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Connecticut · How-To Guide

How do I get a marriage license?

Town Clerk (TOWN level - Connecticut has NO county government; all marriage licenses issued by Town Clerks)
Step by Step

How to do it

  1. Determine which Connecticut town your ceremony will take place in - you MUST obtain the license from the Town Clerk of THAT SPECIFIC TOWN; you cannot use a license from another town
  2. Contact the Town Clerk's office to confirm hours, appointment requirements, and accepted payment methods - many Connecticut towns now require appointments for marriage licenses, especially during peak season
  3. Both parties appear in person at the Town Clerk's office (some towns allow parties to appear separately; verify with your specific town)
  4. Present valid government-issued photo ID for both parties
  5. Provide required information: place of birth, parents' names, mother's maiden name, date and location of ceremony, officiant's name and contact information
  6. Pay the $50 fee - receive license immediately (no waiting period); can marry same day
  7. Get married within 65 days - license expires after 65 days
  8. Officiant completes the "Officiator" section of the license and returns the completed license to the Town Clerk of the town where the ceremony occurred - typically by the first week of the following month; failure to return promptly is a legal violation
Details

What you need to know

Required Docs
  • Valid government-issued photo ID for both parties
  • Date and place of ceremony; officiant's name and contact information
  • Place of birth and parents' names for both parties, including mother's maiden name
  • If previously married: date prior marriage ended; some towns require certified copy of divorce decree if divorced within last 60 days
  • Both parties must be at least 18 years old
Fee
$50 (statewide statutory fee); certified copies of marriage certificate: $20 each (recommended to purchase at time of application)
Waiting Period
None - license issued immediately; can marry same day; practical wait may exist due to appointment availability LICENSE VALIDITY: 65 days from date of issuance
Online Option
No - must appear in person; some towns offer online pre-application worksheets to streamline the in-person appointment
Where to Go
Town Clerk of the specific Connecticut town where the ceremony will take place
Connecticut Notes

Important state-specific details

  • Connecticut is a TOWN-LEVEL state for marriage licenses - there is NO county clerk; you must go to the Town Clerk of the town where the ceremony occurs.
  • The license cannot be used in another town - it is specific to the issuing town.
  • Officiant is legally responsible for returning the completed license to the Town Clerk promptly after the ceremony - couples should confirm this with their officiant.
  • Authorized officiants: judges (including out-of-state judges authorized in their jurisdiction), family support magistrates, state referees, justices of the peace, and ordained/licensed members of the clergy (including online ordinations recognized under CT law).
  • No blood test required.
  • No residency requirement - non-residents may marry in Connecticut.
  • Certified marriage certificate copies: available from the Town Clerk where the ceremony occurred or the CT DPH State Vital Records Office; $20 per copy.
Official Source

State office contact

State Office
Connecticut DPH Vital Records - portal.ct.gov/dph/vital-records | (860) 509-7897; Town Clerk (varies by town - 169 towns in Connecticut)