Marriage records in Monmouth County, New Jersey, are available through several channels. MonmouthCourt.us allows you to quickly find public information about marriage records in the county. Additionally, records are kept at the Monmouth County Clerk's office and at the New Jersey Office of Vital Statistics and Registry. You can visit in person, send a request by mail, or use online tools to search and order document copies.
Monmouth Marriage Records Search
In New Jersey, marriage licenses are issued by the local registrar of the municipality where the couple plans to marry. After the ceremony, the completed marriage certificate is returned to the registrar, who sends it to the State Office of Vital Statistics and Registry. Meanwhile, the Monmouth County Clerk maintains historical records through its archives division — including clerk of court records that cover documents from the 18th century.
For modern records (starting from 1925), the primary source is the State Office of Vital Statistics and Registry. If the marriage was registered in one of Monmouth County's municipalities, a request for a copy can be submitted to the local registrar of that municipality or directly to the state.
Certified Marriage Record Copies and Fees in Monmouth
The cost of certified copies of marriage records depends on whether you apply to the local registrar or the state. Below are the approximate fees established by New Jersey law (N.J.S.A. 26:8-74).
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Certified copy (first) — through local registrar | $15.00 |
| Additional certified copy (same order) | $10.00 |
| Certified copy — through State Office of Vital Statistics and Registry | $25.00 |
| Additional copy (state, same order) | $10.00 |
| Search fee | Included in the copy cost |
Processing time varies. Local registrars typically issue copies within a few business days. Requests to the state may take two to four weeks. Informational (uncertified) copies are available at the state level at a lower cost — inquire directly with the Office of Vital Statistics and Registry.
Order Marriage Certificates Online or In Person in Monmouth
There are several ways to order a marriage certificate.
Online
The State of New Jersey offers online ordering of certified copies through the Office of Vital Statistics and Registry portal. Go to the Vital Statistics page and select the appropriate section for ordering marriage records. Payment is made by credit or debit card.
In Person
Contact the local registrar of the municipality where the marriage license was issued. You will need:
- Valid photo identification
- Names of both spouses and approximate marriage date
- Payment in cash or check (confirm with the specific municipality)
For historical records, you can visit the Monmouth County Clerk's archives in Freehold.
By Mail
Send a request to the State Office of Vital Statistics and Registry at:
Include in your letter:
- Completed application form (downloadable from the state website)
- Check or money order for the appropriate amount, payable to "Treasurer, State of New Jersey"
- Copy of your photo identification
- Self-addressed stamped envelope (optional, for expedited delivery)
Provide the full names of both spouses, the date, and place of marriage registration. If the exact date is unknown, specify an approximate range of years — this will help expedite the search. For records related to court cases (e.g., divorce), contact the Monmouth County Superior Court offices.