Branford Marriage Records Access

The Branford Town Clerk issues Branford marriage licenses for ceremonies in this coastal New Haven County town. Branford is home to 28,448 residents. The town sits on Long Island Sound. Many couples choose Branford for their weddings. The Town Clerk office handles all Branford marriage license applications. Their staff guides couples through the process. You must apply in person. Both parties must appear together. The Branford office follows Connecticut state laws for all marriage records.

Branford Marriage License Overview

The Branford Town Clerk office is where you get your Branford marriage license. The office is located at P.O. Box 150, Branford, CT 06405. You can also visit 1019 Main Street. The office is open Monday through Friday. Hours are 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM. The Town Clerk is in charge of all Branford marriage records. This includes issuing licenses. It also includes recording marriages. The office keeps records of all Branford marriages.

You can reach the Branford Town Clerk by phone. The number is (203) 315-0678. Call during business hours for help. The staff can answer your questions. They can tell you what to bring. They can check if you need an appointment. The office asks that you call before coming in. This helps them serve you better. It also cuts down on wait times.

The Branford Town Clerk website has more info. Visit www.branfordct.gov for details. The site lists forms you may need. It has office hours and contact info. You can also find info about other town services. The Town Clerk is part of the town government. They serve the public six days a week. Well, Monday through Friday that is.

Branford is in New Haven County. It is a shoreline town. Many people live here. Many more visit for weddings. The town has venues for all types of ceremonies. You can have a beach wedding. You can use a church or hall. The Branford marriage license works for any venue in town. The license is good for the whole state too. But you must get it in Branford if you marry there.

Branford Marriage License Requirements

To get a Branford marriage license, you must meet state rules. Both parties must be at least 18 years old. If you are 16 or 17, you need parent consent. No one under 16 can marry in Connecticut. These rules apply to all Branford marriages. The Town Clerk will check your age. You must show valid ID. A driver's license works. A passport works too. The ID must show your birth date.

Both of you must go to the Branford Town Clerk office. You cannot send someone else. You cannot apply by mail. You cannot apply online. Both parties must sign the Branford marriage license form. This is state law. The Town Clerk must see you both. They will check your IDs. They will ask you some questions. The process takes about 15 to 20 minutes. Plan your time for this visit.

Branford does not require a blood test. Connecticut ended this rule in 2003. You do not need a doctor's exam. This makes the process simple. Out-of-state couples can marry in Branford. The rules are the same for everyone. You do not need to be a Branford resident. You do not need to live in Connecticut. You just need to marry in Branford. That is the key rule.

If you were married before, bring proof the marriage ended. You need a divorce decree or death certificate. It must be the final paper. It must have a judge's signature. Pending divorces do not count. The Branford Town Clerk must see this proof. Bring a certified copy. Keep your own copy safe. This proves you can marry again. It is a key part of the Branford marriage license process.

How to Apply for a Branford Marriage License

The first step is to call the Branford Town Clerk. Ask if you need an appointment. Some days are very busy. An appointment saves time. The phone number is (203) 315-0678. Call during office hours. The staff will set a time for you. They will tell you what to bring. This makes your visit smooth. It helps you get your Branford marriage license fast.

Gather your documents before you go. Bring photo ID for both of you. Bring proof of a prior divorce if needed. Bring cash or check for the fee. The Branford marriage license fee is $50. This is set by the state. Some towns charge more. Branford follows the state fee. Call to check what payment types they take. Some offices take cards. Some take only cash or check.

When you arrive, fill out the application. The Branford Town Clerk will give you the form. You will write your full legal name. You will write your birth date and place. You will write your parents' names. Include your mother's maiden name. All info must be true. False info is a crime. The Town Clerk will review your form. They will check your IDs. They will take your payment.

The Branford marriage license is ready right away. You can take it with you. But you cannot use it for 24 hours. This is the waiting period. It applies to all Connecticut towns. After one day, you can marry. The license is good for 65 days. This is about two months. Plan your wedding within this time. If it expires, you must apply again. You must pay the fee again too.

Branford Marriage Certificate Copies

After your wedding, get certified copies of your Branford marriage certificate. You will need these for many tasks. You need them to change your name. You need them for bank accounts. You need them for insurance. You need them for taxes. The Branford Town Clerk can give you copies. They cost $20 each. This is the standard fee in most towns.

To get copies from Branford, visit the Town Clerk office. Bring your ID. Show who you are. Only the couple or family can get copies. This protects your privacy. The office will print your Branford marriage certificate. They will stamp it. This makes it official. You can get copies the same day. This is the fastest way to get them.

You can also get copies from the state. The Connecticut Department of Public Health keeps all marriage records. They have records from 1897 to now. You can order by mail. You can use VitalChek online. State copies also cost $20. Mail takes 10 to 12 weeks. Rush service costs more. Call (860) 509-7700 for help.

Keep your Branford marriage certificate safe. Make copies for your files. Do not lose the original. You may need it years later. It proves you are married. It is a vital record. The Branford Town Clerk keeps the original on file. They keep it forever. You can always get more copies. Just contact the office. They will help you get what you need.

Nearby Cities for Marriage Licenses

If Branford is not where you will marry, check nearby towns. Each town in Connecticut issues its own marriage licenses. You must apply in the town where the ceremony takes place. The license is good statewide. But you must get it in the right town first. Here are cities near Branford that also issue marriage licenses:

New Haven is the largest nearby city. It is just west of Branford. The New Haven Town Clerk is busy. They handle many marriage licenses. East Haven is next to Branford. It is a smaller town. North Branford is north of Branford. It is more rural. Guilford and Madison are east of Branford. They are also shoreline towns. All these towns follow the same state rules. The fees are the same. The process is the same.