DELAWARE
You do not have to be a resident of Delaware to get married. There is a 24 hour waiting period for residents, and a 96 hour waiting period if both parties are non-residents. Necessary documentation must be provided for both parties in the form of picture IDs.
Proof of nullification of previous marriages is required and must be in the form of either the original or a certified copy of the divorce decree, or a death certificate. Once issued, the marriage license is good for 30 days, and special authorization is required if either party is on probation or parole. Common law and same sex marriages are not recognized in Delaware.
Any ordained minister, and clerks of the peace may perform ceremonies, and there is an additional fee of $20 for civil marriage ceremonies.
DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA
You do not have to be a resident of the District of Columbia to get married, and there is a five day waiting period. Necessary documentation must be provided for both parties in the form of picture IDs, social security numbers, addresses, date of birth, and home and work telephone numbers.
Proof of nullification of previous marriages is required and must be in the form of either the original or a certified copy of the divorce decree, or a death certificate. Certified blood tests for syphilis are required at the time of application and can occur no longer than 30 days before application. Common law marriages are recognized in DC and, as of May 5, 2009, the District of Columbia city council began recognizing same-sex marriages performed in states where those unions are legal, although gay marriage cannot be conducted in the city itself.
Any ordained minister or justice of the peace may perform ceremonies.
MARYLAND
You do not have to be a resident of Maryland to get married, but you must be married in the county you applied in. There is a 48 hour waiting period to get married in Maryland. Necessary documentation must be provided for both parties in the form of picture IDs, particularly if the parties are between the ages of 18 and 21.
Proof of nullification of previous marriages is required and can be your divorce decree or death decree. Once issued, the marriage license is good for six months. Common law and same sex marriages are not recognized in Maryland.
Any judge, deputy clerk, or official of a religious order may perform ceremonies. Discounts on license fees may be available if both parties have completed a state-recognized pre-marital course.
NEW JERSEY
You do not have to be a resident of New Jersey to get married, but some locations will require an appointment. If residents, applications must occur at the municipal office where the bride lives. If the bride is not a resident, application must occur in the groom’s location. If both parties are non-residents, application should occur at the same location as the wedding ceremony.
There is a three day waiting period before the marriage ceremony can occur. Necessary documentation must be provided for both parties in the form of picture IDs and social security numbers. A witness must be present at the time of application.
Proof of nullification of previous marriages is required and must be in the form of either the original or a certified copy of the divorce decree, or a death certificate. Once issued, the marriage license is good for 30 days. Common law marriages are not recognized in New Jersey. New Jersey permits same sex civil unions that grant largely the same state rights as married couples – from insurance coverage to tax benefits and hospital visiting rights – but lack the full legal protection of marriage.
Any minister of any religion, all judges, mayors, and county clerks may perform ceremonies, and their name must be provided at the time of application.
PENNSYLVANIA
You do not have to be a resident of Pennsylvania to get married, but some locations will require that either you both speak English or provide a translator. There is a three day waiting period before the marriage ceremony can occur. Necessary documentation must be provided for both parties in the form of picture IDs and social security numbers.
Proof of nullification of previous marriages is required and must be in the form of either the original or a certified copy of the divorce decree, or a death certificate. Once issued, the marriage license is good for 60 days. Common law marriages are recognized in Pennsylvania only if they occurred on or before January 1, 2005. Same sex marriages are not recognized.
Any minister of any religion, judges, justices of the peace and county clerks may perform ceremonies. If both parties wish to perform a self-uniting marriage license, additional fees may apply.
VIRGINIA
You do not have to be a resident of Virginia to get married, and there is no waiting period before the marriage ceremony can occur. Necessary documentation must be provided by and for both parties in the form of picture IDs and certified copies of birth certificates.
Proof of nullification of previous marriages may be required by different counties. Once issued, the marriage license is good for 60 days. Common law marriages and same sex marriages are not recognized.
Any ordained minister of any religion who can show proof of ordination may perform ceremonies, as well as marriage commissioners and judges.
WEST VIRGINIA
You do not have to be a resident of West Virginia to get married, but residents are required to apply in the counties they reside in. There is no waiting period before the ceremony can occur. Necessary documentation must be provided for both parties in the form of picture IDs. Both parties must also provide the full names and birth states of their parents as well.
Proof of nullification of previous marriages is required and must be in the form of either the original or a certified copy of the divorce decree, or a death certificate. Once issued, the marriage license is good for 60 days. Common law and same sex marriages are not recognized in West Virginia.
Any ordained minister who has received authorization by the state may perform ceremonies, and appointed persons are also available at each city and county court.
