Love is in the air in New Jersey and there seems to be more of it going around these days.
More couples are tying the knot in the Garden State than they were nearly a decade ago. The number of marriage licenses issued in the state increased 15 percent from 2010 to 2017, according to the New Jersey Department of Health.
NJ Advance Media looked at county marriage license data and population statistics from the state between 2010 and 2017 to calculate a marriage rate — the number of licenses issued per 1000 people.
The state’s population is growing, but love seems to be growing faster.
More than 50,000 marriage licenses were issued in 2017, up from more than 43,000 in 2010.
Although every county has something special to offer to couples getting married, one county has clearly been hit with Cupid’s arrow. Sussex County had the largest marriage rate increase — a 77 percent jump — since 2010.
The county’s agricultural farms, rolling hills, lakes and mountains provide a serene backdrop for any couple to say ‘I do.’
One of the most popular venues to get married in the county is The Conservatory at the Sussex County Fairgrounds.
Kristin Vincent, manager of The Conservatory, has seen the number of weddings they host jump from 11 to 95 a year over the past five years.
The conservatory and the fairgrounds offer couples the ability to get in touch with nature on their wedding day, from taking photos across the sprawling 160 acres to hosting their reception in the “eco-friendly” building.
“When planning their weddings, couples are really looking for spaces that showcase their personalities or allow them to be more creative,” said Kelly Heyn, owner of SocialLife Event Planning, based in Spring Lake. “They don’t want the same ballroom style-weddings that their parents had, but instead are looking to get married in unique locations that will provide a memorable experience for their guests.”
The county’s proximity to New York City and Philadelphia and the number of venues offering a space to rent for an entire weekend add to the appeal, according to Heyn.
Sussex County’s variety of rustic wedding venues allows couples to customize almost every aspect of their wedding day.
“I’m not the planner that people come to if they want a glitz glam wedding. It’s more laid back and chill,” said Joan Glenn, owner and head designer of 6 Degrees of Celebration in Westfield.
Glenn said many of her clients are inspired Joanna Gaines, star of the hit TV show “Fixer Upper.”
“They want things to be warm and welcoming and the barn wedding allows for that,” Glenn said.
Sussex County isn’t the only rural part of New Jersey that’s seeing more couple tie the knot. Cape May County is still the state’s most popular county for destination weddings, with a marriage rate of 14 per 1000 people.
Below are the counties that have seen the largest increase in marriage rates since 2010.
5. Monmouth County
2017 marriage licenses: 4,075. Marriage rate: 6.5
2010 marriage licenses: 3,471. Marriage rate: 5.5
Rate increase: 17.5 percent
4. Union County
2017 marriage license: 3,610. Marriage rate: 6.5
2010 marriage licenses: 2,849. Marriage rate: 5.4
Rate increase: 20.4 percent
3. Hunterdon County
2017 marriage licenses: 731. Marriage rate: 5.8
2010 marriage licenses: 549. Marriage rate: 4.2
Rate increase: 36 percent
2. Warren County
2017 marriage licenses: 564. Marriage rate: 5.2
2010 marriage licenses: 374. Marriage rate: 3.4
Rate increase: 53.5 percent
1. Sussex County
2017 marriage licenses: 1,183. Marriage rate: 8.2
2010 marriage licenses: 698. Marriage rate: 4.6.
Rate increase 77: percent
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Olivia Rizzo may be reached at orizzo@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter@LivRizz. Find NJ.com on Facebook.
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