Windham County Marriage Records Access
Windham County sits in the northeast corner of Connecticut. It is home to about 115,000 people. The county seat is the town of Windham. Couples who want to marry in Windham County must get a marriage license from a town clerk. Each town in Windham County keeps its own marriage records. This guide shows how to get a Windham County marriage license. You will learn where to go, what to bring, and how much it costs.
Windham County Marriage License Overview
Windham County marriage licenses follow Connecticut state laws. The county has fifteen towns. Each town clerk can issue a Windham County marriage license. You must apply in the town where your wedding will take place. The license works anywhere in Connecticut once it is issued.
The town of Windham is the largest in the county. It has about 24,105 people. The Windham town clerk office is at 979 Main Street in Willimantic. They are open Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. You can reach them at (860) 465-3025. This office handles many marriage license requests each year.
Other towns in Windham County also issue marriage licenses. These include Brooklyn, Killingly, Plainfield, and Sterling. Each town clerk sets their own hours. Most are open during the day on weekdays. You should call before you visit. This saves time and ensures you have what you need.
A Windham County marriage license costs $50. This fee is the same across Connecticut. Certified copies of your Windham County marriage certificate cost $20 each. The license is good for 65 days. You must have your wedding within this time. If you wait too long, you must apply again.
Town Clerk Offices in Windham County
Windham County town clerks are the keepers of local records. They issue Windham County marriage licenses and file the certificates after weddings. Each clerk maintains records for their town only. You cannot get a license from one town and marry in another. The system is clear and easy to follow.
The Windham Town Clerk is a key office for county residents. Located at 979 Main Street in Willimantic, it serves the largest town. Their phone number is (860) 465-3025. Hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. They stop taking marriage license applications about 30 minutes before closing. Arrive early to avoid delays.
Plainfield Town Clerk is another busy office. It is at 8 Community Avenue. Killingly Town Clerk sits at 172 Main Street. Brooklyn Town Clerk is at 4 Wolf Den Road. Each office has trained staff. They can answer questions about your Windham County marriage license. Staff can also help with certified copy requests.
Smaller towns like Scotland, Canterbury, and Hampton also have clerks. These offices see fewer requests. You may get faster service in these towns. All clerks follow the same state rules. Your Windham County marriage license will be valid no matter which town issues it. Call ahead to check if you need an appointment.
Windham County Marriage License Requirements
Getting a Windham County marriage license requires some planning. Both parties must appear in person. You cannot send a friend or family member to apply for you. This rule comes from Connecticut General Statutes Chapter 815e. The law ensures both people agree to the marriage.
You need valid photo ID to apply. A driver's license works well. A passport or state ID card is also fine. The ID must show your current legal name. It must also show your birth date. Some clerks may ask for proof of residency. They may also ask for your Social Security card. Bring these if you have them.
Age matters for your Windham County marriage license. You must be 18 or older to marry without consent. Those aged 16 or 17 need a parent to sign. No one under 16 can marry in Connecticut. The clerk will check your age. Make sure your ID is current and not expired.
If you were married before, bring proof the marriage ended. A certified divorce decree works. A death certificate also works. The document must be final. Pending divorces do not count. The clerk will review your papers. Then they will process your Windham County marriage license.
No blood test is needed in Connecticut. This changed in 2003. The process is now faster and easier. Out-of-state couples can marry in Windham County with ease. Many come for the scenic beauty. The Quiet Corner offers lovely wedding spots.
Getting Windham County Marriage Certificate Copies
After your wedding, get certified copies of your Windham County marriage certificate. You will need these for name changes. Banks and insurance companies want to see them. You also need them for passport applications. Certified copies prove your legal marriage status.
The town clerk who issued your license can provide copies. Visit their office in person for quick service. Bring photo ID with you. The cost is usually $20 for the first copy. More copies may cost less. Only the couple or close family can get certified copies.
You can also order from the Connecticut State Vital Records Office. They have all Windham County marriage records. The office is at 410 Capitol Avenue in Hartford. They are open limited hours for walk-ins. Call (860) 509-7700 for help. They charge $20 per certified copy.
Online orders go through VitalChek. This is the only approved service for Connecticut records. You will pay the state fee plus a service charge. Orders take a few weeks to process. Rush service costs more but is faster. Keep your order number for tracking.
Mail orders take 10 to 12 weeks. Use the application form from the state website. Include a check or money order. Write the names of both parties. Add the date of the marriage. Send it to the address on the form.
Cities and Towns in Windham County
Windham County has fifteen towns. Each can issue a Windham County marriage license. The towns range in size from large to small. All follow the same state rules. You can marry in any town with a valid license. The county offers both urban and rural settings for weddings.
Windham is the largest town. It includes the borough of Willimantic. Many couples choose to marry here. The town clerk office is easy to reach. They have experience with many types of weddings. The staff is helpful and professional.
Other towns in Windham County include Brooklyn, Canterbury, Chaplin, Eastford, Hampton, Killingly, Plainfield, Pomfret, Putnam, Scotland, Sterling, Thompson, Union, and Woodstock. Each has its own town clerk. Each clerk can help with your Windham County marriage license needs. Check with the specific town for their hours and requirements.