via NJ.com – Weddings at City Hall have always been free, but the City Council is considering whether to pass a measure that would charge $150 per ceremony beginning as early as next month.
City Business Administrator Joe DeMarco said municipal judges in Bayonne have noticed an uptick in the number of non-resident weddings at City Hall due to the ceremonies being free.
“It takes up judges’ time, the mayor’s time, processing time and then you have to maintain the records,” DeMarco said, adding that the $150 charge would cover the cost of those services.
Bayonne would join Hudson County municipalities such as Kearny and Jersey City in charging for weddings.
The City Council is expected to vote on introducing the new ordinance at its Wednesday meeting. If introduced, the measure would then be up for a public hearing — and potentially a final vote — at the Sept. 21 council meeting.
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