Say it with me, "I won't forget the license!"

When it comes to tying the knot, couples often get so wrapped up in planning the ultimate shindig. I mean, who doesn’t love a good party, right? Between the glitzy dress, the glam squad, the bridal entourage, the towering cake, the gourmet grub, and the DJ spinning tunes, it’s no wonder they sometimes forget that their marriage isn’t official without a little piece of paper called a license. Oops!

Alright folks, welcome to my debut blog post, and it’s a doozy for a reason. Marriage licenses are the thorn in my wedding-planning side. Out of the 20+ weddings I’ve orchestrated, nearly a quarter of them have had some sort of marriage license mishap. From the classic “Oops, I needed to apply for that?” to “Oh no, I left it at the hotel 45 minutes away!” It’s been a wild ride. I’ve had to rearrange my schedule to meet couples again for paperwork, embark on epic journeys to track down couples and witnesses, and even deliver the dreaded news that, sadly, today can’t be your legal wedding day because you didn’t apply for a marriage license. I have three words for you: CUT IT OUT!

Alrighty, folks, let's rewind to the starting line. You've decided to take the plunge and tie the knot. What’s next? Well, you’ve got to ask yourself: are you in it for the legal ties or just craving a massive bash with a pretend wedding? If you're like most of the lovebirds I hitch, you're aiming for the real deal. Whether it’s all about getting a thumbs-up from your deity, impressing the family, or just making it courtroom official, you absolutely NEED that magical piece of paper—a marriage license!

## Step 1 - Pick Your Wedding Officiant

Before you dash off to get that all-important marriage license, you need to pick your wedding officiant. Yes, you heard me right—you’ll need their name and address for the paperwork. Trust me, don’t treat this like the last cookie in the jar. Officiants, like hotcakes, get snapped up fast! Imagine having the perfect wedding bash all set, only to end up with an officiant who thinks vows are just a suggestion. So, get ahead of the game and book your minister before they’re all gone!

## Step 2 - The Great New Jersey Wedding Countdown

Alright lovebirds, once you've got that magical marriage license in New Jersey, the clock starts ticking—30 days to tie the knot or it's back to the drawing board! Now, don't just waltz into town hall unannounced; give them a ring or check their website for the lowdown on getting hitched. Most places want you to make an appointment—apparently, they don't do walk-in weddings like they do coffee orders.

Before you head out, make sure you've got your ID, your passport (if you’ve got one lying around), and your birth certificate. Oh, and don't forget your trusty sidekick—a witness who also needs to bring all their paperwork. And yes, bring your checkbook or some cash because weddings aren't free, even if love is!

Step 3 - So, you’ve decided to tie the knot in New Jersey, but hold your horses! There’s a 72-hour “cooling-off” period before you can strut out with your shiny new license. The town will give you a heads-up when it’s ready for pickup. Now, here’s the kicker: whatever you do, DO NOT forget to grab it before the big day! No license, no wedding, and that’s a plot twist nobody wants!

Step 4 - Seriously, I'm on my knees here, don't forget the marriage license paperwork for your big day! Better yet, rope someone else into being the paperwork hero so you can focus on other things, like not tripping down the aisle. Just double-check they're not the forgetful type!

## Step 5: The Great Seat Shuffle

Alright, folks, here's the deal: You could swap this step with number 4, but as long as you read this entire post, you're golden. This is something that most couples overlook, probably because they're too busy arguing over napkin colors. When you're planning every teeny-tiny detail, don't forget to consider where you want me and your witnesses to plop down and do the paperwork shuffle. No need for anything fancier than a folding chair—just a convenient and quiet spot where the three of us can get this bureaucratic ballet done without any interruptions.

You'll also want to have a little chat with your photographer (assuming you've got one). I've been to weddings where the photographer is ready to whisk everyone away for a glamorous photo shoot, completely forgetting that important family or friends are standing by as witnesses, looking like they're auditioning for a role in a courtroom drama. Your officiant shouldn't have to twiddle their thumbs waiting for the photo ops to wrap up before diving into the paperwork. Check your contract, because many officiants have a stopwatch running on your big day. If you dawdle and go over time, you might find yourself with a surprise bill for overtime fees. Remember, some officiants are wedding ninjas, doing multiple ceremonies in a day, and they can't hang around longer than planned.

Step 6 - This should be a piece of cake, especially if you already said yes to the bling! Just make sure to shout "I DO" loud enough at the altar so no one thinks you’re ordering takeout.

Step 7 - Your officiant will hand you your very own, autographed copy of the marriage license/certificate. It's Copy number 3, the collector's edition! They'll keep Copy number 4 for their scrapbook, and the town where you tied the knot will get Copies 1 and 2 for their own collection. Usually, the minister plays the role of delivery person, ensuring the paperwork lands in the town's hands. Why, you ask? Because in New Jersey, you've got just five days post-wedding to make sure that paperwork gets to the town registrar. And let's be honest, most couples are too busy packing their sunscreen and flip-flops for the honeymoon to worry about paperwork. So, leave it to the pros!

Step 8 - Hold your horses! You're not done yet, lovebirds. It's time to snag your proof of marital bliss, aka the Certified Copy of your Marriage License. This official document is printed on State-approved paper that every town gets, and it looks a lot like a birth certificate with a fancy embossed seal. If your officiant is a detail freak (like me), they've probably already snooped around the town's website to see if the form can be downloaded in advance. Here's the lowdown on what to do with that form:

• The officiant can't fill it out—nope, it's got to be one of you newlyweds.

• At the top where it asks for the relationship to the requestor, just write "self" like a boss.

• Don't forget to sign and date the form at the very top. No pressure!

• The reason you're requesting this Certified Copy is "Other - Proof of Marriage." Because "Happily Ever After" isn't an option.

• Head down to the marriage section and fill in all the necessary info. Remember, honesty is the best policy!

• You'll need to make a copy of your driver's license or ID, and the address on the form and ID need to match. No funny business!

• If you're mailing this form in, don't forget to include a check and a self-addressed stamped envelope. And yes, the address you're mailing it to should match what's on the form and the ID of whichever partner is filling it out. Consistency is key!

• If you're going in-person, double-check with the town to see if you need an appointment. Some clerks' offices are busier than a cat in a room full of rocking chairs.

Step 9 - Surprise! There are no more steps. You've reached the finish line! 🎉

🎉 CONGRATULATIONS!!! 🎉 I'm over the moon for you two lovebirds! If you’ve picked me to be your officiant, you've officially made my day brighter than a disco ball! It's a true honor and privilege to tie the knot for two people in wedded bliss. 💍✨