Hartford County Marriage Records
Hartford County sits in the heart of Connecticut. It is home to nearly 900,000 people. The county has a rich history dating back to 1666. Hartford County marriage licenses are issued by town clerks. Each of the 29 towns in Hartford County handles its own marriage records. You must apply for a Hartford County marriage license in the town where your wedding will take place. The county seat is Hartford. This guide covers all you need to know about getting a marriage license in Hartford County.
Hartford County Marriage License Overview
Getting a Hartford County marriage license is simple. The process follows Connecticut state laws. You must visit a town clerk in Hartford County. Both parties need to be there. The license costs $50. It is good for 65 days. Hartford County has towns both large and small. Each town clerk sets their own hours. Some open early. Others stay open late. Call before you go.
Hartford County is the second most populous county in Connecticut. Only Fairfield County has more people. The county covers a wide area. It stretches from the Massachusetts border to the Connecticut River. Many couples choose Hartford County for their weddings. The area has many venues. There are historic sites and modern halls. Some prefer the city feel of Hartford. Others like the rural towns in the north.
The town clerk in each Hartford County town keeps all marriage records. These records go back many years. Some towns have records from the 1700s. The clerks take great care with these files. They are public records. But only certain people can get certified copies. The couple and their families have full access. Others may need to show a valid reason.
Hartford County marriage records serve many needs. Couples need them for name changes. Banks ask for them when you open joint accounts. Insurance firms need them for coverage changes. The records prove you are married. Keep your Hartford County marriage certificate in a safe place. You may need it many times over the years.
Town-Level Licensing in Hartford County
Connecticut uses a town-based system for marriage licenses. This is true in all eight counties. Hartford County follows this rule. Each town is its own unit. The town clerk has full power to issue licenses. No county office handles marriage licenses in Hartford County. This differs from many other states. There, you might go to a county courthouse.
When you want a Hartford County marriage license, pick your wedding town first. This is a key step. The license must come from that town. It does not matter where you live. You could live in Texas. You still get your license from the Hartford County town where you will wed. The license then works in all of Connecticut. It is valid statewide.
Each Hartford County town clerk runs their office their own way. Some take walk-ins only. Others need you to book a time. Hours vary widely. Most open on weekdays. A few offer weekend times. Check the town website. Look for the clerk page. Call if you are not sure. Do not just show up. You might waste a trip.
Large towns in Hartford County see more marriage license requests. Hartford city itself processes many. So do West Hartford and New Britain. These offices may have longer waits. Plan ahead in busy towns. Smaller towns may be faster. They see fewer couples. But they may have fewer staff too. Be patient either way. The clerks work hard to help all couples.
After your wedding in Hartford County, the officiant files the license. They return it to the town clerk. This must happen quickly. The clerk then records the marriage. You can then order copies. The town keeps the original. You get certified copies. These are what you use for legal needs. They bear the town seal. They prove the marriage is real.
Hartford County Town Clerk Directory
Finding the right town clerk in Hartford County is easy. Here are key offices in the county. Call ahead to check hours. Some may have changed. Fees are set by state law. But each town may vary slightly.
Hartford Town Clerk
Address: 550 Main Street, Hartford, CT
Phone: (860) 543-8539
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:15 AM to 2:00 PM
New Britain Town Clerk
Address: 27 West Main Street, New Britain, CT
Phone: (860) 826-3344
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:15 AM to 3:45 PM
West Hartford Town Clerk
Address: 50 South Main Street, West Hartford, CT
Phone: (860) 561-7430
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM
Bristol Town Clerk
Address: 111 North Main Street, Bristol, CT
Phone: (860) 584-6200
Hours: Monday through Thursday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM; Friday, 8:00 AM to 1:30 PM
Manchester Town Clerk
Address: 41 Center Street, Manchester, CT
Phone: (860) 647-3037
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM
Other Hartford County towns include East Hartford, Enfield, Glastonbury, Newington, Simsbury, South Windsor, Southington, Windsor, and Wethersfield. Each has its own clerk. Most have websites with full details. Search for the town name plus "town clerk" to find them. All follow the same basic rules for Hartford County marriage licenses.
