Marriage records in Sussex County, New Jersey, are available through several channels. SussexNJCourt.us allows you to quickly find public information about marriage records in the county. Additionally, the original documents are maintained by the Sussex County Clerk's Office, where you can obtain certified copies in person or by mail. The state also maintains a centralized registry of vital records through the New Jersey Department of Health. Online tools, mail requests, and office visits are the three main ways to access these records.
Sussex Marriage Records Search
Marriage licenses and certificates in Sussex County are issued and maintained by the Sussex County Clerk's Office. The clerk has been registering licenses since the county's inception — archival records date back to the 18th century, although early documents prior to 1753 should be sought in the Morris County archives. The collection includes issued marriage licenses, returned signed certificates, and related documents.
Electronic search of some clerk records is available through the BrowserView online system. Note: not all types of documents are indexed in this database. For older records or if the online search yields no results, contact the office directly.
Certified Marriage Record Copies and Fees in Sussex
The cost of services depends on the type of copy. Below are the main fees established according to New Jersey state law and the Sussex County Clerk's office rates.
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Certified copy of marriage certificate (first copy) | $10.00 |
| Additional certified copy (in one order) | $5.00 |
| Registry search (if exact date is unknown) | $1.00 per year of search |
These fees are charged at the county clerk's office level. If you order a copy through the New Jersey Department of Health (NJ Vital Statistics), the rates may differ. Payment at the clerk's office is usually accepted by check or money order made payable to "Sussex County Clerk." The processing time for mail requests is approximately 2–4 weeks.
Order Marriage Certificates Online or In Person in Sussex
There are several ways to obtain a copy of a marriage certificate, depending on which option is more convenient.
Online
The state of New Jersey offers a centralized system for ordering birth, death, and marriage certificates through the official state portal. For marriage records registered after May 1848, you can submit a request to the NJ Department of Health, Office of Vital Statistics and Registry. You can also use third-party authorized services, links to which are provided on the Department's website.
In Person
Visiting the clerk's office is the fastest way. Bring a valid photo ID. If you are not a party to the marriage, you may need a notarized letter of authorization or proof of direct legal interest.
By Mail
Send a written request to the clerk's office address. Include in the letter:
- Full names of both parties to the marriage (including maiden name).
- Approximate or exact date of marriage.
- Purpose of the request.
- Check or money order for the appropriate amount.
- Copy of your photo ID.
- Self-addressed stamped envelope.
For other public records of the county — land deeds, mortgage documents, etc. — use separate request forms available on the county website. Requests under the Open Public Records Act (OPRA) are submitted through a separate procedure and do not pertain to marriage certificates issued by the county clerk in the capacity of registrar of vital records.
If you need information about family division court cases — such as divorce — contact the New Jersey Superior Court Clerk's Office, which handles such requests separately from marriage records.