Marriage records in Mercer County, New Jersey, are available through several channels. MercerNJCourt.us allows for quick access to public information about marriage records in the county. Additionally, certified copies are issued by the NJ Office of Vital Statistics and Registry and local registrars. Requests can be submitted online, in person, or by mail.
Mercer Marriage Records Search
In New Jersey, marriage records are maintained at two levels. The Local Registrar of the municipality where the ceremony took place receives the original marriage certificate after its registration. A copy is also sent to the NJ Department of Health, Office of Vital Statistics and Registry. The collection includes marriage licenses, registered marriage certificates, and historical records.
For researching older records — up to 1901 — it is advisable to contact the New Jersey State Archives, which holds marriage records, census data, and other historical documents.
NJ Office of Vital Statistics and Registry
Local registrars in Mercer County municipalities — in Trenton, Princeton, Hamilton, and others — also accept requests for copies of marriage certificates registered in their area. Specific contact details depend on the municipality where the ceremony took place.
Certified Marriage Record Copies and Fees in Mercer
Fees for obtaining copies of marriage records are established by New Jersey state law (N.J.S.A. 26:8-72).
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Certified copy of marriage certificate (through state) | $25.00 |
| Additional certified copy (in the same order) | $2.00 |
| Certified copy through local registrar | $15.00 (may vary) |
| Record search (state level) | Included in the copy fee |
The fee through a local registrar is usually lower than through the state office. The exact amount may vary slightly depending on the municipality. Processing time through the state office is 4 to 6 weeks for standard requests. Local registrars often issue copies faster, sometimes on the same day.
Order Marriage Certificates Online or In Person in Mercer
There are three main ways to order a certified copy of a marriage certificate.
Online
The state of New Jersey offers online ordering through the NJ Department of Health portal. To do this, you need to:
- Go to the vital records ordering page.
- Complete the appropriate form (REG-30 for marriage records).
- Pay the fee online.
Some third-party services also process orders, but they charge an additional service fee.
In Person
Contact the local registrar in the municipality where the marriage was registered. For example, if the ceremony took place in Trenton, the request is submitted to the Trenton City Registrar. Bring a valid photo ID. The copy is usually issued the same day.
By Mail
Send a request to the state office or local registrar. The letter should include:
- A completed REG-30 form (available on the Vital Statistics website).
- A check or money order for the appropriate amount.
- A copy of the applicant's ID.
- A self-addressed stamped envelope.
Mailing address for state requests:
If you need information about court cases related to marriage or divorce, the Mercer County Court can provide copies of court records. For closed cases, use the CN 10200 court records request form. Divorce records are also available through the Supreme Court Records Center.