MANCHESTER – We know mayors, ship captains, justices of the peace and of course clergy can perform marriage and civil union ceremonies but earlier this year, that list of people included municipal clerks and deputy county clerks.
Township Clerk Teri Giercyk recently performed her first wedding for a township couple at town hall. She wore a judge’s robe to perform the wedding of Linda and Patrick Keeley.
For those surprised that a municipal clerk has the authority to perform weddings, it hasn’t been going on all that long. Effective January 12, 2026, New Jersey Public Law 2025, c. 222 (formerly A583/S4104) authorized municipal clerks and deputy county clerks to solemnize marriages and civil unions.
This change expands the list of authorized officials, allowing clerks to perform ceremonies. However, to avoid conflicts, a clerk officiating a wedding cannot also process the license for that same marriage.
Giercyk said, “I am truly honored to have had the opportunity to perform my first wedding ceremony under New Jersey’s new law permitting Municipal Clerks to officiate marriages. It was a wonderful and deeply meaningful experience – one I did not anticipate when I took on this role, but one I have embraced wholeheartedly.”
She added, “standing before a couple on one of the most important days of their lives, and playing a small part in that moment, is something I will always treasure. As for the robe – yes, I am wearing a judge’s robe for the ceremony. I felt it was important to bring a sense of dignity and formality to the occasion, in keeping with the significance of the event for the couple and their families.”
“Regarding flexibility in the ceremony: while there is a required legal component that must be included, I do allow for some personalization. My goal is for each ceremony to feel special and tailored to the couple, not simply a formality,” Giercyk said
Giercyk added that she looks forward “to continuing to serve the residents of Manchester Township in this new and meaningful way. Mayor Joseph Hankins has done a few, (former) Mayor Robert Arace did more, but I don’t have a number on.”
She noted that only Deputy County Clerks were now authorized to perform the wedding ceremonies not, Deputy Municipal Clerks under the recently passed legislation.
While in some locations, such as Jersey City, only specific officials were previously allowed, this statewide change ensures broader access.
A Manchester Township ordinance passed on February 23 covered new regulations concerning marriage and civil union fees. Key details of the legislation include:
Authorization: Active municipal clerks and deputy county clerks are empowered to perform ceremonies.
Conflict of Interest: If a municipal clerk performs the ceremony, they cannot participate in accepting the application, issuing the license, or receiving the completed license for that specific couple.
Implementation: The New Jersey League of Municipalities is providing guidance, as highlighted in a recent webinar.
Those requesting a marriage or civil union during business hours within Manchester Township must pay a fee not to exceed $100. If it’s not during regular business hours but within the Township, they shall pay a fee not to exceed $125.
Those requesting a marriage or civil union during business hours in a location outside of Manchester Township shall pay a fee not to exceed $175. Those requesting a marriage or civil union during off hours and in a location outside of Manchester shall pay a fee not to exceed $250.
Clerk Giercyk donned her judge robe again as she performed her second wedding ceremony on the afternoon of April 14 where she performed the nuptials of Mr. and Mrs. Elmeetknany.
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