Ocean County Marriage License Records

Ocean County sits along the Jersey Shore and was incorporated on February 15, 1850. The county seat is Toms River, where the main clerk office serves residents across 33 municipalities. Marriage records in Ocean County go back to the early 1800s, and the county clerk provides access to both recent and historical records. Whether you are looking for a copy of your own marriage certificate or searching for a family member's record, the Ocean County Clerk and local municipal offices can help you through the process.

Ocean County Clerk Offices

The Ocean County Clerk has its main office at 118 Washington Street in Toms River. This is the primary location for marriage records and other public documents in Ocean County. Staff can help with searches, copies, and general questions about marriage records. Walk-in visits are welcome during regular hours.

Ocean County also has three additional clerk locations to serve residents who live farther from Toms River. There is an office at the Ocean County Mall, reachable at (732) 288-7777. A Lakewood location is at 225 4th Street, with the phone number (732) 370-8850. The Manahawkin office is at 179 S Main Street, and you can call (609) 597-1500. These satellite offices provide the same services as the main Toms River location for Ocean County marriage records.

Marriage Records in Toms River

Toms River is the county seat and the largest town in Ocean County. The Toms River Township has its own vital records office that handles marriage certificates for ceremonies performed within township limits. This is separate from the county clerk office, though both are in Toms River.

Many people in Ocean County visit Toms River for both the county clerk and the township clerk. If you are not sure which office to go to, start with the county clerk at 118 Washington Street. They can search the county index and tell you which municipality filed the marriage record you need.

Toms River handles a large volume of marriage records because of its size and its role as the county seat. The township clerk processes new marriage licenses and keeps copies of all certificates filed by local registrars.

Historical Marriage Records in Ocean County

Ocean County has historical marriage records going back to 1773. Early records also exist from 1826, 1833, 1835 through 1836, and 1838 through 1845. A more continuous run begins in 1848 and extends through 1880. These older records are a valuable resource for anyone researching family history in Ocean County.

The New Jersey State Archives in Trenton holds many of the original marriage books from Ocean County. Researchers can visit the archives to view these records on microfilm or in their original form. The archives staff can assist with locating the right volume based on the year and names you are searching for in Ocean County.

Before Ocean County was formed in 1850, the area was part of Monmouth County. Marriage records from before that date may be found in the Monmouth County collection rather than under Ocean County. This is worth keeping in mind if you are searching for a record from the 1840s or earlier.

Note: Records from before 1850 may be filed under Monmouth County since Ocean County had not yet been incorporated.

Municipal Vital Records in Ocean County

Ocean County has 33 municipalities, and each one has a clerk or registrar who keeps marriage records. The largest towns have busy vital records offices that handle many requests. Smaller shore communities and inland towns also maintain their own files.

Lakewood Township is one of the fastest-growing communities in Ocean County. The Lakewood Township vital statistics office processes a high number of marriage records. Lakewood residents can get copies of marriage certificates by visiting the township clerk during business hours.

Jackson Township is another large municipality in Ocean County. The Jackson Township vital records office handles marriage certificates for the township. Jackson covers a large land area and has a growing population, which means a steady flow of marriage records.

Manchester Township in Ocean County charges $10 per copy for marriage records and $15 for corrections. You must show proof of your relationship to the person named on the record. This is a common requirement across New Jersey municipalities.

Searching for Marriage Records in Ocean County

There are several ways to search for marriage records in Ocean County. The most direct approach is to visit the county clerk in Toms River or one of the satellite offices. You can also call ahead to ask whether a record is on file before making the trip.

For a successful search, gather as much information as you can before you contact the clerk. The more details you have, the faster the search will go.

• Full names of both spouses at the time of the marriage
• Date or year the marriage took place
• Town in Ocean County where the ceremony was held
• Any previous names if applicable

The New Jersey Department of Health maintains a statewide marriage record index from 1848 to the present. If you are not sure which town or county the marriage was in, a statewide search through the Department of Health may be the best option. They can issue certified copies of marriage records from any county in New Jersey, including Ocean County.

Phone requests and mail requests are accepted at the Ocean County Clerk offices. For mail requests, include the details of the marriage, your contact information, and a check or money order for any fees. The clerk will process the request and mail the copy back to you.

Copies and Certified Records

Certified copies of Ocean County marriage records come with a raised seal or stamp from the issuing office. These are the only type accepted for legal use. You may need a certified copy for a name change, a passport application, or an insurance claim. Plain copies without certification can be used for personal reference but will not work for official business.

You can get certified copies from the Ocean County Clerk in Toms River, from any of the satellite offices, or from the municipal clerk where the marriage was filed. The New Jersey Department of Health is another source for certified copies. Each office sets its own fees for copies. Call ahead to find out the current cost for the office you plan to use in Ocean County.

When requesting copies by mail, allow extra time for processing and return delivery. In-person requests are typically handled the same day if the record is on file. Older records in Ocean County may take longer to locate because they may need to be pulled from storage or microfilm.

Note: Fees and processing times can vary between the different Ocean County clerk locations and municipal offices.

Cities and Towns in Ocean County

Ocean County stretches along the Jersey Shore and inland. Its 33 municipalities range from busy shore towns to quiet inland communities. Each has a clerk who handles marriage records for that area. The largest towns are listed below with links to their pages.

Other communities in Ocean County include Manchester Township, Berkeley Township, Barnegat Township, Stafford Township, Little Egg Harbor Township, Lacey Township, Point Pleasant, and Seaside Heights. All maintain their own vital records offices for marriage records.

Nearby Counties

Ocean County borders three other New Jersey counties. If you are looking for a marriage record and are not sure it falls in Ocean County, check the neighboring counties as well. The license is always filed in the county where it was issued.