Groton Marriage Records and Certificate Access
Groton sits along the Thames River in New London County with a population of about 38,762 residents. The Town Clerk office manages all marriage records for ceremonies performed within Groton town limits. Couples can apply for marriage licenses at this office. Certified copies of marriage certificates are also available for those who need them. The office serves both residents and visitors planning to marry in Groton.
Groton Marriage Records Quick Facts
Groton Town Clerk Office Location
The Groton Town Clerk operates from 45 Fort Hill Road in Groton. This office serves as the local registrar for all vital records in the town. Marriage license applications are processed here during regular business hours. The office phone number is (860) 441-6640.
Office hours run Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The staff stops accepting license applications before the close of business. Arrive with adequate time to complete the application process. Both parties must be present for the entire procedure.
The Town Clerk maintains records for all marriages performed in Groton. This includes ceremonies at the submarine base and other local venues. The office does not hold records from other Connecticut towns. You must contact the correct town for out-of-jurisdiction records.
Getting a Marriage License in Groton
Couples who wish to marry in Groton must visit the Town Clerk office. Both parties must appear together in person. This applies to all applicants without exception. The clerk must verify identity and witness signatures from both individuals.
Bring valid photo identification when you visit. A driver's license or state-issued ID card works best. The license costs $50 at the time of application. Payment options include cash, check, or money order.
The license is valid for 65 days from the date of issue. Plan your ceremony within this timeframe. Expired licenses require a new application and fee. There is no waiting period before you can marry.
After your wedding, the officiant files the completed license. This filing creates the official marriage record. The certificate then becomes available for certified copies. Request copies from the same Town Clerk office.
Note: Both parties must appear together for the license application.
Groton Marriage Certificate Copies
Certified copies of Groton marriage certificates cost $20 each. The Town Clerk provides same-day service for most in-person requests. Visit the office at 45 Fort Hill Road during business hours. Bring photo identification and payment.
Mail requests go to Groton Town Clerk, 45 Fort Hill Road, Groton, CT 06340. Include full names of both spouses and the marriage date. Add your contact information and payment. Processing time varies for mail orders.
Certified copies carry a raised seal for legal use. These work for name changes and official purposes. Uncertified copies may not meet legal requirements. Specify which type you need when ordering.
Marriage Records for Military Personnel in Groton
Groton hosts a significant military population at the Naval Submarine Base. The Town Clerk accommodates service members seeking marriage licenses. Military ID cards are accepted for identification purposes. The office understands the unique needs of active-duty personnel.
Service members can obtain licenses quickly when deployment schedules demand. The 65-day validity period allows flexibility for ceremony planning. Base chaplains can perform ceremonies with proper licensing. The clerk office coordinates with military authorities as needed.
Out-of-state couples often choose Groton for weddings near the base. The town welcomes visitors for marriage ceremonies. Local venues accommodate various wedding styles and sizes. The Thames River provides scenic backdrops for ceremonies.
State-Level Groton Marriage Records
The Connecticut State Vital Records Office maintains Groton marriage copies. Their records date back to July 1, 1897. Contact them at (860) 509-7700 for state-level requests. The office is at 410 Capitol Avenue in Hartford.
VitalChek offers online ordering for Groton certificates. Visit vitalchek.com to start your order. Additional service fees apply to online transactions. This option works well for out-of-state requesters.
For questions about Connecticut marriage statutes, visit the Department of Public Health website. State law governs all marriage procedures in Groton. The statutes ensure consistent practices across all towns.
Marriage Records in Nearby New London County Towns
Other towns in New London County maintain their own marriage records. Contact these offices for ceremonies that took place in their jurisdictions: