Marriage records in Cape May County, New Jersey, are accessible through several channels. CapeMayCourt.us can help you find publicly available marriage record information for the county. You can also request records directly from the local registrar or the Cape May County Clerk's Office, visit in person, or submit a mail request. The New Jersey Department of Health maintains statewide vital records, including marriage certificates, and offers an additional path for obtaining certified copies.
Cape May County Marriage Records Search
In New Jersey, marriage licenses are issued at the municipal level by the local registrar in the municipality where either the bride or groom resides. After the ceremony, the completed marriage certificate is returned to the issuing registrar and a copy is filed with the New Jersey Department of Health, Office of Vital Statistics and Registry. The Cape May County Clerk's Office does not issue marriage licenses but does record certain documents related to property and legal transactions in the county.
To search for a marriage record in Cape May County, you have several options:
- Local registrar — Contact the municipal registrar in the town where the marriage license was issued. Cape May County includes municipalities such as Cape May City, Wildwood, Ocean City, and others, each with its own registrar.
- New Jersey Department of Health — The state office maintains marriage records from June 1878 to the present. You can request a search or certified copy through the NJ Office of Vital Statistics and Registry.
- Cape May County Clerk's Office — While marriage licenses are not issued here, the Clerk's public search portal allows you to search recorded documents dating back to 1996.
Cape May County Clerk's Office
Certified Marriage Record Copies and Fees in Cape May County
Fees for certified marriage certificates in New Jersey are set by statute (N.J.S.A. 26:8-64). The local registrar and the state vital records office each charge their own fees. Below are the standard fees established under New Jersey law:
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Certified copy (from local registrar) | $10.00 |
| Certified copy (from NJ Vital Statistics) | $25.00 |
| Additional certified copy (same order, state office) | $2.00 |
| Search fee (state office, includes one copy if found) | $25.00 |
Local registrar fees may vary slightly by municipality, so confirm the exact amount when you contact the registrar in the Cape May County town where the license was issued. Processing times at the state level typically range from four to six weeks for standard mail requests.
Order Marriage Certificates Online or In Person in Cape May County
There are three main ways to obtain a certified marriage certificate connected to Cape May County:
Online
The New Jersey Department of Health partners with an authorized online vendor to process vital record requests. You can order a certified marriage certificate through the NJ Vital Statistics website. Online orders typically include an additional processing fee charged by the vendor on top of the state certificate fee. Expect delivery within two to four weeks for standard processing.
In Person
Visit the local registrar's office in the Cape May County municipality where the marriage license was originally issued. Bring a valid photo ID. Most registrar offices can issue a certified copy while you wait, though availability depends on the office and whether the record is on file locally.
By Mail
To request a marriage certificate by mail from the state, send the following to the NJ Office of Vital Statistics and Registry:
- A completed application form (available on the NJ Department of Health website)
- A check or money order for the appropriate fee, payable to the Treasurer, State of New Jersey
- A photocopy of your valid government-issued photo ID
- A self-addressed stamped envelope
Mail requests to:
For records held locally, you can also mail your request directly to the municipal registrar in the relevant Cape May County town. Include the names of both spouses, the approximate date of marriage, and your contact information along with the fee and a copy of your ID.
If you need help locating which municipality holds a specific record, CapeMayCourt.us can point you toward publicly available marriage record information for Cape May County. You may also submit a public records request through the county's government records search page or file a request under New Jersey's Open Public Records Act (OPRA) for additional record access.