PLEASE HELP!!! Ordained in NJ???

shazzy31

Hi everyone!  I think I posted this before, but I'm getting a bit scared and want to know for sure about having a friend marry us.  I see some articles online say it's okay in NJ if someone gets ordained to marry, but other articles say it's not safe.

Does anyone know for sure???  Has anyone done this or planning on doing this?

Thank you in advance!

Northstar1808

I plan on doing this as well.  My fiance's best friend will be the best man as well as the officiant.  From what I have researched (which isn't that much), you basically just fill out a form and pay about $20 and you're officially ordained.  After the ceremony, you and your now husband signs the marriage license, as well as the officiant and a witness.  The officiant then has I believe 24 hours to hand the documentation to a municipality.

I think that is how it works, however, I am not positive.  If I am wrong and someone else knows the right way, please let us both know. Thanks!!

Btw, if we can't figure this out, you can always get married by a judge the day before and then the day of your wedding you will have your ceremony.  Your guests won't know the difference.  You also won't have to worry about any legal papers the day of your wedding either.

jaslugo

According to state law, judges of a Federal District Court, United States magistrates, judges of a Municipal Court, judges of the Superior Court, judges of a Tax Court, retired judges of the Superior Court or Tax Court, or judge of the Superior Court or Tax Court who has resigned in good standing, and any mayor/deputy mayor or chairman of any township committee, village president of New Jersey, County Clerks, and every minister of every religion may solemnize a marriage.

shazzy31

Thanks Northstar and jaslugo   I already looked into the marriage laws of NJ and saw the same thing, but I guess it isn't really clear about someone getting ordained.  That's why I'm trying to find someone who has already done it or already knows they're doing it and knows it's legal.

lmparlett

From what I have heard, NJ is pretty lenient on their officiant laws.  I think the "every minister of every religion" has you covered.  We are being married by a friend who is ordained through the "Universal Life Church" online.  So that makes him a "minister of a religion."  So, all should be good. : ) 

kartygrl

We had his brother ordained through the Universal Life Church online.  It's free to ordain, but to get credentials they charge.  Which package you choose will determine the price; we chose a package that was about $65.

Good luck!