Hartford County Marriage License Requirements
To get a Hartford County marriage license, you must meet state rules. Both people must be 18 or older. No parent consent is needed at this age. Those aged 16 or 17 can marry with parent consent. No one under 16 may marry in Connecticut. These age rules apply in all Hartford County towns.
You both must go to the town clerk in person. You cannot send a friend. You cannot mail in the forms. You must be there together. Bring valid photo ID. A driver's license works. So does a passport. The ID must show your legal name. It must show your birth date. Some clerks may ask for more proof. Bring a second ID if you have one.
If you were married before, bring proof it ended. You need a divorce decree. It must be final. Pending divorce is not enough. If your spouse died, bring the death certificate. These papers prove you are free to marry. The clerk will check them. They will keep copies. Make sure you have certified copies. Regular copies may not work.
No blood test is needed in Hartford County. This rule changed years ago. You do not need a physical exam. The process is quick. You fill out a form. You show your ID. You pay the fee. The clerk issues the license. You can get it the same day. But remember the 24-hour rule. The license is not valid right away. You must wait one day.
The fee for a Hartford County marriage license is $50. Cash is always accepted. Many towns take checks. Some take credit cards. Ask when you call. The fee is the same in all Hartford County towns. But some may add small fees for cards. Bring cash to be safe. The fee is not refunded. If you change your mind, you do not get the money back. Be sure before you apply.
Certified Copies After Wedding
After your Hartford County wedding, get certified copies. You will need them. You need them to change your name. You need them for your taxes. You need them for banks. Get at least two copies. Three is better. Keep them in a safe place.
You can get copies from the town clerk. This is the fastest way. Go in person. Bring your ID. The fee is $20 for the first copy. More copies may cost less. Ask the clerk. They can print them while you wait. This takes just minutes. It is the best option if you live near the town.
You can also get copies from the state. The Connecticut Department of Public Health keeps all records. Their office is in Hartford. They have records from 1897 to now. You can visit in person. You can also mail a request. Mail takes 10 to 12 weeks. That is a long wait. Use this only if you are not in a rush.
The state office charges $20 per copy. Rush service costs more. Call them at (860) 509-7700. Ask about rush fees. Their hours are limited. They are open Monday, Wednesday, and Friday only. Check the Connecticut vital records website before you go. Hours may change.
Online orders are also an option. Use VitalChek for online requests. They work with the state. The cost is higher. You pay the state fee plus a service fee. But it is fast. You can order from home. You can use a credit card. This works well if you moved away from Hartford County. It also works if you live far from the town clerk.
Cities in Hartford County
Hartford County has many cities and towns. Each offers a unique setting for weddings. The county seat is Hartford. It is the capital of Connecticut. It has historic buildings. It has modern venues. Many couples marry there each year. The city clerk handles marriage licenses for Hartford.
New Britain is another large city. It is known as the Hardware City. It has strong roots in manufacturing. Today it offers many wedding sites. The town clerk office is on West Main Street. They process many Hartford County marriage licenses.
West Hartford is a popular suburb. It has a quaint town center. It has fine dining. It has lovely parks. Many couples choose it for their weddings. The town clerk is on South Main Street. They are open full business hours. This makes it easy to apply.
Bristol is home to ESPN. It also has Lake Compounce. The city has many options for weddings. The town clerk office is on North Main Street. They have slightly different hours. They close early on Fridays. Plan your visit with this in mind.
Manchester is east of Hartford. It is a large town with a small feel. The town clerk is on Center Street. They are open standard hours. The town has many venues. It is a good choice for Hartford County weddings. Other towns include Glastonbury, Simsbury, and Windsor. Each has its own charm. Each has its own town clerk. All can issue your Hartford County marriage license.
Hartford County Marriage Laws
Hartford County follows Connecticut marriage laws. These are found in the Connecticut General Statutes Chapter 815e. This law covers who can marry. It covers how to get a license. It covers the waiting period. All Hartford County town clerks must follow these rules.
The law says both parties must consent. No one can be forced to marry. The clerk must make sure you both want this. They will ask you. You must say yes freely. The law also bans marriage between close family. This protects family bonds. It is the same in all Hartford County towns.
Same-sex marriage is legal in Hartford County. Connecticut has allowed this since 2008. All couples have the same rights. The process is the same. The fees are the same. The license looks the same. Hartford County welcomes all couples. The town clerks treat everyone with respect.