Search Connecticut Marriage Records
Connecticut marriage records are public documents kept by town clerks across the state. Each of the 169 towns in Connecticut maintains its own vital records. The State Vital Records Office keeps copies of all marriages from July 1, 1897 to the present day. You can search these records online, by mail, or in person at town clerk offices throughout Connecticut.
Connecticut Marriage Records Quick Facts
Where to Find Connecticut Marriage Records
There are two main places to get marriage records in Connecticut. Town clerk offices hold the original records for every marriage that took place in that town. These files include the marriage license application, the certificate, and all supporting papers. The town clerk serves as the Registrar of Vital Statistics. You can visit in person at the town hall or order copies by mail in Connecticut.
The Connecticut Department of Public Health keeps copies of all marriage certificates. The State Vital Records Office has records from July 1, 1897 to now. You can order these by mail, online through VitalChek, or at the state office in Hartford. The state office is located at 410 Capitol Avenue. Certificates cost $20 per copy in Connecticut.
Most people get faster service from the town clerk where the marriage took place. Town offices process requests more quickly than the state office. State processing can take up to twelve weeks. Town offices often provide same-day service for in-person requests.
How to Search Marriage Records in Connecticut
Connecticut offers several ways to look up marriage records. Online access is the fastest method for most searches. You can search from home any time of day. In-person visits work well when you need certified copies quickly. Both options are open to anyone in Connecticut.
VitalChek is the only third-party vendor approved by the Connecticut Department of Public Health. You can order marriage certificates online through their website. Additional fees apply for this service. Visit vitalchek.com to start your order. You can also call VitalChek at 1-800-255-2414.
To search marriage records in person, visit the town clerk where the marriage took place. Both parties must appear in person to get a marriage license. For certified copies of certificates, any person 18 or older may make a request. You will need to show photo identification.
Mail requests work well if you are not in a hurry. Send your request to the town clerk or the State Vital Records Office. Include the names of both parties, the date of marriage, and the town where it took place. Include payment and a copy of your photo ID.
Types of Marriage Records in Connecticut
Connecticut marriage records include several types of documents. The marriage license is the document obtained before the wedding. It authorizes the ceremony to take place. Both parties must apply in person at the town clerk office where the wedding will occur. The license is valid for 65 days from the date of issue.
The marriage certificate is the document filed after the wedding. It certifies that the marriage took place. The officiant must return the completed license to the town clerk. This must be done before or during the first week of the month following the marriage. Once filed, it becomes a certificate.
Marriage records in Connecticut typically contain the following:
- Full legal names of both spouses
- Date and place of the marriage
- Date the license was issued
- Names of parents for both parties
- Officiant who performed the ceremony
- Witnesses to the marriage
Civil union records are also available for ceremonies between October 1, 2005 and September 30, 2010. These unions converted to marriages on October 1, 2010. Parties may request a conversion of civil union certificates to marriage certificates.
Getting Married in Connecticut
Connecticut law sets the rules for getting married. These laws affect who can marry and what records are created. The state legislature has set specific rules for eligibility, licenses, and prohibited marriages. You must follow these rules to get married in Connecticut.
Under C.G.S. § 46b-20a, a person is eligible to marry if they are at least 18 years old. They must not be married to someone else. They must not be under the supervision of a conservator. They must not be prohibited by the consanguinity rules in C.G.S. § 46b-21.
No person may marry their parent, grandparent, child, or grandchild. They may not marry a sibling, parent's sibling, or sibling's child. They may not marry a stepparent or stepchild. These restrictions are set by Connecticut law.
Under C.G.S. § 46b-22, several people may perform marriages in Connecticut. Judges and retired judges may officiate. Family support magistrates and justices of the peace may perform ceremonies. Ordained clergy members may also officiate. This includes people ordained through online ministries.
No blood test is required to get married in Connecticut. This requirement was repealed on October 1, 2003. Both parties must appear in person to apply for the license. The fee is $50 per marriage license.
Marriage Certificate Fees in Connecticut
Fees vary based on what you need and where you get it in Connecticut. The State Vital Records Office charges $20 per certified copy of a marriage certificate. This applies to certificates ordered from the state office. Payment must be by postal money order made payable to "Treasurer, State of Connecticut."
Town clerks also charge $20 per certified copy. Most towns accept cash, check, or money order. Some towns accept credit or debit cards with a service fee. Check with your local town clerk for their payment options.
Marriage licenses cost $50. This fee is paid to the town clerk when you apply. The license is valid for 65 days. If you do not marry within that time, you must apply and pay again.
How to Get Copies of Connecticut Marriage Records
You can get copies of marriage records in Connecticut in several ways. For certified copies from the State Vital Records Office, you have three choices. First, order online through VitalChek for the fastest service. Second, mail your request to the State Vital Records Office at 410 Capitol Avenue, MS #11VRS, Hartford, CT 06106. Third, visit the state office in person during walk-in hours.
For faster service, contact the town clerk where the marriage took place. Most town clerks can provide same-day service for in-person requests. You will need to know the names of both parties and the date of marriage. Bring photo identification and payment.
Wait times vary by method and location in Connecticut. In-person requests at town clerk offices are often same-day. Mail requests to the state take up to twelve weeks. Online orders through VitalChek take 3 to 5 business days plus shipping.
Note: Certified copies include a raised seal and are valid for legal purposes. Uncertified copies may not be accepted for official use.
Are Marriage Records Public in Connecticut
Yes, marriage records are public in Connecticut. Under C.G.S. § 7-51a, any person 18 or older may purchase a certified copy of a marriage certificate. You do not need to be related to the parties. You do not need to give a reason for your request. The records are open to the public in Connecticut.
One limit applies to what you can get from marriage records. Social security numbers are not included on copies issued to the public. Copies with social security numbers will only be issued to the parties named on the certificate. They must provide proof of identity.
Genealogy Research in Connecticut Marriage Records
Connecticut marriage records are valuable for family history research. The State Vital Records Office has records from July 1, 1897 to present. Records before 1897 are kept at the Connecticut State Library. The library is located at 231 Capitol Avenue in Hartford.
Members of genealogical societies can access vital records for research purposes. This includes certificates, ledgers, record books, and indexes. It does not include social security numbers or confidential information. Contact the Connecticut Department of Public Health for more information.
Browse Connecticut Marriage Records by County
Connecticut has eight counties. Each county contains multiple towns that keep marriage records. Pick a county below to find local contact info and resources for marriage records in that area.
Marriage Records in Major Connecticut Cities
Residents of major cities can get marriage licenses and certificates at their town clerk offices. Pick a city below to learn about marriage records in that area.