Licenses are filed based on the MUNICIPALITY where the marriage takes place - NOT THE MAILING ADDRESS OF THE LOCATION. Branchville, Frankford, Montague and Sandyston are separate, distinct municipalities in Sussex County. "Sandyston" should always be used if the marriage takes place in Sandyston Township. The following locations are in Sandyston Township:
- Stokes State Forest (Sunrise Mountain and locations within Stokes State Forest)
- Lindley G. Cook 4H Camp (Struble Road) Sandyston
- Camp Linwood MacDonald/YMCA of Newark (Flatbrook Road), Sandyston
- NJ School of Conservation, Wapalanne Road, Sandyston
- St. Thomas the Apostle Church, Route 206, Sandyston
- Delaware Valley United Methodist Church, Route 645, Sandyston
Provide a copy of your contact information with the completed license for questions once the marriage license is filed with the municipality.
If you have questions, please contact Sandyston Township prior to the ceremoney to help guide you on location.

CERTIFIED COPIES

In Sandyston, please use this form to request certified copies (OPRA Requests cannot be submitted for Certified Copies). You may deliver this request in person, drop off in municipal drop box or through the mail. Certified copies are $5 per copy, payable by cash, check or money order to "Sandyston Township". Please provided form, copy of photo ID, and payment.

In order to determine if your certificate is filed in Sandyston Township, the requester must be able to identify the record fully by filling out the required certified copy form, provide your ID, and fee. Upon receipt, the Registrar will research your request and provide you either with the certified copies requested OR return your request with a letter stating the requested information was not found.

Important: The Registrar is not permitted, by N.J. Statute, the confirm or provide information on marriage license applications or filed certificates with the municipality. The Registrar will not discuss requests for information over the phone.

Certified Copies of Marriage

Certified Copies of your marriage must be obtained in the municipality where the couple was married.
Proof of identity must be provided.
$5 per certified copy payable in the form of cash, check or money order.

Certified Copies of Birth

Certified copies of births must be obtained in the municipality where the individual was born.
Proof of identity must be provided.
$5 per certified copy payable in the form of cash, check, or money order

Certified Copies of Death

Death certificates must be obtained in the municipality where the individual was pronounced dead
Proof of identity must be provided.
Fee: $5 per certified copy payable in the form of cash, check, or money order