Litchfield County Marriage Records Access
Litchfield County marriage license records are kept by town clerks across this scenic northwest Connecticut region. As the largest county by area in Connecticut, Litchfield County spans rolling hills, historic villages, and rural towns. Each town maintains its own vital records. You must apply for a Litchfield County marriage license in the specific town where your ceremony will take place. This guide helps you find town clerk offices and understand the requirements for getting married in Litchfield County.
Litchfield County Quick Facts
Litchfield County Marriage License Information
Getting a Litchfield County marriage license requires a visit to the town clerk. Each town in Litchfield County issues its own marriage licenses. The process is the same across all towns in Litchfield County. You must apply in the town where your wedding will occur. This rule applies to all Litchfield County marriage licenses.
Litchfield County is known for its rural charm. Many couples choose Litchfield County for destination weddings. The area offers historic barns, scenic vineyards, and elegant estates. Town clerks in Litchfield County are used to serving both local residents and out-of-state couples. The process is simple and fast for most Litchfield County marriage license applicants.
The fee for a Litchfield County marriage license is $50. This fee is set by Connecticut state law under C.G.S. § 46b-25. Town clerks in Litchfield County accept cash for all marriage license applications. Many also accept checks or credit cards. Call ahead to confirm payment options at your chosen town clerk office in Litchfield County.
Once issued, your Litchfield County marriage license is valid for 65 days. This validity period applies statewide in Connecticut. You must hold your ceremony within this window. If your Litchfield County marriage license expires, you must apply again. You will need to pay the fee again as well. Plan your wedding date before you apply for your Litchfield County marriage license.
Litchfield County Town Clerk Offices
Town clerks in Litchfield County handle all marriage license applications. These offices also maintain Litchfield County marriage records after your wedding. Each town clerk keeps records for their specific town. You cannot get a Litchfield County marriage license from the county government. Connecticut does not issue marriage licenses at the county level.
Torrington is the largest city in Litchfield County. The Torrington Town Clerk office issues many Litchfield County marriage licenses each year. Their office is at 140 Main Street in downtown Torrington. You can reach them by phone at (860) 489-2236. Their hours are Monday through Wednesday from 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM, Thursday from 8:30 AM to 6:30 PM, and Friday from 8:30 AM to 12:30 PM. The extended Thursday hours help couples who work during the day get their Litchfield County marriage license.
New Milford is another major town in Litchfield County. The New Milford Town Clerk is at 10 Main Street. Their phone number is (860) 355-6020. They are open Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. New Milford offers a quaint downtown setting. Many couples choose this town for their Litchfield County marriage license and ceremony.
Other towns in Litchfield County include Litchfield, Washington, Warren, Kent, Sharon, Salisbury, Canaan, Norfolk, Goshen, Cornwall, and many more. Each has its own town clerk. Most Litchfield County town clerk offices are open during regular business hours. Call ahead to confirm hours and any appointment needs. Some smaller towns in Litchfield County have limited staff hours.
All town clerks in Litchfield County follow the same state laws. The requirements are the same no matter which town you choose. Pick the town in Litchfield County where your ceremony will take place. That is where you must apply for your Litchfield County marriage license.
Litchfield County Marriage Requirements
To get a Litchfield County marriage license, you must meet basic rules. Both parties must be at least 18 years old. This age rule comes from Connecticut General Statutes Chapter 815e. If you are 16 or 17, you need parental consent. No one under 16 can marry in Litchfield County or anywhere in Connecticut.
Both parties must appear in person at the town clerk office. This rule applies to all Litchfield County marriage license applications. You cannot send someone else to apply for you. You cannot apply by mail or phone. Both of you must go together to get your Litchfield County marriage license.
You will need valid photo ID for your Litchfield County marriage license. A driver's license works well. A passport or state ID card also works. The ID must show your current legal name. It must also show your date of birth. Bring your Social Security card if you have one. Town clerks in Litchfield County may ask for it.
Connecticut does not require a blood test. This rule changed in 2003. You do not need a physical exam for a Litchfield County marriage license. The process is simple and quick. Most couples can get their Litchfield County marriage license in one visit.
If you were married before, bring proof the marriage ended. A certified copy of your divorce decree works. A death certificate works if your spouse died. The document must be final. Pending divorces are not enough. Make sure the decree shows the date and judge's signature for your Litchfield County marriage license.
Litchfield County Marriage Certificate Copies
After your wedding, you need certified copies of your Litchfield County marriage certificate. These prove you are legally married. You will need them to change your name. Banks and employers may ask for them. The town clerk who issued your Litchfield County marriage license can provide copies.
The fee for a certified copy is $20 in most Litchfield County towns. This fee is set by state law. Some towns may charge slightly more. Call ahead to check the exact cost. Bring photo ID when you request copies. Only certain people can get certified copies of Litchfield County marriage records.
You can also get copies from the Connecticut State Vital Records Office. They have all Litchfield County marriage records. Their fee is $20 per copy. Mail requests take up to 12 weeks. Rush service costs extra. The state office is at 410 Capitol Avenue in Hartford.
For faster service, use VitalChek online. Visit www.vitalchek.com to order. They charge the state fee plus a service fee. Processing is faster than mail. This works well for out-of-state requests. Make sure to use the official VitalChek site. Avoid unofficial sites that may overcharge for Litchfield County marriage records.
The town clerk files your Litchfield County marriage license after the wedding. Your officiant returns the signed license. Then the clerk records your Litchfield County marriage. You can order copies after this step. Most couples order copies within a few weeks of the wedding.
Cities in Litchfield County
Litchfield County has many charming towns and cities. Each has its own town clerk. You must apply for your Litchfield County marriage license in the town where you will marry. The two largest towns are Torrington and New Milford. Both have full-service town clerk offices.
Other towns in Litchfield County include Litchfield, Washington, Warren, Kent, Sharon, Salisbury, Canaan, Norfolk, Goshen, Cornwall, Roxbury, Bridgewater, Thomaston, Winchester, Barkhamsted, Colebrook, Harwinton, Morris, New Hartford, and Plymouth. Each town clerk can issue your Litchfield County marriage license if your ceremony will be in that town.
Nearby Counties
These counties border Litchfield County. If you are not sure where to apply, pick the town where your ceremony will take place. The county borders do not matter for Litchfield County marriage license applications. What matters is the town where the wedding occurs.