How to Make Getting Your Marriage License for your Brooklake Wedding a Memorable Experience

A couple enjoys a romantic moment at a beach picnic during sunset, with a picnic basket and fruits visible nearby.

Nestled in the picturesque landscapes of New Jersey, Brooklake offers a canvas that blooms with the seasons, providing the perfect backdrop for your wedding. An integral part of bringing your wedding vision to life and creating a memorable ambiance for your guests lies in the art of selecting the right table centerpieces. Not only do these centerpieces highlight the beauty of your theme, but when intertwined with the natural rhythm of the seasons, they weave an enchanting tale of time and love.

The Essentials of Getting Your Marriage License in New Jersey

First, let’s cover the basics. In New Jersey, both partners must be at least 18 years old to marry without restrictions, although individuals as young as 16 can marry with parental and Family Court consent. If you or your partner are New Jersey residents, you should apply for your license in your hometown. If neither of you lives in New Jersey, you can apply in the town where your wedding will take place.

When you go to fill out the marriage license application, remember not to sign it until you are in front of the Local Registrar. You’ll need to bring proof of identity (such as a driver’s license, passport, or state/federal ID), proof of residency, and your social security number. The application process is straightforward, requiring a witness who is 18 or older, and the fee is $28. Keep in mind that there’s a mandatory 3-day waiting period after you apply for your license, and once issued, the license is valid for 30 days.

Two people lying on grass, holding hands, looking up at the camera.

Transforming License Day into a Special Event

Now, how can you make this essential errand a memorable part of your wedding journey? Here are some creative ideas:

1. Plan a Special Meal: Whether it’s a breakfast at your favorite café or a romantic dinner, bookend your license application with a meal to celebrate. Choose a place with sentimental value or try somewhere new to mark the occasion.

2. Capture the Moment: Bring along a photographer or use your smartphone to take some candid photos at the registrar’s office. These pictures will be a fun addition to your wedding album, capturing the very start of your formal journey to marriage.

A young couple happily signing a document in an office setting with another person presenting the document.

3. Include Family and Friends: Although you only need one witness, why not invite a couple of close friends or family members to join you? This can turn the license application into a small celebration, perhaps even followed by a toast or a mini gathering at someone’s home or a nearby venue.

4. Create a Countdown Ritual: After securing your license, start a countdown to your wedding day. You could do this with a simple calendar, or make it more elaborate with a daily note or small gift to each other leading up to the wedding.

5. Visit Your Wedding Venue: If possible, plan your license day around a visit to your wedding venue. This can help you visualize the big day and add to the excitement. Discuss any last-minute details or ideas with your venue coordinator to make the day even more special.

A young couple sitting closely on a park bench, smiling as the woman holds a bouquet of pink and purple flowers.

6. Personalize Your Paperwork: Bring along a special pen to sign your marriage license—a pen that perhaps will be used to sign your wedding guest book or thank you notes post-wedding.

7. Relax and Enjoy Some Pre-Wedding Pampering: After visiting the registrar, treat yourselves to a relaxing activity like a couples massage, a scenic drive, or a peaceful walk in a beautiful park. This can be a wonderful way to unwind and enjoy each other’s company amidst busy wedding planning.

Obtaining your marriage license in New Jersey is more than just a legal necessity; it’s the beginning of your official journey as a married couple. With a bit of planning, this day can be filled with joy, making even the paperwork a cherished memory in your love story. Let this step set a joyful tone for all the celebrations to come!

Contact a Brooklake event specialist to start planning the details of your celebration!

By Published On: April 22nd, 2024