Find Cape May County Marriage Records
Cape May County is the southernmost county in New Jersey. Created in 1692 from the West Jersey Province, it has deep historical roots. The county seat is Cape May Court House, located in Middle Township. Known for its shore communities and Victorian architecture, Cape May County draws visitors from across the region. Marriage records here go back to the 1600s, making it one of the richest sources for genealogical research in New Jersey. This guide explains how to search for and obtain marriage records throughout Cape May County.
Cape May County Quick Facts
Where to Find Cape May County Marriage Records
Marriage records in Cape May County are held by municipal registrars. Each town keeps records for the marriages it licensed. The Cape May County government can help you find the right office. The county seat is in Cape May Court House, but individual towns handle their own vital records.
The Cape May County government website provides contact details for each municipality.
This county website is a good starting point for finding the right registrar in Cape May County.
Middle Township, which contains Cape May Court House, has a registrar who handles marriages for its residents. Registrar Suzanne Schumann is located at 33 Mechanic Street, Cape May Court House, NJ 08210. Call (609) 465-8721 for information. Office hours are 7:30 AM to 4:00 PM, Monday through Friday. Marriage applications are by appointment only in Middle Township.
The Middle Township Clerk/Registrar page has details about services and appointment scheduling.
Middle Township processes marriage applications by appointment, so call ahead before visiting.
Note: Cape May County's shore towns see many destination weddings. If the couple did not live in Cape May County, the license was issued in the town where the ceremony took place.
How to Search for Marriage Records in Cape May County
Identify the town first. In New Jersey, marriage licenses come from the registrar in the town where one spouse lives. If neither lived in Cape May County, the license was issued where the ceremony happened. Once you know the town, call the registrar. Provide both names and the approximate date. The search usually takes just minutes.
The City of Cape May has its own vital statistics office. Erin Burke handles vital records, and you can reach the office at (609) 884-9532. City Hall is at 643 Washington Street. For marriage license questions specifically, call (609) 884-9529. Cape May is a popular wedding destination, so this office handles a high volume of marriage records.
The City of Cape May website provides additional information about vital records services.
The City of Cape May processes many marriage licenses each year due to its popularity as a wedding location.
If you do not know the town, try the New Jersey Office of Vital Statistics. They maintain records for all marriages statewide from 1848 forward. Send a request with the names, date, and $25 fee. This covers all of Cape May County.
Historical Marriage Records in Cape May County
Cape May County has an extraordinary historical record. Marriage documentation survives from 1693 through 1946, with extensive coverage of the colonial era. This makes Cape May County one of the best sources for early New Jersey marriage research. The county was created in 1692, and records begin almost immediately after its formation.
The New Jersey State Archives in Trenton holds original marriage books from Cape May County. These colonial-era records are handwritten and contain the names of the couple, dates, and the officiant. Some include witness names and other details. Researchers can view these records in person at the Archives reading room.
The Ancestry database for New Jersey marriages includes Cape May County records from 1679 to 1850. This collection has been digitized, making it searchable from home. Many Cape May County researchers start here before visiting the Archives. Ancestry requires a subscription, but public libraries in Cape May County often provide free access.
Church records add depth to the Cape May County marriage record. The area had active congregations from the late 1600s. Baptist, Methodist, and Presbyterian churches all kept records of marriages they performed. These records survive in various repositories and can fill gaps in the civil record for Cape May County.
Note: Cape May County's colonial records are among the oldest in New Jersey, with some entries dating to the 1690s.
Marriage License Process in Cape May County
Getting married in Cape May County begins with a license application. Both people must appear at the registrar together. Apply in the town where either person lives. If neither lives in New Jersey, apply in the Cape May County town where the ceremony will take place. Many couples choose Cape May County for beach weddings and destination ceremonies.
The fee is $28 for a marriage license in Cape May County. Bring valid photo ID for each person. Acceptable forms include a driver's license, passport, or state-issued ID card. If either person was previously married, bring proof that the prior marriage ended. This means a certified copy of a divorce decree or death certificate.
New Jersey law requires a 72-hour waiting period after you apply. This is standard across Cape May County. A judge can waive this requirement in urgent situations. Once the waiting period ends, the license is valid for 30 days. Plan the ceremony within that window.
- Both applicants must appear together
- Apply in the town where either person lives
- Pay $28 for the license
- Bring photo ID and any prior marriage documentation
- Schedule the ceremony after the 72-hour wait
- Complete the ceremony within 30 days
- Some Cape May County offices require appointments
After the ceremony, the officiant signs the license and returns it to the registrar. The registrar creates the permanent marriage record for Cape May County.
Getting Copies of Cape May County Marriage Records
Request copies from the registrar who issued the license. Provide the full names of both spouses and the date of the marriage. Most Cape May County registrars accept requests in person or by mail. Certified copies typically cost $25.
The New Jersey Office of Vital Statistics also issues certified copies. Mail your request to P.O. Box 370, Trenton, NJ 08625-0370. Include the $25 fee and all relevant details. Allow several weeks for processing by mail. You can visit their Trenton office at 140 East Front Street for faster service. This covers any Cape May County marriage record from 1848 onward.
Transcripts cost less than certified copies. They contain the same basic information but lack the official certification seal. For personal use or genealogy, a transcript is often enough. Legal proceedings typically require a certified copy from Cape May County or the state office.
Related Resources for Cape May County
The Cape May County Clerk office handles property records, court documents, and other public records. While marriage records go through municipal registrars, the County Clerk can point you to the right office. Their website at capemaycountynj.gov has contact information for all county offices.
The Cape May County Museum and Historical Society preserves materials from the area's long history. Their collections include family papers, photographs, and local records. Genealogists researching Cape May County families find these resources helpful when civil records are incomplete.
Libraries in Cape May County offer research support. The Cape May County Library System has branches that provide access to Ancestry and other genealogical databases. Staff can help with research strategies for finding marriage records and other vital records in Cape May County.
Public Access to Cape May County Marriage Records
Marriage records in Cape May County are public. Anyone can request a copy. You do not need to be related to the people named. New Jersey law makes vital records accessible to the public. This applies to both recent and historical Cape May County marriage records.
Contact the appropriate registrar with the names and date. Pay the fee and allow time for processing. Most Cape May County offices respond promptly. If you have trouble, the state Office of Vital Statistics serves as a reliable backup for obtaining Cape May County marriage records.
Nearby Counties
These counties border Cape May County. If you are not sure which county holds the marriage record you need, check the address of the town where the license was issued. Cape May County is at the southern tip of New Jersey.