Groton Marriage Records Search
Groton marriage license records are kept at the Groton Town Clerk office in New London County, Connecticut. You must apply for your marriage license in Groton if your ceremony will take place within Groton town limits. The Groton Town Clerk issues marriage licenses valid throughout the state of Connecticut. Groton has a rich history as a coastal town with a population of 38,762 residents. Couples seeking a Groton marriage license can visit the town clerk at 45 Fort Hill Road during regular business hours.
Groton Marriage License Overview
The Groton Town Clerk manages all Groton marriage license applications. This office sits in New London County along the Thames River. Groton was once known as a "Gretna Green" spot. Elopements were common here. Couples could marry fast with no wait. This drew pairs from all over. The town still welcomes all couples today.
Groton has changed much over time. It is now a modern town with deep roots. The town clerk keeps vital records with great care. Each Groton marriage license is tracked in detail. Records go back many years. You can find old Groton marriage records with ease. The staff helps with both new and old requests.
The Groton Town Clerk office is at 45 Fort Hill Road. This spot is easy to reach by car. The phone number is (860) 441-6640. You can call with questions. The fax line is (860) 441-6703. Visit the Groton town website for more details. Office hours are Monday through Friday. Hours may change on holidays. Call ahead to check times.
Groton is home to many historic sites. The town blends old charm with new growth. Couples pick Groton for weddings near the shore. The town clerk helps make each union legal. A Groton marriage license is your first step. The process is simple and quick.
Groton Marriage License Requirements
Both parties must meet basic rules. You must be at least 18 years old. Those aged 16 or 17 need parent consent. No one under 16 may wed in Groton. Both must appear in person at the Groton Town Clerk office.
You will need valid photo ID. A driver's license works well. A passport or state ID is fine too. The ID must show your legal name. It must show your birth date. Bring proof of your Social Security number. A Social Security card is best. Some use a W-2 form or pay stub.
No blood test is needed in Groton. This rule was dropped years ago. You do not need a doctor's note. The Groton marriage license process is quite simple. Out of state couples can wed here too. Groton welcomes all who wish to marry.
If you were wed before, bring proof it ended. A divorce decree must be final. The date and judge's mark must show. A death certificate works if widowed. Bring the certified copy with you. The clerk must see it to issue your Groton marriage license.
How to Apply for a Groton Marriage License
Both parties go to the Groton Town Clerk together. You will fill out a short form. Give your full legal names. State your birth dates and birth places. List your parents' names. Include your mothers' maiden names.
The fee for a Groton marriage license is $50. This fee is set by the state. Cash is always accepted. Many towns take checks or cards. Call the Groton Town Clerk to check. The phone is (860) 441-6640. The fee is not refundable. Be sure you are ready to wed.
The Groton marriage license is good for 65 days. You must wed within this time. If not, you must pay again. Plan your date with care. The license is valid anywhere in Connecticut. You can wed in any town you choose.
There is a short wait after you apply. The license is ready 24 hours later in most cases. Pick it up the next day. The officiant must sign it after the rites. The signed license goes back to the clerk. The clerk then records your Groton marriage.
Groton Marriage Certificate Copies
After your wedding, you need certified copies. These prove you are wed. You need them to change your name. Banks ask for them. The DMV needs them. Insurance firms want to see them too.
The Groton Town Clerk sells certified copies. The cost is $20 for each copy. Bring your ID when you buy them. Only the couple or kin can get them. You can go in person. Same day service is the norm.
You can also get copies from the state. The Connecticut Department of Public Health keeps all state records. They charge $20 per copy too. Mail takes 10 to 12 weeks. Rush costs more but is faster. Call them at (860) 509-7700.
VitalChek is the online choice. Go to www.vitalchek.com to order. They add a fee for the service. It is fast and safe. Use only this site for state records. Other sites may charge too much. They may give fake copies.
Cities Near Groton for Marriage Licenses
Couples near Groton have many choices. Each town in New London County issues licenses. You must apply in the town where you will wed. Here are some nearby towns to consider for your marriage license.
New London is just west of Groton. It sits on the shore. The town clerk there issues licenses too. Norwich is to the north. It is a larger city with more staff. Ledyard is east of Groton. It is a smaller town with a rural feel. Stonington is on the coast. It has charm and history. Waterford is west of Groton. It offers quick service as well.
Groton Marriage License Tips
Plan ahead when you apply. Check the Groton town website for current hours. Some days are busy. Mornings tend to be slower. Bring all your papers. This speeds up the process.
Double check your names. They must match your ID. If you changed your name by court order, bring that proof. Errors on the form can cause delays. The clerk will help if you have questions. Ask before you sign.
Keep your Groton marriage license safe. Do not lose it. The officiant needs it for the ceremony. After the wedding, get your certified copies right away. You will need them for many tasks. Order at least two or three copies.