Elizabeth Marriage Record Search
Elizabeth marriage records are available through the City Clerk and Union County offices. Elizabeth is the fourth largest city in New Jersey and the county seat of Union County. Situated along Newark Bay in northeastern New Jersey, the city has a rich history dating back to 1664. The City Clerk's office manages marriage licenses and certificates for Elizabeth residents. To get copies of marriage records, you can visit in person or contact the Union County Clerk for county-level filings. This page explains how to search for, obtain, and understand marriage records in Elizabeth.
Elizabeth Quick Facts
Where to Find Elizabeth Marriage Records
The Elizabeth City Clerk issues marriage licenses and keeps marriage records for the city. Visit the City of Elizabeth website for office details and contact information. Walk-in requests are accepted during regular hours.
The Union County Clerk is another key resource. Their main office is at 2 Broad Street, Elizabeth, NJ 07207. Phone: (908) 527-4787. Hours are Monday through Friday, 7:30 AM to 4:00 PM. The county clerk handles a range of records and can assist with marriage-related filings at the county level.
Union County also runs a satellite office in Westfield at 300 North Avenue East. That location offers extended hours on Tuesdays and Thursdays until 7:30 PM, and Saturday hours from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM. This can be a convenient option if you cannot visit during standard weekday hours to get marriage records connected to Elizabeth.
Note: The county satellite office in Westfield handles many of the same services as the main Elizabeth location.
Searching for Marriage Records in Elizabeth
To search marriage records in Elizabeth, provide the names of both spouses and the approximate date of the marriage. The city clerk can look up records by name and year. Having a certificate number makes the process quicker. Staff can tell you if the record is on file at the city level or if you should check with the county or state.
The NJ Department of Health keeps statewide marriage records going back to 1848. You can request a search through their office if you are unsure where the marriage took place or if you need a record from a long time ago. Mail requests to the state require an application form and payment.
For genealogy work, combining city, county, and state searches gives the best results. Old Elizabeth marriage records may be scattered across different offices depending on when the marriage occurred. Church records from the city's many congregations offer another path to finding marriage information.
Historical Marriage Records in Elizabeth
Elizabeth was one of the first English settlements in New Jersey. Its history goes back more than 350 years, making it a key location for genealogy research. Early marriage records may be found in colonial-era church registers and county archives. Civil recording became standard in the mid-1800s.
The New Jersey State Archives holds historical vital records from across the state, including older marriage records from Elizabeth and Union County. The archives are in Trenton and welcome researchers in person. Staff can guide you to the right collection based on the time period and location of the marriage you are researching.
Local historical organizations in Elizabeth maintain collections of newspapers, directories, and other documents that can supplement your search for marriage records. These materials often provide context that helps narrow down dates and names.
Elizabeth Marriage License Application
To get a marriage license in Elizabeth, both parties must visit the City Clerk together. Bring a valid photo ID, your Social Security number, and proof of your address. The fee is $28. If either person had a previous marriage, bring documentation showing it ended.
After the application, a 72-hour waiting period applies. The license is valid for 30 days from the date of issue. You may get married anywhere in New Jersey with an Elizabeth-issued license. The officiant signs the completed license and returns it to the Elizabeth City Clerk, who files it as the official marriage record.
No blood tests are required. The process at the clerk's office is usually quick, but calling ahead to check wait times is a good idea. Late afternoon visits tend to have shorter lines at the Elizabeth office.
Note: Licenses issued in Elizabeth are valid statewide, so you do not need to get married within city limits.
Obtaining Copies of Marriage Records
Certified copies of Elizabeth marriage records are available from the City Clerk. These carry an official seal and are accepted for legal purposes. You need a valid photo ID and must show a direct relationship to the people on the record.
The NJ Department of Health also provides copies of marriage records from anywhere in the state, including Elizabeth. Mail orders require a completed form, payment, and the names and date of marriage. Processing takes several weeks. You can find application forms on the NJ DOH website.
Informational copies lack the official seal. They work for personal reference but are not accepted for legal transactions. When requesting a copy, let the clerk know whether you need a certified or informational version of the Elizabeth marriage record.
Elizabeth Marriage Record Resources
These offices and organizations can help with marriage records in Elizabeth. Contact the one that best fits the age and type of record you need.
- Elizabeth City Clerk: local marriage records and new licenses
- Union County Clerk: county records at (908) 527-4787
- Union County Westfield satellite: extended hours available
- NJ Department of Health: statewide records from 1848 to present
- NJ State Archives: historical records and genealogy support
Each office has its own fees and procedures. Call or check the website before visiting to make sure you have the right documents for your marriage record request in Elizabeth.
Union County Marriage Records
Elizabeth is the county seat of Union County. Marriage records from Elizabeth are part of the broader Union County system. The county page covers records from all municipalities in Union County, with office locations, contact details, and guidance on accessing marriage records throughout the county.