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1. Can someone other than the couple pick up the marriage license when it is ready?

After the bride and groom have applied for the marriage license, they can only pick up the license or the child of the individuals listed on the marriage license (with birth certificate and valid ID). This is the document that is needed before the wedding. However, whoever picks it up is responsible for reviewing the license to ensure all information is correct.

Once the license is sent to the health department after the ceremony, the bride or groom can pick up the marriage certificate when it is ready or a child of the individuals listed on the marriage certificate with a copy of there birth certificate and valid ID.

2. Do I have to register with the Health Department before performing a wedding in Hamilton?

The Health Department does not require an officiant to show their credentials before performing a wedding ceremony in Hamilton.

3. Does the Mayor perform Marriage/Civil Union Ceremonies?

The Mayor does perform marriage/civil union ceremonies on Fridays. Please contact the Call Center at 609-586-0311 and we will check with the Mayor's secretary to see if the date is available.

Also, Hamilton has a Judge who performs ceremonies at the Hamilton Court House on Monday's and Thursday's.  You must contact the courts by e-mailing hamiltoncourt@hamiltonnj.com to request a date. Someone from the courts will get back to you so please provide all contact information.  You may also contact Hamilton Township Municipal Court at Rachel.Churchman@NJCOURTS.GOV and Hamiltoncourt@hamiltonnj.com 

Mercer County Clerk Paula Sollami Covello performs civil wedding ceremonies. For more information, visit the Mercer County Clerk's webpage or call 609-989-6465.

4. How do I obtain a Marriage/Civil Union License?

Requirements for Applying for a Marriage License Hamilton Township, Mercer County

1. One or both applicants must be a Hamilton Township Resident.
2. Applications are done by appointment only. Appointments are made at least THREE weeks before the set date of ceremony. To schedule appointment call 609-890-3826.
   1. There is a seventy-two hour waiting period from the time of application until the license is ready for pick-up.
3. On the day of appointment please bring:
   1. Completed application. Application can be obtained at local registrar's office
      1. View the English Spanish Application (PDF)
      2. Do not sign the marriage application form before going to the Local Registrar. You must sign the application, while under oath, in the presence of the issuing authority
   2. Witness 18 years of age or older with valid ID
   3. Name, address and phone number of officiate
   4. Birth Certificates (or passports)
   5. Social Security Card (or last year's W-2)
   6. Proof of residency (i.e. utility bill from last 90 days {electric, gas, telephone, water})
   7. If ever in marriage/civil union/domestic partnership:
      1. Provide date and location of divorce
      2. Death Certificate
   8. If in a marriage to current significant other: (remarriage only)
      1. Bring marriage certificate
   9. $28 license fee, collected in the form of cash, money order, or debit/credit (2.9% service charge)

5. How long is a marriage license good for?

After the license is picked up from our office, it is valid for 30 days only. Upon applying, the application will only be kept on file for six months.

6. I am applying for a marriage license and cannot find my birth certificate; what document can I use as a substitute?

If you cannot find your birth certificate, you can substitute this with a passport.

7. I was born in a different country, do I need to have my birth certificate translated?

Yes, you must have your birth certificate translated and notarized.

8. In what municipality/state do I apply for a marriage license?

If the applicants live in another state, but are getting married in Hamilton, they have to apply in Hamilton and the ceremony must take place in Hamilton. The license is not valid in any other municipality in NJ; only valid in Hamilton.

If the Hamilton resident is getting married in a different state, they have to contact the state where the wedding is taking place for the marriage license.

If the applicants live in NJ but not in Hamilton and are getting married in Hamilton, they must apply in the municipality where they live. The license is valid for Hamilton or anywhere in NJ.

If the applicants live in Hamilton they must apply for the license in Hamilton and the license is valid for Hamilton or anywhere in NJ.

If one applicant lives in Hamilton and the other lives in another municipality in NJ they can apply through either municipality and the license is valid in Hamilton or anywhere in NJ.

9. What documents do I need if this is not the first marriage for either the bride or groom?

In addition to your birth certificate and social security card or W2 form, you will need a death certificate or a divorce certificate.

10. When can I pick up my Marriage Certificate?

If the marriage took place in Hamilton Township, once the marriage is official, the Officiant signs the license and sends it to the Hamilton Township Health Office.

The certificate cannot be picked up until the Health Office has received the signed license. Contact the Health Office via Citizen Service Request or call 609-890-3826 to see if the license has been received.

Once received, the bride and/or groom must go to the Health Office; Monday through Friday from 9 am to 4 pm If a child of the individuals is picking up the marriage certificate, they must bring there birth certificate (marriage certificate if the name is different) with valid ID. Must be 18 years or older. At the office, they will fill out a short form and show identification. There is a $15 fee for a certified copy of the Marriage Certificate payable in the form of cash, money order, or debit/credit (2.9% service charge).

If you live in Hamilton and therefore applied for a license in Hamilton, but the marriage took place in another municipality, you must contact that municipality for your marriage certificate.

11. Where do I apply for a license if I live in Hamilton but am getting married in a different municipality/state?

If the applicants live in Hamilton, they must apply for the license in Hamilton and the license is valid anywhere in NJ.

If one applicant lives in Hamilton and one lives in another municipality in NJ, they can apply through either municipality and the license is valid anywhere in NJ.

If the applicant is a Hamilton resident and getting married in a different state, then they have to contact the state where the wedding is taking place for the marriage license.

The license stays on file in the municipality where the event took place.