Search Bergen County Marriage Records

Bergen County is the most populous county in New Jersey. It has 70 municipalities, more than any other county in the state. The county seat is Hackensack, and the County Clerk office is at One Bergen County Plaza. Marriage records in Bergen County go back to the 1700s, with some surviving from as early as 1749. Whether you need a recent marriage certificate or a historical record for genealogy, Bergen County has deep archives to search. This page explains how to find and obtain marriage records across Bergen County.

Where to Find Bergen County Marriage Records

Marriage records in Bergen County are held by the municipal registrar in the town that issued the license. With 70 municipalities, Bergen County has many local offices that handle vital records. The Bergen County Clerk at One Bergen County Plaza in Hackensack can help direct you. Call them at (201) 336-7011 for guidance on which office to contact for your specific record.

Each town in Bergen County has a registrar responsible for marriages performed within its borders. Towns like Hackensack, Fort Lee, Paramus, Teaneck, and Englewood each keep their own marriage records. You apply for a license in the town where you live. The registrar in that town stores the record after the ceremony.

The Little Falls Township vital statistics office serves as an example of how local registrars work in the Bergen County area. You can reach them at (973) 256-0170. A marriage license costs $28, and a transcript costs $8. Most municipalities in Bergen County follow the same fee structure set by state law.

The following image shows a local vital statistics office that processes marriage records in the Bergen County area.

This type of office handles all marriage license applications, issues certificates, and maintains records for the municipality. Bergen County residents interact with these offices for all vital record needs.

How to Search Marriage Records in Bergen County

Finding a marriage record in Bergen County starts with knowing where the license was issued. In New Jersey, couples apply at the registrar in the town where one of them lives. If you know the town, call that registrar. They can look up the record by name and date.

If you do not know the town, the New Jersey Office of Vital Statistics can search statewide. This office has records for all marriages in New Jersey from 1848 onward. Send a written request with the names and approximate date. The fee is $25 per certified copy. This covers Bergen County and all other counties.

Online resources help narrow your search. The New Jersey State Archives has a searchable database of older marriage records. You can look up names for free and find index entries. The results tell you where to order the full record. For Bergen County marriages from 1749 to 1850, the Ancestry New Jersey collection has digitized records you can browse.

• Know the town where the license was issued
• Contact that town's registrar office
• Provide full names of both spouses
• Give the approximate date of the marriage
• Pay the required fee for copies

Note: Bergen County has 70 municipalities, so identifying the right town is the most important step in your search.

Historical Marriage Records in Bergen County

Bergen County has some of the oldest marriage records in New Jersey. The county was formed in 1683 from the East Jersey Province. Historical records survive from 1749 to 1850, with additional records from 1905 to 1907 and 1913 to 1914. These records document marriages from a time when Bergen County was still largely rural.

The New Jersey State Archives holds original marriage books for Bergen County. These handwritten records list names, dates, and sometimes the officiant or witnesses. Researchers can visit the Archives in Trenton to view these records in person. Some have been microfilmed, and staff can help locate specific entries for Bergen County.

The Ancestry database covers Bergen County marriages from 1749 to 1850. This is a useful tool for anyone tracing family roots in the county. The records include names, dates, and locations. Ancestry requires a subscription, but many libraries in Bergen County offer free access through their websites.

Church records also fill gaps in Bergen County marriage documentation. The Dutch Reformed Church had a strong presence in Bergen County from the colonial era. Their records predate many civil records and provide details not found elsewhere. The Bergen County Historical Society and local churches may have these records available for research.

Applying for a Marriage License in Bergen County

To get married in Bergen County, both people must apply for a license together. You go to the registrar in the town where either person lives. If neither lives in New Jersey, apply in the town where the ceremony will be held. Bring valid photo ID and $28 for the fee.

After you apply, New Jersey law requires a 72-hour waiting period. This applies in Bergen County and every other county. A judge can waive this requirement in limited cases. Once the waiting period passes, the license is valid for 30 days. Plan your ceremony within that window, or you will need to apply again in Bergen County.

If either person was married before, bring proof that the prior marriage ended. A certified divorce decree or death certificate is required. The registrar in Bergen County will not issue a new license without this documentation. All documents must be originals or certified copies.

After the ceremony, the officiant signs the license and returns it to the registrar. The registrar then files it and creates the official marriage record for Bergen County. You can order certified copies of your marriage certificate from that same registrar.

Note: The 72-hour waiting period begins when the registrar accepts your completed application in Bergen County.

Getting Copies of Bergen County Marriage Records

Certified copies come from the registrar who filed the original record. Contact the municipal office in Bergen County where the license was issued. Most offices accept in-person and mail requests. You need the names of both spouses and the date of the marriage. The typical fee for a certified copy is $25.

The New Jersey Office of Vital Statistics is another option. They issue certified copies for any marriage that took place in New Jersey. Mail your request to P.O. Box 370, Trenton, NJ 08625-0370. Include the fee and all required details. Processing takes several weeks. For Bergen County records, this is a good backup if the local office cannot help.

Transcripts cost $8 in most Bergen County municipalities. A transcript shows the same information as a certified copy but may not be accepted for legal purposes. Ask the requesting party whether they need a certified copy or if a transcript will work. This can save you money and time when getting Bergen County marriage records.

Related Resources for Bergen County

The Bergen County Clerk at One Bergen County Plaza in Hackensack handles property records, court filings, and other public documents. While marriage records go through municipal registrars, the County Clerk is a useful starting point for other record types. Their phone number is (201) 336-7011.

The Bergen County Historical Society preserves local history and genealogical materials. They hold collections that include family papers, photographs, and church records from across Bergen County. These can supplement official vital records when researching marriages in the area.

Libraries in Bergen County also support record research. The Bergen County Cooperative Library System connects dozens of libraries across the county. Many offer access to genealogical databases, including Ancestry and other tools for finding marriage records. The Johnson Free Public Library in Hackensack has a strong local history collection covering Bergen County.

Public Access to Bergen County Marriage Records

Marriage records in Bergen County are public. Anyone can request a copy. You do not have to be named on the record or related to the people listed. New Jersey law treats vital records as public documents. This means genealogists, researchers, and the general public all have equal access to Bergen County marriage records.

To request a record, provide the names and date to the appropriate registrar in Bergen County. Pay the fee and allow time for processing. If a registrar denies your request without a clear legal basis, you can file a formal request under the Open Public Records Act. Most Bergen County offices process requests promptly and without issues.

Nearby Counties

These counties border Bergen County. Marriage licenses in New Jersey are tied to the municipality where the couple applied. If you are unsure which county holds the record, check the address of the town where the license was issued.