[NathanR]

Calpernia, what is a Marriage Certificate issued by a Religious Institute. When I got married, I got a Marriage License from the Courthouse. I could have been married there by a clerk, or later by a judge, but we were married at home by a minister.

In New Jersey, were Marriage Licenses issued by churches, as well as the state? It makes no sense that the state will no longer recognize legal marriages that happened in the past. It is just stupid.

[Calpernia]

I had a Marriage License too. That is what is applied for (and is good for 6months) prior to having the marriage 'certified'. That is done by a Priest, Reverand, Rabbi, Judge, etc.

The Marriage Certificate Certifies that you are married. I was married in a Church, therefore, I have a certificate issued by my Reverand. My married certificate is issued by a religious institution (my church).

This is what is no longer recognized (legally) by the State of NJ.

Take a peak at the Division of Motor Vehicles:

http://www.state.nj.us/mvc/Licenses/DocumentSelector/doc_secondary.htm

A man doesn't need this document; but a woman does if she took her husband's name.

I took my husband's name. So I have to provide a paper trail. My marriage certificate in the eyes of NJ has been nullied.