Fairfield County Marriage License Lookup

Fairfield County is the most populous county in Connecticut with nearly one million residents. Marriage licenses in Fairfield County are issued at the town level by each town clerk. You must apply in the specific Fairfield County town where your wedding will take place. Whether you plan to marry in Bridgeport, Stamford, Greenwich, or any other Fairfield County town, this guide helps you find the right office and complete your Fairfield County marriage license application with ease.

Fairfield County Marriage License Overview

Getting a marriage license in Fairfield County follows Connecticut state law. Each town clerk in Fairfield County issues licenses for ceremonies within their town limits. The license is valid anywhere in Connecticut once issued. You cannot get a Fairfield County marriage license from the county government. Town clerks handle all applications in Fairfield County.

Fairfield County spans southwestern Connecticut along the New York border. It includes major cities like Bridgeport and Stamford. The county also has smaller towns like New Canaan and Weston. Each town has its own clerk office for marriage licenses. Hours and procedures vary slightly between Fairfield County towns.

Most Fairfield County town clerks accept walk-ins for marriage license applications. Some require appointments during busy seasons. Both parties must appear together to apply. The whole process takes about 30 minutes at most Fairfield County clerk offices. Bring proper ID and any required documents.

Note: Fairfield County marriage licenses must be obtained in the town where the ceremony occurs, not where the couple lives.

Getting Married in Fairfield County Towns

Fairfield County offers many beautiful settings for weddings. From coastal towns like Greenwich and Westport to inland communities like Ridgefield and Redding, each Fairfield County town provides unique venues. Popular wedding locations in Fairfield County include beaches, historic estates, and elegant ballrooms.

Bridgeport is the largest city in Fairfield County. It sits on Long Island Sound and offers waterfront venues. Stamford is the second largest city in Fairfield County. It has a vibrant downtown with many event spaces. Both cities have busy town clerk offices that handle many Fairfield County marriage license applications each year.

Smaller Fairfield County towns like Fairfield and Westport also host many weddings. These towns have charming downtown areas and scenic coastal views. The town clerks in these Fairfield County locations often have more flexible hours. They may offer same-day appointments for Fairfield County marriage license applications.

Norwalk and Danbury are other major Fairfield County towns that issue marriage licenses. Norwalk has a historic downtown and maritime attractions. Danbury sits in the northern part of Fairfield County near the New York border. Both towns have full-service clerk offices for Fairfield County marriage license services.

Fairfield County Town Clerk Information

Each Fairfield County town clerk office handles marriage licenses for their jurisdiction. Contact the specific town where your ceremony will take place. Below are details for major Fairfield County town clerk offices. Call ahead to confirm hours before visiting any Fairfield County clerk office.

Other Fairfield County towns with clerk offices include Stratford, Shelton, Trumbull, Westport, Ridgefield, New Canaan, Darien, Wilton, Weston, Redding, Easton, Monroe, and Newtown. Each town in Fairfield County has its own website with contact details for their clerk office.

Requirements for Fairfield County Marriage License

Fairfield County marriage license requirements follow Connecticut state law. Both parties must meet eligibility criteria. You must bring proper identification and any required documentation. The process is the same across all Fairfield County towns.

Age requirements for a Fairfield County marriage license are set by Connecticut General Statutes Chapter 815e. Both parties must be at least 18 years old. Those aged 16 or 17 need parental consent. No one under 16 can marry in Fairfield County or anywhere in Connecticut.

Both parties must appear in person to apply for a Fairfield County marriage license. You cannot have someone else apply for you. Bring valid photo ID showing your current legal name. A driver's license, passport, or state ID works for Fairfield County marriage license applications. Some towns may also ask for proof of residency.

If either party was previously married, bring proof the marriage ended. A certified divorce decree or death certificate is required. The document must be final. Pending divorces do not qualify for a Fairfield County marriage license. The decree must show the judgment date and be signed by a judge.

The fee for a Fairfield County marriage license is $50. Cash is accepted everywhere. Many Fairfield County towns also accept checks or credit cards. Call ahead to confirm payment methods. The fee is non-refundable. Make sure you are ready to marry before applying in Fairfield County.

Connecticut does not require blood tests or physical exams for marriage licenses. This makes getting a Fairfield County marriage license simpler than in some other states. Out-of-state couples often choose Fairfield County for destination weddings because of the straightforward process.

After the Wedding - Getting Your Certificate

After your Fairfield County wedding, the officiant files the completed license with the town clerk. This must happen within a set time frame. The clerk then records the marriage and issues certified copies. You can get copies from the same Fairfield County town clerk where you applied.

Certified copies of your Fairfield County marriage certificate cost $20 each in most towns. Some Fairfield County towns charge slightly different fees. Visit the clerk office in person for same-day service. Bring photo ID when requesting copies. Only the couple or immediate family members can obtain certified copies in most cases.

You can also order marriage certificates from the Connecticut State Vital Records Office. They maintain records of all marriages in Fairfield County and across Connecticut. Mail requests take 10 to 12 weeks to process. Rush service is available for an additional fee.

VitalChek provides online ordering for Fairfield County marriage certificates. Visit www.vitalchek.com to order. They charge the state fee plus a service fee. This is often the fastest option for out-of-state requests. Make sure to use the official VitalChek site to avoid scams.

You will need certified copies of your Fairfield County marriage certificate for many purposes. Banks require them for name changes. Insurance companies need them to add spouses to policies. The Social Security Administration requires a certified copy to update records. Keep several copies on file for future needs.

Note: Fairfield County marriage licenses expire after 65 days if not used, and you must apply again if your ceremony is delayed.

Cities in Fairfield County with Marriage License Services

Fairfield County has 23 towns and cities. Each has a town clerk that issues marriage licenses for ceremonies within their boundaries. Click on a city below to learn more about local marriage license services. These Fairfield County city pages provide specific hours, fees, and requirements.

Other Fairfield County towns include Darien, Wilton, Weston, Redding, Easton, Monroe, Newtown, Bethel, Brookfield, New Fairfield, Sherman, and Sherman. All issue marriage licenses at their respective town clerk offices.

Nearby Connecticut Counties

If your wedding will take place outside Fairfield County, you need to apply in the correct county. These Connecticut counties border Fairfield County or are nearby. Each has town clerks that issue marriage licenses following the same Connecticut state laws.

Connecticut State Marriage License Resources

The Connecticut Department of Public Health oversees all marriage records in Fairfield County. They provide resources and forms for couples getting married. The Connecticut license to get married page explains the process statewide.

For questions about Fairfield County marriage certificates, contact the Connecticut State Vital Records Office. Their phone number is (860) 509-7700. They are open limited hours for walk-in requests. The office is located at 410 Capitol Avenue in Hartford, Connecticut.

Connecticut marriage laws are found in Chapter 815e of the Connecticut General Statutes. These laws apply to all Fairfield County marriage licenses. They cover eligibility, application procedures, and record keeping requirements.