Jennifer Ansbach creates and officiates custom-designed non-denminational and spiritual ceremonies for your wedding.
Civil Union Ceremonies
Tailored Ceremonies
Rev. Jennifer Ansbach
Wedding Officiant/Ceremony Writer
Tailored Ceremonies Wedding Traditions
(908) 910-5670
Same-sex couples can legally form "civil unions" as of February 19, 2007. All couples in New Jersey
must follow the procedures for getting a New Jersey marriage license, and anyone who can officiate
an opposite-sex marriage can officiate a same-sex marriage.

Feel free to contact me to discuss how I can help you plan your custom ceremony, full of the words,
symbols, and traditions you wish to incorporate.

Congratulations on your engagement!

I have not made separate sections for civil unions because, while the state seems to see civil unions
and marriage differently, I see no difference in what I do.

Read through the site and then contact me today to check my availability and see how I can help you
have the wedding of your dreams!
Couple's
names:
*
*
Wedding Date:
*
 Phone
Number:
Religious
Type of
Ceremony:
Non-religious
Spiritual
Mailing
Address:
Location of
Ceremony:
*
Email:
How can I help you create your dream ceremony?
(908) 910-5670
Privacy Notice
We respect your privacy and we never share, exchange, or
otherwise distribute the information you provide us.
Before going to the municipal clerk, remember:
  • Some municipalities require you to make an appointment for an application--call ahead!
  • You must follow the same procedures for a marriage license: double-check that you have everything
    you need. Many couples overlook an item on the checklist and are turned away. Don't forget your
    witness!
  • File for the license in the municipality where you LIVE if you live in New Jersey (the rule is file in the
    municipality where the bride lives, or in the municipality where the groom lives if the bride lives out of
    state; if both parties live out of state, then you file in the municipality where the ceremony is to take
    place: so far, I have not received clarification on which municipality to file in if same-sex partners live
    in different municipalities--I'll post as soon as I know).
  • You need to provide the NAME and ADDRESS of your OFFICIANT when you apply for your license. Make
    sure you have booked me beforehand!
  • Weddings make everyone nervous: double-check your list of what to bring and relax!
The Good News: No blood tests are required in New Jersey! One less     
appointment you need to make!
From the New Jersey Department of Health and Social Services website:

"What should you bring with you, when you apply for your marriage license:

  • If you are divorced or have had your marriage annulled, bring the divorce decree or the civil annulment
    documents.
  • Death certificate, if your former spouse is deceased.
  • A copy of your birth certificate, drivers license, passport or state I.D.
  • Proof of your residency.
  • Your social security card or social security number, as per NJSA 37:1-17.
  • A witness (18 years or older) who knows both the applicants.
  • A $28.00 fee."

There is not a civil union license page yet; I'll provide the link and updated information when it becomes available.
Fill out the form below or call me today to check my availability and
to find out how I can help you create the ceremony of your dreams!
(908) 910-5670
You’ve decided to take the step of formalizing your love with a civil union, which becomes legal in New Jersey on
February 17, 2007. Congratulations! Follow these six steps to designing your ceremony.

Step One. The first step to planning your civil union ceremony is to decide what kind of ceremony you are looking for—
religious, non-religious, spiritual—and then to book an appropriate officiant, whether it be the pastor at your church, a
mayor who does ceremonies (some mayors have a “no weddings” policy and don’t do them for anyone), or an
independent wedding officiant. Independent wedding officiants can be found who will be flexible in giving you the
ceremony you want.  Read More...
Articles
Links
NJWedding.com has a new civil unions page with great information about planning your New Jersey Civil Union.

Ramone Johnson's Gaylife section of About.com has a section devoted to New Jersey Civil Unions specifically and
planning a civil union in general.

Second Stage Theatre hosted a special event celebrating civil unions at a performance of Some Men in April.
Whose Wedding Is It
Anyway? Celebrates New
Jersey Civil Union
Tailored Ceremonies had the privilege and
honor of working with two special men, Chris
and Keith, in bringing their dream civil union
ceremony to life.

Cameras rolled while Chris and Keith shared
their appreciation for each other, sang their
vows, and exchanged rings. Their families
helped make it extra special by participating in
the unity candle ceremony.

In an episode entitled, "Now you may kiss
the...groom?", the show (featuring Samantha
Goldberg of Gold Events Planning LLC)
showcased how new traditions are being forged.
Same-sex unions are legal.... Now what?
We've decided to have a civil union wedding. Where do we begin?

Here are some tips to take the stress out of planning:

1. Discuss your budget and ideas.
2. Find a location and secure your date.
3. Book an officiant!
4. Based on your location, determine your wedding attire and start shopping!
5. Meet with photographers and videographers. Make sure you view samples of an entire wedding, not just selected
shots from separate events.
6. Hire entertainment, often a D.J. or a live band.
7. Order invitations or print them yourself. Send them out 6-8 weeks ahead. Double check with the caterer when final
numbers are needed.
8. Find a florist for ceremony flowers, personal flowers, and decor.
9. If this becomes overwhelming, hire a wedding planner!