Hunterdon County Marriage Records

Hunterdon County was formed in 1714 from Burlington County and sits along the Delaware River on the western edge of New Jersey. The county seat is Flemington. Marriage records in Hunterdon County date back to the late 1700s, with historical collections held by the county clerk, the state archives, and online genealogy platforms. Whether you need a recent marriage certificate or are tracing family roots through older records, this page explains where to search and what to expect when working with Hunterdon County marriage records.

Where to Find Marriage Records

The Hunterdon County Clerk is at the Hall of Records, 71 Main Street, Flemington, NJ 08822-2900. This office holds historical marriage records for the county. For recent marriage certificates, contact the local registrar in the town where the ceremony took place. Each municipality in Hunterdon County keeps its own marriage records.

The county clerk has marriage records going back to 1779. The collection includes records from 1789 to 1790 and 1793 to 1881, along with additional years. Before 1848, local records are often the only source for marriage documents. After that date, the New Jersey Department of Health began keeping statewide marriage records. Both sources are useful when searching for marriage records in Hunterdon County.

The Hunterdon County Clerk office in Flemington is the starting point for local marriage record searches.

Staff can help you locate records or direct you to other sources if the file is not in their collection.

The Flemington Town Clerk can also assist with marriage records for marriages that took place in the borough. Reach them at 908-782-8840.

Searching Hunterdon County Marriage Records

To search for a marriage record in Hunterdon County, start with the names of both spouses and an approximate date. The county clerk can search by name and year. In-person visits to the Hall of Records in Flemington allow you to look through indexes and request copies on the spot. Call ahead to check hours.

Mail requests are also accepted. Write to the Hunterdon County Clerk at 71 Main Street, Flemington, NJ 08822-2900. Include the full names, approximate date, and your return address. Send the fee by check or money order. The clerk will search and mail a copy if a matching record is found.

For online searches, the Ancestry New Jersey marriage collection has indexed Hunterdon County records from 1790 to 1895. These are available on microfilm reel 0818212. FamilySearch may also have some of these records at no cost. Online indexes are a fast way to check if a record exists before requesting a certified copy from the county.

Note: Some areas of what is now northern Bucks County, Pennsylvania, were part of Hunterdon County before 1775. If you are searching for very old marriage records, the record could be in Pennsylvania archives instead.

Historical Marriage Records

Hunterdon County has historical marriage records that reach back to 1779. The main body of records spans 1793 to 1881. These records cover a time when Hunterdon County was larger than it is now. Parts of what are today Morris and Sussex counties were once within its borders.

These early records are important for genealogy. They can confirm family connections, reveal maiden names, and provide dates that tie into other records like land deeds and church files. Many researchers use Hunterdon County marriage records along with census data and property records to build a full picture of their ancestors in western New Jersey.

The New Jersey State Archives in Trenton holds marriage records from Hunterdon County on microfilm. Their reading room is open for in-person research. You can also request copies by mail. The Archives collection fills in gaps where the county clerk files may be incomplete. Between the county and state collections, most Hunterdon County marriage records from the 1700s and 1800s can be found.

Church records are another source for early marriages in Hunterdon County. Before civil registration, churches kept their own logs of weddings. Dutch Reformed, Presbyterian, and other congregations in the area have records that predate the county clerk files. Local historical societies may have copies or indexes of these church records.

Applying for a Marriage License

Both partners must appear together at a local registrar in New Jersey. The license fee is $28. A 72-hour waiting period follows. The license stays valid for 30 days after it is issued.

You need valid photo ID for each person. A driver's license or passport works. Proof of your Social Security number is also required. If either person was married before, bring a certified copy of the divorce decree or death certificate. The registrar completes the application and collects the fee. No blood test is needed in New Jersey.

In Hunterdon County, you can apply at any municipal registrar. The Flemington Borough Clerk handles applications for residents and visitors alike. Other towns in the county, such as Raritan Township, Clinton, and Readington, also have registrars. You do not have to apply in the town where the wedding will take place. Any New Jersey registrar can issue the license.

After the ceremony, the officiant signs the license and returns it to the registrar within 72 hours. The registrar records the marriage and sends a copy to the state. This creates the official marriage certificate for Hunterdon County. As stated on the American Marriage Ministries site, New Jersey allows both ordained and civil officials to perform ceremonies.

Getting Copies of Marriage Certificates

For a certified copy of a recent marriage certificate in Hunterdon County, contact the registrar in the town where the marriage was recorded. This is the fastest route. Most town clerks can issue copies while you wait or within a few business days.

The NJ Department of Health provides certified copies for any marriage in the state from 1848 on. You can order online, by mail, or in person at 140 East Front Street, Trenton. Mail orders may take several weeks. In-person requests are often handled the same day. For historical records before 1848, the Hunterdon County Clerk or the State Archives is your best option.

• Local registrar: fastest for recent marriages
• Hunterdon County Clerk: records from 1779 to 1881
• NJ Department of Health: statewide from 1848
• State Archives: microfilm and older indexes
• Ancestry: indexed records from 1790 to 1895

Certified copies are needed for legal uses like name changes, passport renewals, and immigration applications. Plain copies work fine for personal research and family trees. Ask the issuing office which type is best for your needs in Hunterdon County.

Note: Fees vary by office and may change over time. Call the town clerk or county clerk to confirm current costs before sending payment.

Resources for Hunterdon County Marriage Records

The Hunterdon County Historical Society in Flemington is a strong resource for anyone researching local marriage records. They hold collections of documents, maps, and family files that can support your search. Their staff can point you toward records that may not be available through the county clerk.

Public libraries in Hunterdon County often have genealogy sections with microfilm readers, indexed records, and research guides. The Hunterdon County Library in Flemington is a good starting point. They may have access to databases that include marriage record indexes from the county.

Online resources are also valuable. Ancestry and FamilySearch both have indexed New Jersey marriage records that cover Hunterdon County. The State Archives website lists available collections and explains how to request records by mail. Between local, state, and online sources, most Hunterdon County marriage records can be found with some effort. Patience helps, especially with older records where handwriting and spelling can be hard to read.

Cross-Border Marriage Records

Hunterdon County borders Pennsylvania along the Delaware River. Families in this part of New Jersey often had ties across the river. Some couples married in Pennsylvania even though they lived in Hunterdon County, and the reverse was also true. If you cannot find a marriage record in the Hunterdon County files, it may be worth checking Bucks County, Pennsylvania, records as well.

Before 1775, parts of what is now northern Bucks County were actually considered part of Hunterdon County due to a border dispute between the colonies. This means some very early records could be filed in either state. The Pennsylvania State Archives and Bucks County Historical Society are good places to check for these cross-border marriage records.

Cities in Hunterdon County

Hunterdon County includes 26 municipalities. Marriage licenses and certificates are handled by the registrar in each town. The county clerk in Flemington maintains historical marriage records for the full county.

Municipalities include Flemington, Raritan Township, Clinton, Readington, Tewksbury, Lebanon, Lambertville, and High Bridge. Each has a local registrar who handles marriage records in Hunterdon County.

Nearby Counties

These counties surround Hunterdon County. If you are not sure which county holds the marriage record you need, check the town where the license was issued. Each county maintains its own set of records.