You’ve said yes, picked out your venue, found your dream dress, and all that’s left to do now is say, “I do!” If only that were true. Sorry, but you’re going to need a license to wed. A marriage license is an officially issued document that authorizes a couple to legally marry. It sounds much more daunting than it is, but couples do need to file for a marriage license to be legally married.
Don’t worry —the process to get one is actually much easier and less painstaking than a trip to the DMV for a driver’s license. But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. Keep reading to find out how to get a marriage license in Hoboken or Jersey City.
The Form
Ok, first thing’s first — you’ll need to apply for a marriage license. Luckily, it’s easy to download the marriage license application right on New Jersey’s website, here. You’ll want to fill that out as carefully and accurately as possible, and it’s best to fill it out before showing up at your local county clerk’s office.
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Where to Go
Now on to the most pressing question — which local county clerk’s office to go to. You’ll have to head to the office in the NJ municipality where either you or your partner reside. So if you don’t live together, pick which one is easiest to get to.
Find the local registrar for your county here.
Below, however, we’ve rounded up where Hoboken and JC residents can head to {to make that search process a bit easier for you}:
- In Hoboken, visit Dawn Delorenzo at 124 Grand Street in the Hoboken Vital Records office. You can reach Dawn by phone at 201-420-2040.
- In Jersey City, couples can visit Robert Byrne at 280 Grove Street. Robert can be reached via phone at 201-547-5150.
Beyond the Form
Like getting a driver’s license, you’ll have to arrive with a few extra documents plus your aforementioned form in order to get the marriage license. You’ll also need:
- Proof of identity — example: license, passport, or state/federal ID
- Proof of residency by one applicant — example: a bill with a mailing address
- Social Security number — don’t worry, the NJ.gov website promises SS# will be kept confidential
- A witness at least 18 years of age or older money {$28} for the application fee
- Any documents in a foreign language must be accompanied by a certified English translation
Disclaimer: Please always confirm this information with your local county clerk.
Also, try to make picking your witness special — maybe a close friend that didn’t quite make the bridal party cut, or a parent or special relative. {And you should probably pick someone with Insta-worthy photo taking skills, too.}
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Timing
This is important — do not wait until the last minute to get the marriage license completed, but don’t go too early, either.
For the state of New Jersey, there is a 72-hour waiting period before the marriage license is officially issued, and it begins once the application is filed. It’s good for six months from the date it has been accepted, so while you’re probably feeling super excited to check something off the list, you’ll have to wait until at least six months out from the big day.
Do you have any tips for getting a marriage license in Hoboken or Jersey City? Let us know in the comments!
There’s a Chicken Wing Contest for Charity Coming to Hoboken on 2/1
After a five-year hiatus due to the Covid-19 pandemic, Hoboken's chicken wing contest is making a return in 2025. Hosted by St. Francis Church and benefitting Fr. Michael Food Pantry, 11 restaurants from around the Mile Square (and one in Jersey City) will compete for the title of "King of Wings." The event will take place on Saturday, February 1st from 6PM-10PM at the Hoboken Elks Club, located at 1005 Washington Street. Read on for more details about Hoboken's A Wing + A Prayer event happening this February.
Event Details
A Wing + A Prayer — a popular Hoboken event that was last held in February of 2020 — will make its return to the Mile Square on Saturday, February 1st, 2025, with proceeds benefiting the Fr. Michael Food Pantry at St. Francis Church. Per a press release, the event will be held from 6PM to 10PM at the Hoboken Elks Club, located at 1005 Washington Street.
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So, how does the event work? Eleven restaurants from around Hoboken and Jersey City will be showcasing their chicken wings in a people's choice competition to crown the "best wings in Hoboken." The participating restaurants are as follows:
- Anthony David’s | 953 Bloomfield Street
- Bin 14 | 1314 Washington Street
- Carpe Diem | 1406 Grand Street
- Dark Side of the Moo | 52 Bowers Street, Jersey City
- Farside Tavern | 531 Washington Street
- Ferryman on First | 94 Bloomfield Street
- GTK | 1014 Washington Street
- Johnny Pepperoni | 219 11th Street
- Madd Hatter | 221 Washington Street
- Madison Bar + Grill | 1316 Washington Street
- Tony Boloney’s | 263 1st Street
Those in attendance will vote for their favorite wings, and the winning restaurant gets to take home the trophy to be held at their restaurant until the next event.
The organizers shared with The Hoboken Girl that the pantry provides monthly groceries to families in need, and that the proceeds from this event will help bring back the daily sandwich program.
Anyone with questions about the event can email [email protected] or call 201-970-8796.
See More: Where to Get the Best Wings in the Montclair Area
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