Access Hartford Marriage Records and Vital Documents
Hartford, the capital city of Connecticut, maintains comprehensive marriage records through its Vital Records Division. The office handles licenses for couples planning to wed and provides certified copies of marriage certificates for ceremonies that have already taken place. Whether you are researching family history or need proof of marriage for legal purposes, the city offers multiple ways to obtain these important documents. Records are available from the City of Hartford for all marriages performed within city limits.
Hartford Marriage Records Quick Facts
Hartford Vital Records Office Location
The City of Hartford Vital Records Division operates from Hartford City Hall downtown. You can find them at 550 Main Street, Room 103, Hartford, CT 06103. This office serves as the primary source for all marriage records in Hartford. They maintain files for every wedding that took place within city boundaries. The staff can help with both new license applications and requests for certified copies.
Office hours run Monday through Friday from 8:15 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. These hours apply to both marriage license applications and certificate requests. The office closes on weekends and state holidays. You should plan to arrive at least one hour before closing time. This ensures staff can complete your request before the end of the business day.
You can reach the Vital Records Division by phone at (860) 757-9690. Calling ahead can save time. Staff can confirm what documents you need to bring. They can also verify current fees and answer questions about the process.
Note: The 48-hour waiting period for certified marriage certificates took effect on January 9, 2024.
How to Request Hartford Marriage Certificates Online
Hartford began offering online ordering in June 2022. The city uses Permitium for digital certificate requests. This system lets you order from home. You can pay by credit card. The process takes about ten minutes to complete.
To use the online system, visit the Hartford Permitium portal. You will need to provide the names of both parties. Include the date of the wedding. You must also upload proof of identification. The system accepts driver's licenses and passports.
Online orders cost the same as in-person requests. The certificate fee is $20. An additional service charge applies for processing. This fee goes to Permitium, not the city. Most online orders process within a few business days.
Remember that certified copies cannot be issued until 48 hours after the ceremony. This rule applies to all requests. It does not matter if you order online or in person. Plan accordingly if you need the certificate quickly.
Getting a Marriage License in Hartford
Couples must apply for a marriage license before the wedding. Hartford requires both parties to appear in person. You cannot apply by mail or online. You must visit the Vital Records Division at City Hall together.
Bring valid photo identification. A driver's license or passport works best. You will also need your social security numbers. Proof of age is required. Both parties must be at least 18 years old.
The license fee in Hartford is $50. This fee is non-refundable. Bring cash, check, or money order. Credit cards may incur an extra processing fee. The license becomes valid as soon as it is issued.
- Both parties must appear in person at Room 103
- Valid photo ID required for each applicant
- Social security numbers needed for both parties
- License valid for 65 days from issue date
- Ceremony must take place within Connecticut
The license remains valid for 65 days. You must hold the ceremony within this window. If you do not marry in time, you must apply again. You will pay the fee again as well.
Hartford Marriage Certificate Copies and Fees
After the wedding, the officiant returns the completed license to the city. This must happen within a set timeframe. Once filed, the document becomes a marriage certificate. You can then request certified copies.
Certified copies cost $20 each in Hartford. This fee applies whether you order in person, by mail, or online. Payment methods vary by request type. In-person orders accept cash, check, or money order. Online orders use credit cards through Permitium.
The 48-hour waiting period affects when you can get copies. City staff cannot issue certificates before this time passes. This rule started in January 2024. It applies to all Hartford marriages. Plan your request timeline with this delay in mind.
Certified copies include a raised seal. This makes them valid for legal use. You will need certified copies for name changes. Banks and government agencies require them. Uncertified copies lack the seal and may not be accepted.
Hartford Records at the Connecticut State Level
The Connecticut Department of Public Health keeps copies of all Hartford marriages. This includes records from July 1, 1897 to present. You can order from the state if you prefer. You can also use state resources if the city office cannot locate a record.
The State Vital Records Office is located at 410 Capitol Avenue in Hartford. This is separate from the city office. They offer walk-in service. Mail orders are also accepted. Processing takes up to twelve weeks for mail requests.
VitalChek provides another online option. This service is approved by Connecticut DPH. You can order Hartford certificates through their website. Visit vitalchek.com to start. Phone orders are available at 1-800-255-2414.
State copies cost $20 each. Payment must be by postal money order. Make it payable to "Treasurer, State of Connecticut." Personal checks are not accepted at the state level.
Public Access to Hartford Marriage Records
Connecticut law makes marriage records public documents. Under C.G.S. ยง 7-51a, any adult can request a certified copy. You do not need to be related to the couple. You do not need to explain why you want the record.
One restriction applies to public copies. Social security numbers are redacted. The copies you receive will not show this information. Only the married couple can get copies with social security numbers. They must prove their identity to do so.
This public access helps genealogists and researchers. It also assists legal professionals. Journalists and historians use these records too. The open policy supports transparency in government records.
Marriage Records in Nearby Hartford County Towns
Hartford County has many other towns with vital records offices. If your ancestor married elsewhere in the county, check these locations. Each town clerk maintains records for marriages within their borders.