Marriage records in Bergen County, New Jersey, can be accessed through several channels. BergenCourt.us can help you find publicly available marriage record information for the county. You can also request records directly from the issuing authority — in this case, the local registrar of vital statistics in the municipality where the marriage license was issued, or through the New Jersey Department of Health. Records may be obtained online through the state vital records portal, in person at the local registrar's office, or by mail.
Bergen County Marriage Records Search
In New Jersey, marriage records are maintained at two levels. The local registrar of vital statistics in the municipality where the marriage license was issued keeps the original record. The New Jersey Department of Health, Office of Vital Statistics and Registry, maintains a statewide index of marriage records dating back to June 1878.
The Bergen County Clerk's Office does not issue marriage licenses or maintain marriage certificates — that function belongs to the municipal clerk in each of Bergen County's 70 municipalities. Each local registrar files marriage certificates after the ceremony is performed and the officiant returns the completed license.
The statewide collection includes:
- Marriage license applications
- Marriage certificates filed by local registrars
- Historical marriage records from June 1878 to the present
For records prior to June 1878, you may need to check church records, historical societies, or the New Jersey State Archives.
For general Bergen County inquiries, the county contact directory lists phone numbers for various departments.
Certified Marriage Record Copies and Fees in Bergen County
Certified copies of marriage records in New Jersey can be obtained from either the local registrar in the municipality where the license was issued or from the New Jersey Department of Health. Fees are set by state statute (N.J.S.A. 26:8-62).
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Certified copy (local registrar) | $10.00 |
| Each additional certified copy (same order, local registrar) | $5.00 |
| Certified copy (NJ Department of Health) | $25.00 |
| Each additional certified copy (same order, NJ DOH) | $25.00 |
| Search fee (NJ DOH, if no record found) | $25.00 |
| Priority handling / expedited processing (NJ DOH) | Additional fees may apply |
Local registrar fees are generally lower than state-level fees. Processing times at the local level are typically faster — often same-day for in-person requests. The New Jersey Department of Health may take four to six weeks for standard mail requests.
Order Marriage Certificates Online or In Person in Bergen County
There are three main ways to obtain a certified copy of a marriage certificate for a marriage that took place in Bergen County.
Online
The New Jersey Department of Health accepts online orders for certified copies of marriage records through its vital records ordering system. You will need to provide:
- Full names of both spouses
- Date of marriage
- Municipality where the license was issued
- Your relationship to the individuals on the record
- A valid form of payment
Certified copies ordered through the state carry the raised seal of the New Jersey Department of Health and are printed on official safety paper.
In Person
Visit the municipal clerk or local registrar of vital statistics in the Bergen County municipality where the marriage license was originally issued. Most municipal offices accept walk-in requests during regular business hours. Bring a valid government-issued photo ID. Fees at the local level start at $10.00 for the first certified copy.
Since Bergen County has 70 municipalities, contact the specific town's municipal clerk to confirm hours and availability before visiting.
By Mail
You can request a certified marriage certificate by mail from either the local registrar or the New Jersey Department of Health. For state-level requests, mail the following to:
Include with your mail request:
- A completed vital records request form (available on the NJ DOH website)
- A check or money order for $25.00 per copy, payable to the Treasurer, State of New Jersey
- A photocopy of your valid government-issued ID
- A self-addressed stamped envelope (optional but recommended)
For local registrar mail requests, contact the specific municipality for their mailing address and accepted payment methods.
You may also submit a public records request through the Bergen County OPRA portal if you are seeking non-certified record information held by a county department, though marriage records are typically maintained at the municipal or state level rather than by the county clerk.