Marriage records in Hudson County, New Jersey, can be accessed through several channels. HudsonCourt.us can help you find publicly available marriage record information. You can also request records directly from the Hudson County Clerk's Office, visit in person at the county offices in Jersey City, or submit a request by mail. The New Jersey Department of Health maintains statewide vital records and offers an additional path for obtaining marriage certificates.
Hudson County Marriage Records Search
In New Jersey, marriage licenses are issued by the local registrar of vital statistics in the municipality where either applicant resides. Once a marriage ceremony is performed, the completed marriage certificate is returned to the issuing registrar and a copy is filed with the New Jersey Department of Health. The Hudson County Clerk's Office also records certain marriage-related documents and can assist with historical filings.
The collection of marriage records available through Hudson County includes:
- Marriage licenses issued by local municipal registrars within the county
- Completed marriage certificates filed after the ceremony
- Historical marriage returns dating back to the late 18th century, held by the New Jersey State Archives (early marriage returns from 1795–1878)
For current marriage license applications and recent certificates, contact the local registrar in the municipality where the license was issued. For county-level assistance:
Certified Marriage Record Copies and Fees in Hudson County
Fees for marriage record copies depend on whether you request them from the local municipal registrar or from the New Jersey Department of Health. The table below reflects standard fees established under New Jersey statute (N.J.S.A. 26:8-62 and related regulations):
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Certified copy (local registrar) | $15.00 |
| Additional certified copy (same order, local registrar) | $10.00 |
| Certified copy (NJ Department of Health) | $25.00 |
| Additional certified copy (same order, NJ DOH) | $2.00 |
| Search fee (NJ DOH, if no record found) | $5.00 |
Processing times vary. In-person requests at the local registrar are often handled the same day if the record is on file. Mail requests through the state typically take four to six weeks. Expedited processing may be available through the NJ DOH for an additional fee when ordering online through their approved vendor.
Order Marriage Certificates Online or In Person in Hudson County
Online
The New Jersey Department of Health allows online ordering of marriage certificates through its vital records ordering portal. You will need the full names of both spouses, the date of marriage, and the municipality where the license was issued. Online orders are processed by a third-party vendor and include additional service and shipping fees.
In Person
Visit the local registrar of vital statistics in the Hudson County municipality where the marriage license was originally issued. Each municipality — including Jersey City, Hoboken, Bayonne, Union City, North Bergen, West New York, Secaucus, and others — maintains its own registrar's office. For the Jersey City Clerk's Office, walk-in requests are accepted during regular business hours. Bring a valid government-issued photo ID.
By Mail
To request a marriage certificate by mail from the local registrar, send the following to the appropriate municipal office:
- A written request including the full names of both spouses, date of marriage, and purpose of the request
- A copy of your valid government-issued photo ID
- A check or money order for the applicable fee, payable to the municipality
- A self-addressed stamped envelope
For state-level requests by mail, send your application to:
Include a completed REG-27 application form (available from the NJ DOH website), payment of $25.00 per certified copy, a copy of your photo ID, and a self-addressed stamped envelope. Allow four to six weeks for processing.
If you need marriage records for legal proceedings filed in Hudson County courts, the Hudson Vicinage of the Superior Court may be able to direct you to the correct division. For older or hard-to-locate records, the New Jersey State Archives holds early county marriage returns and can be a valuable resource for genealogical research.