Westport Marriage Records
Westport marriage license records are kept by the Westport Town Clerk. This office serves the town of 27,996 residents in Fairfield County, Connecticut. Couples must apply in person for a Westport marriage license before their wedding day. The Town Clerk issues licenses valid for ceremonies anywhere in Connecticut. The license fee is $50 and the license remains valid for 65 days. This guide covers all you need to know about getting your Westport marriage license, application requirements, fees, and accessing Westport marriage records.
Westport Marriage License Quick Facts
Westport Marriage License Overview
The Westport Town Clerk issues all marriage licenses for the town. The office is at 110 Myrtle Avenue, Room 105. This is in the heart of Westport. The Westport marriage license team helps couples begin their legal union. They also keep all Westport marriage records on file. You can reach the Westport clerk at (203) 341-1110.
Westport sits on the Long Island Sound coast. It is a scenic town in Fairfield County. Many couples choose Westport for their wedding. The town offers beaches, parks, and historic venues. A Westport marriage license lets you marry at any of these sites. The license is good for the whole state once issued.
The Westport Town Clerk handles many tasks. They record land deeds and birth records. They also issue marriage licenses. The Westport staff is trained to help with your questions. They know the rules for all unions. This includes same-sex marriage licenses in Westport. The process is the same for all couples.
Once you get your Westport marriage license, you have 65 days to wed. This is the law for all Connecticut marriage licenses. Do not apply too early. Your license will expire if you wait too long. Plan ahead but time it right. The Westport Town Clerk can help you pick the best date.
Westport Marriage License Requirements
You must meet state rules to get a Westport marriage license. Both people need to appear in person at the Westport office. You cannot send a friend to get your license. You cannot apply by mail or online. The Westport Town Clerk must see both parties. This is a strict rule with no exceptions.
Bring valid photo ID to your Westport marriage license visit. A driver's license works well. A passport is also fine. The ID must be current. It must show your full legal name. The Westport clerk will check your age. You must be 18 or older to get a license without consent. Those aged 16 or 17 need parental approval.
If you were married before, bring proof the marriage ended. A final divorce decree works. A death certificate of your prior spouse also works. The document must be official. It must show the judge signed it. Pending divorces do not count. Your license needs final proof. These rules ensure accurate records.
No blood test is needed for a Connecticut marriage license. This rule changed years ago. You do not need a physical exam. The Westport marriage license process is simple. Out-of-state couples find it easy to get a license here. Many come from New York. The Westport town clerk welcomes all who meet the rules.
How to Apply in Westport for Marriage License
The steps are clear in this town. First, call the Westport Town Clerk. The number is (203) 341-1110. Ask about hours and appointments. The office is open Monday through Friday. Hours are 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM. You should call ahead to confirm. This saves time and avoids problems.
Both parties must come to the Town Clerk office together. Bring your photo IDs and the $50 fee. Cash is always accepted. Ask about checks or cards when you call. The clerk will review your papers. They will ask you to sign the form. Read it carefully before you sign.
The Town Clerk office is at 110 Myrtle Avenue, Room 105. The building is easy to find. Free parking is nearby for visitors. The office is on the first floor. It is easy to find the desk. Arrive a few minutes early for your visit. Late arrivals may need to reschedule.
Your license is ready after a brief wait. Most licenses have a 24-hour delay before use. Ask the clerk about this rule. Plan your wedding date with care. The license is valid for 65 days. Use it before it expires. If it does, you must pay again. You must restart the process.
The officiant must sign after the ceremony. They file it with the Westport Town Clerk. This makes your marriage official. You can then get certified copies. These prove you are wed. Keep them in a safe place.
Getting Westport Marriage Certified Copies
After your Westport wedding, get copies of your Westport marriage certificate. You will need these for many tasks. Change your name on your license and passport. Update bank accounts and insurance. File joint tax returns. Proof of marriage is often required. The Westport Town Clerk can provide certified copies.
The Westport Town Clerk sells certified copies for $20 each. This fee is set by the town. Order copies in person for fast service. Bring ID to prove who you are. Only the couple or close family can buy copies. This protects your records from fraud. Call the Westport clerk at (203) 341-1110 with questions.
You can also get marriage certificates from the state. The Connecticut Department of Public Health keeps all state records. They charge $20 per certified copy. Mail orders take 10 to 12 weeks. Rush service costs extra. Visit their site for forms. You can also use VitalChek for online orders.
Store your marriage certificate in a safe place. You may need it years from now. Keep the original with other vital records. Make a digital copy as a backup. The clerk keeps records on file. They can help if you lose your certificate. Contact the office for replacement services.
Westport Marriage Records Access
The Westport Town Clerk maintains all marriage records for the town. These records date back many years. You can access records for research or legal needs. The records office keeps files organized. Each record contains names, dates, and officiant details. Marriage records are public in Connecticut.
To search records, visit the Westport Town Clerk. Bring valid ID to view records. Fees apply for copies of records. Certified copies cost $20 each. The records staff can help locate files. Call ahead with questions. Some older records may need special handling.
Marriage records help with family history research. Genealogists use these records often. Records show family connections. They help trace lineages through time. The Westport records collection is extensive. Researchers appreciate the preserved records. Contact the clerk about accessing historic records.
After your wedding, your record is filed. The officiant returns the license. The clerk creates a record from it. This becomes part of the official files. You can request copies anytime. Keep your record safe for legal needs. Your record proves your union.
Westport Marriage License Tips
Plan ahead for your marriage license. Do not wait until the last minute. The process takes a few days at minimum. Busy wedding seasons fill up fast. Spring and summer see more couples. Book your visit early. This ensures you get your license on time.
Double-check all names on your form. They must match your IDs exactly. Errors cause delays. You may need to fix papers later. This costs time and money. Review your form before you sign. Ask the clerk if you have questions.
Your license works anywhere in Connecticut. You are not bound to wed in this town. Many couples get their license here. They marry in other towns. The state honors all valid licenses. Just make sure your officiant files your papers here after the ceremony.
Nearby Cities for Marriage Licenses
Westport is in Fairfield County. Many nearby towns also issue marriage licenses. You must apply in the town where your ceremony takes place. If you wed in Westport, get your license here. If you marry elsewhere, apply in that town. These Fairfield County towns are close to Westport:
Each town has its own clerk office. Fees and hours may vary. Call ahead to confirm details. Most follow similar rules. All use the same state laws. The Fairfield County page has more links to local clerks.
Fairfield County Marriage Records
Westport is part of Fairfield County. The county has 23 towns and cities. Each has its own clerk for marriage licenses. While licenses are issued at the town level, county pages help you find nearby offices. Visit the Fairfield County page for a full list of clerk contacts and nearby towns.
The Westport Town Clerk works with other Fairfield County clerks. They share procedures. They also share records standards. This helps maintain accurate records across the county. Your Westport marriage license is valid throughout Connecticut. The county system supports all your needs.