Marriage records in Salem County, New Jersey, are available through several channels. SalemCourt.us allows you to quickly find public information about the county's marriage records. Additionally, you can contact the County Clerk's office directly—either in person, by mail, or through online document search tools.
Salem Marriage Records Search
In New Jersey, marriage records are maintained by the Local Registrar of the municipality where the license was issued, as well as by the Salem County government through the County Clerk's office. The Clerk's office keeps copies of marriage licenses, marriage certificates, and related documents registered in the county. Historical records from 1878 onward are generally available at the county level; for documents from 1848–1877, you need to contact the New Jersey Department of State, Division of Archives and Records Management.
The online portal of the Office of the County Clerk allows you to search registered documents by last name, date, or record type. The results include only verified documents. This is a convenient way to check for the existence of a record before ordering a copy.
Additionally, the Salem County Surrogate's Court conducts marriage ceremonies and can provide information on remarriage and notary services.
Salem County Clerk's Office
Certified Marriage Record Copies and Fees in Salem
Fees for obtaining copies of marriage records in New Jersey are set by state law (N.J.S.A. 26:8-72). Below is an approximate fee schedule for Salem County:
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Certified copy | $25.00 |
| Additional certified copy (in the same order) | $2.00 |
| Search fee | Included in the cost of the first copy |
These fees align with the standard rates for New Jersey vital records. Processing time depends on the method of request submission: in-person requests are usually processed the same day, while mail requests may take two to four weeks.
Uncertified or informational copies are not always available at the county level. If you need this type of copy, check with the clerk for availability.
Order Marriage Certificates Online or In Person in Salem
You can order a marriage certificate in several ways.
Online
The state of New Jersey offers online ordering through the NJ Department of Health — Vital Records portal. Visit the official NJ Vital Statistics website and follow the instructions to order a certified copy. Payment is made by credit or debit card. The Salem County Clerk's online search is also useful for finding previously registered county documents.
In Person
Visit the County Clerk's office at:
An appointment is usually not required. Bring a photo ID with you. Payment is accepted on-site.
By Mail
Send your request to the County Clerk's office address. Include in your letter:
- A completed request form (available on the Salem County departments page or by request at the office).
- A check or money order for $25.00, payable to the Salem County Clerk.
- A copy of your photo ID.
- A self-addressed stamped envelope.
Provide the full names of the spouses, approximate date of marriage, and place of registration—this will expedite the search.
For records related to divorces, contact the NJ Department of Health — Divorce Decrees or the Superior Court Clerk's Office. These offices handle requests separately from marriage records.
If you need help finding public information, start with SalemCourt.us—the resource is regularly updated and will help you navigate the available records in Salem County.