Search Connecticut Marriage License Records
Connecticut marriage license records are kept at the town level by each of the 169 town clerks across Connecticut. You must apply for a Connecticut marriage license in the Connecticut town where the ceremony will take place. The Connecticut Department of Public Health oversees the vital records system and maintains copies of all Connecticut marriage certificates filed in the state. Whether you need to apply for a new Connecticut marriage license or obtain a certified copy of an existing Connecticut record, this guide covers everything you need to know about Connecticut marriage license requirements, application procedures, and record access.
Connecticut Marriage License Quick Facts
Where to Get a Connecticut Marriage License
In Connecticut, marriage licenses are issued at the town level, not the county level. This is different from many other states. Each of the 169 towns in Connecticut has a town clerk who issues Connecticut marriage licenses. You must apply in the Connecticut town where your wedding ceremony will take place. The Connecticut marriage license is valid throughout Connecticut once issued. Town clerks in Connecticut keep detailed records of all Connecticut marriage licenses they issue.
Most Connecticut town clerk offices are open during regular business hours. Many are open Monday through Friday from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Some Connecticut towns offer evening hours or Saturday appointments for Connecticut marriage license applications. You should call ahead to confirm hours and ask about appointment requirements. Both parties must appear in person to apply for a Connecticut marriage license. Some Connecticut towns may require appointments for your Connecticut marriage license.
After your wedding ceremony in Connecticut, the officiant will file the completed Connecticut marriage license with the town clerk. The clerk then records the Connecticut marriage and issues certified copies. You can also order copies from the Connecticut Department of Public Health State Vital Records Office. The Connecticut state office maintains records of all Connecticut marriages that occur in Connecticut. Their office is located at 410 Capitol Avenue in Hartford, Connecticut.
The Connecticut State Vital Records Office has limited walk-in hours for Connecticut marriage certificate requests. They are open Monday from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM, Wednesday from 9:00 AM to 3:30 PM, and Friday from 11:00 AM to 3:30 PM. You can call them at (860) 509-7700 with questions about Connecticut marriage records. The Connecticut state office can provide certified copies of Connecticut marriage certificates from 1897 to the present day.
Note: Connecticut marriage licenses must be obtained in the Connecticut town where the ceremony will occur, not where the couple resides.
Connecticut Marriage License Requirements
Before applying for a Connecticut marriage license, you must meet certain Connecticut requirements. Both parties must be at least 18 years old to marry without parental consent in Connecticut. Applicants aged 16 or 17 need parental consent for a Connecticut marriage license. No one under 16 can marry in Connecticut. Age requirements for Connecticut marriage licenses are set by Connecticut General Statutes Chapter 815e.
Both parties must appear in person at the Connecticut town clerk's office to get a Connecticut marriage license. You cannot send someone else to apply for your Connecticut marriage license. You will need to provide valid photo identification for your Connecticut marriage license application. A driver's license, passport, or state ID card works for Connecticut marriage license applications. The ID must show your current legal name and date of birth. Some Connecticut towns may also ask for proof of residency or your Social Security card.
Connecticut does not require a blood test for Connecticut marriage licenses. The blood test requirement was repealed in 2003 in Connecticut. You also do not need a physical exam for a Connecticut marriage license. The Connecticut marriage license process is simpler than in many other states. This makes it easier for out-of-state couples to marry in Connecticut. Many couples from neighboring states choose Connecticut for destination weddings.
If either party was previously married, you must show proof that the prior marriage ended for your Connecticut marriage license. A certified copy of a divorce decree or death certificate is required for your Connecticut marriage license. The document must be the final decree. Pending divorces are not sufficient for a Connecticut marriage license. Make sure the decree shows the judgment date and is signed by a judge for your Connecticut marriage license.
How to Apply for a Connecticut Marriage License
The application process for a Connecticut marriage license is straightforward. Both parties visit the Connecticut town clerk's office together to apply for a Connecticut marriage license. You will fill out a Connecticut marriage license application form with your personal information. The clerk will review your identification and any required documents for your Connecticut marriage license. Be prepared to provide your full legal names, dates of birth, places of birth, and parents' names including maiden names for the Connecticut marriage license.
The application fee for a Connecticut marriage license is $50 in most Connecticut towns. Some Connecticut towns may charge slightly more for a Connecticut marriage license. Cash is accepted everywhere for a Connecticut marriage license. Many Connecticut towns also accept checks or credit cards for Connecticut marriage license fees. Call ahead to confirm payment methods for your Connecticut marriage license. The fee is non-refundable even if you do not use the Connecticut marriage license. Make sure you are ready to marry before applying in Connecticut.
Under C.G.S. § 46b-25, the Connecticut marriage license application requires specific information about both parties. You will state your current marital status on the Connecticut marriage license application. You must disclose any prior marriages for your Connecticut marriage license. The Connecticut marriage license form asks for your occupation and current address. All information must be true and accurate. False statements can invalidate your Connecticut marriage license.
Once issued, the Connecticut marriage license is valid for 65 days. This validity period is set by C.G.S. § 46b-24 for Connecticut marriage licenses. You must have your ceremony within this window. The Connecticut marriage license expires after 65 days. If it expires, you must apply and pay again for a new Connecticut marriage license. Plan your ceremony date accordingly. The Connecticut marriage license becomes effective 24 hours after issuance in most cases.
