Bridgeport Marriage Certificates and Vital Records
Bridgeport is the largest city in Connecticut. The Vital Statistics Office maintains all marriage records for ceremonies that take place within city limits. Couples planning to wed must apply for a license through this office. Records are also available for those who need certified copies of past marriages. The office serves residents and non-residents alike who wish to marry in Bridgeport.
Bridgeport Marriage Records Quick Facts
Bridgeport Vital Statistics Office Location
The Bridgeport Vital Statistics Office is located at 999 Broad Street in Bridgeport. This office handles all marriage license applications and certificate requests for the city. You can reach them by phone at (203) 576-8208 during business hours. The office is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Marriage license applications must be submitted online before scheduling an appointment. Both parties must appear in person to complete the process. The office stops accepting license applications after 4:00 p.m. each day. Plan your visit accordingly to ensure you have enough time to complete all requirements.
Bridgeport Vital Statistics serves as the local registrar for all vital records in the city. This includes births, deaths, and marriages. The office maintains records for ceremonies that took place within Bridgeport city limits. They do not have records for marriages that occurred in other towns or cities.
Getting a Marriage License in Bridgeport
Couples who want to marry in Bridgeport must obtain a license from the Vital Statistics Office. The process starts with an online application. Both parties must fill out the required information on the city website. After submitting the application, you must call the office to schedule an in-person appointment.
At your appointment, both parties must appear together. You will need to bring valid photo identification. Accepted forms include a driver's license, passport, or state-issued ID card. The license fee is $50. This can be paid by cash, money order, or credit card at the office.
The marriage license is valid for 65 days from the date of issue. You must have your ceremony within this timeframe. If the license expires before you marry, you will need to apply again and pay another fee. There is no waiting period in Connecticut. You can marry the same day you receive your license.
After the ceremony, the officiant must return the completed license to the Vital Statistics Office. This should be done before the end of the month following your marriage. Once filed, the marriage certificate becomes part of the permanent public record.
Bridgeport Marriage Certificate Copies
Certified copies of marriage certificates cost $20 each in Bridgeport. You can request copies in person at the Vital Statistics Office. The office is located at 999 Broad Street. Bring photo identification and payment when you visit. Same-day service is often available for in-person requests.
Mail requests are also accepted. Send your written request to Bridgeport Vital Statistics at 999 Broad Street, Bridgeport, CT 06604. Include the full names of both parties, the date of marriage, and your contact information. Enclose a check or money order for $20 per copy.
Note: Certified copies include a raised seal and are valid for legal purposes such as name changes and passport applications.
New Processing Times for Bridgeport Marriage Records
Bridgeport recently updated its processing procedures for certified marriage certificates. As of November 4, 2024, there is a 48-hour waiting period for certified copies. This change affects all requests for certificates from recent marriages. The waiting period allows time for the record to be properly filed and verified.
This waiting period applies to certificates only, not to marriage licenses. You can still apply for and receive a marriage license on the same day. The 48-hour wait affects only the certified copies of certificates after the ceremony has taken place.
For older records, same-day service may still be available. Contact the Vital Statistics Office at (203) 576-8208 to confirm availability before visiting. The staff can advise you on current wait times for your specific request.
Contact Bridgeport Vital Statistics
You can reach the Bridgeport Vital Statistics Office by phone at (203) 576-8208. Office hours are Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The office is closed on weekends and state holidays. You can also visit the Bridgeport Vital Records website for more information.
The office address is 999 Broad Street, Bridgeport, CT 06604. This location is in downtown Bridgeport near the Main Street corridor. Parking is available on nearby streets and in public lots. The office is accessible by public transportation through the Greater Bridgeport Transit system.
For general questions about Connecticut marriage laws, you can also contact the Connecticut Department of Public Health. The state office has records from all towns dating back to 1897.
Marriage Records in Nearby Fairfield County Cities
If you are searching for marriage records from other towns in Fairfield County, you may need to contact those offices directly. Each town maintains its own vital records. Here are some nearby cities with marriage record services: