How to Officiate a Wedding in New Jersey

As a Minister of the Church of the Flying Spaghetti Monster

Pastafarian minister officiating a wedding

The Short Version

There are two things: the wedding ceremony, and the legal marriage. One is a ceremonial ritual, a performance, and the other is paperwork. You’re leading the ceremony. You may also assist the clerk with the marriage paperwork in some places. In New Jersey?

New Jersey is a great state for FSM ministers. The statute recognizes ministers of every religion. No registration required.

You Can Do This

The couple asked you because they want you standing up there — not a stranger, not a professional, you. That means something. Here’s what you need to know:

It’s not as scary as you think. Most ceremonies are 5–15 minutes. The couple does most of the talking (vows, “I do”). You’re the guide.

At a minimum, your ceremony needs two elements: 1. Declaration of Intent — “Do you take this person…” / “I do” 2. Pronouncement — You declare them married

Everything else — readings, vows, stories, jokes, Pastafarian blessings, the whole production — is optional and up to you and the couple.

FSM Ordination Package

The Ordination Package — $79

  • Paper Certificate of Ordination
  • Black/Silver Resin Wallet Card
  • Two Vinyl Car Decals
  • Digital credentials (PDF) delivered same-day
  • Free shipping worldwide

Get Ordained →

Preparing for the Ceremony

  1. Get ordained — Get ordained with the Church of the Flying Spaghetti Monster. Takes a few minutes. The digital credentials come within hours, and the physical package ships in a few days.
  2. Talk to the couple — What kind of ceremony do they want? Religious? Secular? Funny? Short? This is their day — find out what matters to them.
  3. Write your script — Include the Declaration of Intent and the Pronouncement. Fill in the rest with whatever feels right — personal stories, readings, vows, humor.
  4. Practice — Read it out loud at least twice. Time it. Speak slowly — you’ll talk faster on the day.

Ceremony Day

  • Bring: Your script (printed), your ordination credentials (just in case), and a black pen
  • The ceremony: Walk through your script. Declaration of Intent → Pronouncement → done. Everything else is gravy.
  • On the license: Mark the ceremony type as “Religious” even if your ceremony isn’t particularly religious. “Civil” is reserved for government officials. Just a bureaucratic checkbox.
  • Relax. You’ve prepared. The couple picked you. Enjoy it.

If You’re Also Handling the Paperwork

Good news — New Jersey makes this easy. FSM ministers can sign the marriage license, no registration required.

Statute: New Jersey Statutes § 37:1-13 — ministers of every religion can solemnize marriages.

Can an FSM Minister Handle the Paperwork?

Detail Info
Can officiant sign the license? Yes
Registration required? No
Marriage license cost $28
Waiting period 72 hours (3 days) — waivable by Superior Court
License valid for 6 months
Return deadline 5 days after ceremony
Witnesses needed 2

Before the Wedding

  • Call the local Town Clerk — Tell them you’re an ordained minister performing a wedding. Ask what they need from you. They do this every day and they’re almost always helpful.
  • The couple gets their marriage license — They apply at the Town Clerk’s office. Non-residents apply in the municipality where the ceremony will take place. Both parties appear with valid photo ID. 72-hour waiting period (a Superior Court judge can waive it). Valid for 6 months.

Pro tip: The 72-hour waiting period means the couple needs to get their license at least 3 days before the ceremony. Plan ahead!

Right After the Ceremony

Sign the marriage license — you, the couple, and 2 witnesses. Black pen. Do this immediately after the ceremony — don’t wait.

After the Wedding

Return the signed license to the Town Clerk within 5 days. Mail it or drop it off. Set a phone reminder right after the ceremony. This is the most important post-ceremony task.

New Jersey Tips

  • Very FSM-friendly — “ministers of every religion” is about as broad as it gets
  • No registration, no hoops
  • Note the office is the Town Clerk, not County Clerk
  • 72-hour waiting period — remind the couple to plan ahead
  • 6-month license validity is generous
  • 5-day return deadline — tight, so act quickly
  • $28 license fee is very affordable
  • No one under 18 may marry in New Jersey (since 2018)

County-Specific Info

  • Bergen County — serving Hackensack, Fort Lee, Fair Lawn, Garfield…
  • Middlesex County — serving Perth Amboy, New Brunswick, Sayreville, Old Bridge…

Questions?

Contact us. And the #1 rule: talk to your local Town Clerk before the ceremony. They do this every day. They’ll tell you exactly what you need.

This page is a helpful guide, not legal advice. Laws change. Always verify current requirements with your local Town Clerk.