Connecticut Marriage Certificate Copies
After your wedding in Connecticut, you will need certified copies of your Connecticut marriage certificate. These copies prove you are legally married in Connecticut. You need Connecticut marriage certificates to change your name, update insurance, and file taxes jointly in Connecticut. Certified copies are also needed for passport applications and other legal purposes. Connecticut offers several ways to obtain these Connecticut marriage certificate copies.
The Connecticut town clerk where you obtained your Connecticut marriage license can provide certified copies. Visit the Connecticut town clerk office in person for same-day service. The fee varies by Connecticut town but is typically $20 for the first certified copy of your Connecticut marriage certificate. Additional copies usually cost less. Bring photo ID when requesting copies in Connecticut. Only the couple or immediate family members can obtain certified copies in most Connecticut cases.
You can also order Connecticut marriage certificate copies from the Connecticut State Vital Records Office. They charge $20 per certified copy of a Connecticut marriage certificate. Mail requests take 10 to 12 weeks to process. Rush service is available for an additional fee for Connecticut marriage certificates. Visit their website for the Connecticut marriage certificate application form. The form requires both parties' names and the date of the Connecticut marriage.
VitalChek is the only approved third-party service for online orders of Connecticut marriage certificates. Visit www.vitalchek.com to order your Connecticut marriage certificate online. They charge the Connecticut state fee plus a service fee. Processing is faster than mail orders for Connecticut marriage certificates. This is the quickest option for out-of-state requests. Make sure you use the official VitalChek site to avoid scams involving Connecticut records.
Connecticut Marriage License Laws
Connecticut marriage license laws are found in the Connecticut General Statutes. Chapter 815e covers Connecticut marriage licenses in detail. These laws set the rules for who can obtain a Connecticut marriage license and how. Understanding these laws helps ensure your Connecticut marriage is valid. The statutes protect the rights of both parties in Connecticut.
C.G.S. § 46b-20a defines eligibility for a Connecticut marriage license. Both parties must be legally competent. They must consent to the Connecticut marriage freely. No one can be forced to marry in Connecticut. The statute also prohibits marriages between close relatives in Connecticut. These protections prevent abuse and ensure valid unions under Connecticut marriage license laws.
Connecticut town clerks follow Chapter 93 regarding vital records including Connecticut marriage licenses. This chapter governs how clerks maintain Connecticut marriage records. It sets standards for record keeping in Connecticut. Clerks must follow strict protocols for Connecticut marriage licenses. Records must be accurate and secure. These rules protect the integrity of Connecticut marriage license records.
Connecticut recognizes marriages performed in other states and countries. Your marriage will be valid in Connecticut if it was legal where performed. Connecticut also allows same-sex marriage. The state of Connecticut has allowed this since 2008. All couples have equal rights under Connecticut law. The application process for a Connecticut marriage license is the same for all couples in Connecticut.
Online Connecticut Marriage Certificate Ordering
Ordering Connecticut marriage certificates online is convenient for many people. The Connecticut Department of Public Health accepts online orders through VitalChek. This is the fastest way to get copies of Connecticut marriage certificates. You can order Connecticut marriage certificates from anywhere with internet access. The process takes about 10 minutes to complete for Connecticut records.
To order Connecticut marriage certificates online, visit the Connecticut State Vital Records ordering page. You will be redirected to VitalChek. Enter the required information about the Connecticut marriage. Provide payment using a credit or debit card for your Connecticut marriage certificate. Choose your shipping method. Standard mail is cheapest for Connecticut marriage certificates. Expedited shipping costs more but arrives faster.
Processing times for Connecticut marriage certificates vary based on demand. Standard orders for Connecticut marriage certificates take 6 to 8 weeks. Rush orders process in 2 to 3 weeks. You will receive tracking information when your Connecticut order ships. Keep your order number for reference. Contact VitalChek directly for order status updates. The Connecticut state office cannot track online orders.
For questions about ordering Connecticut marriage certificates, contact the Connecticut State Vital Records Office. Their staff can explain your options for Connecticut marriage certificates. They can help if you have trouble with the Connecticut process. Call (860) 509-7700 during business hours. Email support is also available through the Connecticut website.
Note: Only VitalChek is authorized for online Connecticut marriage certificate orders; avoid unofficial websites that may overcharge or provide non-certified documents.
Browse Connecticut Marriage License by County
Connecticut has eight counties. Each county contains multiple Connecticut towns that issue Connecticut marriage licenses. While Connecticut marriage licenses are issued at the town level, counties group Connecticut towns geographically. Select a Connecticut county below to find town clerk information in that area. Each Connecticut county page lists contact details for local Connecticut town clerks.
Connecticut Marriage License in Major Cities
Large cities in Connecticut have busy town clerk offices. These offices handle many Connecticut marriage license applications each year. Major Connecticut cities include Bridgeport, Hartford, New Haven, and Stamford. Click a Connecticut city below to learn about local Connecticut marriage license services. City pages provide specific information about hours, fees, and requirements for Connecticut marriage licenses.