New Haven County Marriage Records Lookup
New Haven County sits in the south of Connecticut. It has a population of about 860,000 people. The county seat is New Haven. Many couples seek a New Haven County marriage license each year. You must apply in the town where your wedding will take place. The town clerk issues the license. This guide covers all you need to know about getting a New Haven County marriage license.
New Haven County Marriage License Overview
New Haven County has many towns that issue marriage licenses. Each town clerk handles licenses for their own town. You cannot get a New Haven County marriage license at the county level. The process is the same across all towns in New Haven County. The fee is set by state law. Most towns charge $50 for a New Haven County marriage license.
The New Haven County marriage license is valid for 65 days. This gives you time to plan your wedding. The license works anywhere in Connecticut. You do not have to stay in New Haven County. Many couples get their license in one town. Then they marry in another town. The state system is flexible.
New Haven County has both large cities and small towns. New Haven is the biggest city. Waterbury is the second largest. Both have busy town clerk offices. Smaller towns may have shorter wait times. Call ahead to check hours. Some offices need appointments. Others take walk-ins.
The Connecticut Department of Public Health sets the rules. They make sure all towns follow state law. The rules protect couples. They also keep records safe. All New Haven County marriage records are public. But certified copies have rules.
Town Clerks in New Haven County
Each town in New Haven County has a town clerk. The clerk keeps vital records. They issue marriage licenses. They also file completed licenses after weddings. Here are key town clerk offices in New Haven County:
New Haven Town Clerk: The office is at 165 Church Street. The phone is (203) 946-7931. Hours are Monday through Friday from 9 AM to 5 PM. This office handles many license requests. New Haven is a popular wedding spot. The city has many venues. Plan ahead for busy seasons.
Waterbury Town Clerk: Located at 235 Grand Street. Call (203) 574-6800 for help. Open Monday through Friday from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM. Waterbury serves many couples. The city has historic charm. Many choose it for their big day.
Hamden Town Clerk: Find them at 2372 Whitney Avenue. The number is (203) 287-2510. Hours are 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM on weekdays. Hamden is near New Haven. It offers a mix of town and country feel.
Meriden Town Clerk: The office is at 142 East Main Street. Call (203) 630-4031. Open Monday through Friday from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM. Meriden sits in the center of the state. It is easy to reach from all parts of New Haven County.
West Haven Town Clerk: Located at 355 Main Street. Phone is (203) 937-3534. Hours are 9 AM to 5 PM on weekdays. West Haven has Long Island Sound views. Many beach weddings happen here.
Other towns in New Haven County include Milford, Wallingford, Naugatuck, Cheshire, Branford, and East Haven. Each has its own clerk. All follow the same state laws. Visit the Connecticut DPH website for a full list.
Requirements for New Haven County Marriage License
To get a New Haven County marriage license, you must meet state rules. Both parties must appear in person. You cannot send someone else. The clerk needs to see you both. This rule helps prevent fraud. It also ensures both parties agree to marry.
You must bring valid photo ID. A driver's license works. So does a passport or state ID. The ID must show your legal name. It must also show your birth date. The clerk uses this to check your age. You must be 18 or older. Those aged 16 or 17 need parental consent. No one under 16 can marry in Connecticut.
If you were married before, bring proof the marriage ended. A divorce decree works. So does a death certificate. It must be the final decree. Pending divorces do not count. The document must be certified. Make sure it has a court stamp or seal.
Connecticut does not require blood tests. This changed in 2003. You also do not need a physical exam. The process is simple. Most couples finish in 30 minutes. The clerk will ask you questions. You will sign the application. Then you pay the fee.
The license has a 24-hour wait. It is not valid right away. You must wait one full day. Then you can marry. This rule is set by Connecticut General Statutes Chapter 815e. Plan for this delay. Do not wait until the last minute.
Getting Certified Copies of New Haven County Marriage Records
After your wedding, you need certified copies. These prove you are married. You need them to change your name. You also need them for joint bank accounts. Insurance companies may ask for them. So might employers for benefits.
The town clerk who issued your license can give you copies. Visit the office in person. Bring photo ID. The fee is usually $20 for the first copy. More copies may cost less. The clerk will print them while you wait. This is the fastest way to get copies.
You can also order from the state. The Connecticut State Vital Records Office keeps all marriage records. They charge $20 per certified copy. Mail orders take 10 to 12 weeks. Rush service costs more. Visit their site for forms.
VitalChek handles online orders. Go to www.vitalchek.com to start. You pay the state fee plus a service charge. This is faster than mail. It is good for out-of-state requests. You can order from anywhere. Use only the official VitalChek site.
Keep your copies safe. You may need them years later. Store them with other vital papers. Consider getting three to five copies. This covers most needs. You can always get more later.
Cities in New Haven County
New Haven County has many cities and towns. Each can issue a marriage license. Here are the largest cities in New Haven County:
Each city has its own town clerk. The rules are the same. Fees are the same. Hours may vary. Always call first. Check if you need an appointment. Ask what payment types they take. Some take only cash. Others take cards.
New Haven County offers many wedding venues. Yale University is in New Haven. It has lovely spots. The shoreline towns have beaches. The inland towns have parks and halls. You can find the perfect place. Then get your license in that town.