Q: How do we get a marriage license?
A: Getting Married in New Jersey? Here's the information: Click here: NJ MARRIAGE LICENSE

Q: Do we need to do anything with the license?
A: Don't forget to bring it to the ceremony! Don't write on or alter your license once the Registrar clerk has issued it! After the ceremony I will file the license, give you a copy (the pink copy), and I keep the blue copy for my permanent records.

Q: How do I get a copy of my marriage certificate?
A: The New Jersey license comes with 4 copies - one for the county, one for the state, one for the married couple, and one for me, the officiant. After the license has been signed, you will receive your carbon copy of the license to keep for your records (the pink copy). I will keep my copy (the blue one) on permanent file. Within 5 days of your ceremony I mail the appropriate copies of the marriage license to the town clerk where ceremony was performed.

Q: Is it necessary for us to meet before our wedding?
A: The short answer is Yes and No. Yes, schedules permitting, I would be happy to sit down and go over the details of your ceremony. And No, most of the questions and concerns can be handled by phone or email. I am open to your needs and will do my very best to assist you in any way possible.

Q: Can we write our own vows?
A: Of course you can. During the ceremony, I have a place where I have some standard vows. However, if you would like to say your own, that is quite alright. My suggestion is this. Write down what you would like to say to each other and put it on one or two 3x5 cards and have your Best Man or Maid of Honor hold them until it is time.

Q: Do you attend rehearsals?
A: As a good friend of mine is quick to say, the Minister is just a fence post at rehearsals. The coordinator walks everyone through the ceremony process and the Minister will stand here. If you feel that it is important for me to attend, please call me and we can work out the details.

Q: When will you arrive for our ceremony?
A: I usually plan on arriving 45 minutes early. So we can go over any details and fill out the Marriage Certificate.

Q: What is a Unity Candle?
A: A Unity Candle consists of one large pedestal candle that sits in between two smaller taper candles. During the ceremony the Mothers of the Bride and Groom, or any other loved ones will light the two taper candles signifying your current family. You and your fiancé will take the taper candles and light the pedestal candle together, signifying your new family. The ceremony can have a religious or non-religious meaning. There are different meanings for the Unity Candles.

Q: What is a Rose Ceremony?
A: A Rose Ceremony is an older tradition where the Bride and Groom, after taking their vows, exchange a single red rose to each other. It symbolizes their first gift to each other as husband and wife as well as an expression of their love for one another. A section can be added to include your mothers each receiving a rose as well.

Q: What is a Sand Ceremony?
A: A Sand Ceremony is a Hawaiian Tradition that can be used in place of a Unity Candle, especially in beach weddings or outdoor weddings where candles are often difficult to use. It holds a similar meaning as the Unity Candle. Two small containers of sand are combined into one large container by the Bride and Groom, unifying the two.