Union Township Marriage Records Guide
Union Township marriage records are available through the Township Clerk and Union County offices. Formed in 1857, Union Township is a suburban community in the New York metropolitan area within Union County. Marriage records from the township date back to its founding year. Searching for marriage records involves local, county, and state resources that work together to provide access to both recent and historical filings.
Union Township Quick Facts
Where to Find Union Township Marriage Records
The Union Township Clerk is the first place to look for local marriage records. The clerk's office keeps records for marriages performed within the township. Walk-in requests are accepted during business hours. Bring a valid photo ID and documentation showing your relationship to the people named on the record.
The Union Township Clerk's office handles marriage records and other vital statistics for residents. The image below shows the clerk's office. Visit the township website for hours and directions.
The clerk's staff can confirm whether your record is on file locally or direct you to the county or state.
The Union County Clerk holds historical marriage records for Union Township and other municipalities in the county. Records from the mid-1800s through the early 1900s are often stored at the county level. The county clerk's office is located in Elizabeth, the county seat.
For statewide searches, the New Jersey Department of Health maintains marriage records from 1848 to the present. Mail-in requests are available.
Note: Some early Union Township marriage records may be filed under the names of predecessor communities that existed before the township was formed in 1857.
How to Search Union Township Marriage Records
Start with the names of the spouses. The year of the marriage narrows the search. The Township Clerk looks up records by name and date. A certificate number makes the search faster, though it is not necessary.
Online genealogy sites carry indexed New Jersey marriage records that may include Union Township filings. Some databases index by city, while others group records at the county or state level. Try multiple sources for the most complete results.
Union Township's location in the greater New York area means that some couples married in neighboring towns. If you cannot find a record in Union Township, check nearby municipalities in Union County or contact the county clerk for a broader search.
Historical Marriage Records in Union Township
Union Township was formed in 1857, and marriage records from that year onward are part of the local archive. The township grew steadily as a suburban community in the decades after its founding. Marriage records from the late 1800s and early 1900s reflect this growth and the diverse families that settled here.
The New Jersey State Archives in Trenton hold historical vital records from across the state. Their collections include Union Township marriage records, indexes, and related documents. The state archives staff can guide researchers through available materials.
Historical documents related to Union Township marriage records are preserved at the state level. The image below shows the type of archival material available. Visit the state archives for access information.
These holdings include handwritten record books, typed indexes, and microfilm copies of original Union Township marriage filings.
Church records are another valuable source. Several historic congregations in Union Township kept detailed records of marriages, baptisms, and other events. These records can fill gaps where civil records are incomplete. Local historical societies may know which churches have preserved their archives and how to access them.
Union Township Marriage License Process
Couples planning to marry in Union Township apply for a license at the Township Clerk's office. Both parties must appear together. Bring valid government-issued photo ID, your Social Security card, and proof of Union Township residency.
A 72-hour waiting period follows the application. After that, the license is valid for 30 days. Marry anywhere in New Jersey during that window. The officiant signs the license at the ceremony and returns it to the Union Township Clerk. The signed license becomes the official marriage record.
If either person was married before, proof that the prior marriage ended is required. A certified divorce decree or a death certificate satisfies this need. Call ahead to the clerk's office to confirm what documents you should bring.
Note: The marriage license fee in New Jersey is set by state law at $28, and this applies equally to Union Township and all other municipalities.
Getting Copies of Union Township Marriage Records
Certified and informational copies are available from the Township Clerk. Certified copies carry a raised seal and are valid for legal purposes. Informational copies do not include the seal.
To request copies, bring:
- Full names of both spouses
- Date of the marriage
- Your valid photo ID
- Proof of relationship to the individuals on the record
You can also order copies through the NJ Department of Health by mail. Download the application form from the state website. Allow several weeks for processing. The state office handles requests for marriages recorded anywhere in New Jersey, including Union Township.
Union County Marriage Records
Union Township is part of Union County. Marriage records filed locally are also part of the county vital records system. The Union County Clerk holds older records and handles some requests that the township clerk does not. For more about marriage records across Union County, visit the county page.