Good morning,

Approved on January 12, 2026, New Jersey Public Law 2025, Chapter 222 (formerly Assembly Bill A583) authorizes Municipal Clerks and Deputy County Clerks to solemnize marriages and civil unions. This legislation amends R.S.37:1-13 to expand the list of officials authorized to perform these ceremonies, enhancing access to civil, non-religious officiants. 

Tiffany Drennon, NJ State Registrar, has given the following guidance:

 

If a Municipal Clerk performs a marriage ceremony, they may not participate in any other steps of the marriage process for that same marriage. This includes accepting the marriage application, issuing the marriage license, receiving the completed marriage license, or being involved in any future issuance related to a marriage they performed. All related duties must be handled by another authorized individual to avoid a conflict.

 

Any further questions should be directed to NJOVSR:

Tiffany Drennon: Tiffany.Drennon@doh.nj.gov

Carmela Vargas: Carmela.Vargas@doh.nj.gov

Vince Cafferello: Vincent.Caffarello@doh.nj.gov

Thank you!