Waterbury Marriage License and Certificate Access
Waterbury marriage records are kept at the Office of Vital Statistics. This office is on Grand Street in downtown Waterbury. They handle all marriage licenses for couples getting married in the city. They also provide certified copies of marriage certificates. You can apply online, by mail, or in person at the office.
Waterbury Marriage Records Quick Facts
Waterbury Office of Vital Statistics Location
The Waterbury Office of Vital Statistics is at 235 Grand Street. This is in the heart of Waterbury's downtown area. The office is easy to reach by car or public transit. Parking is available nearby. The building is fully accessible.
You can call the office at (203) 574-6800. Staff members answer calls during business hours. They can answer questions about marriage licenses and certificates. They can also tell you what documents to bring.
Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The office is closed on weekends. It is also closed on all city and state holidays. Plan your visit during weekday hours.
Three Ways to Apply for Waterbury Marriage Licenses
Waterbury offers three methods to apply for a marriage license. This gives couples flexibility in how they begin the process. Each method has its own steps. Choose the one that works best for your situation.
The first option is to apply online. Visit the city website at waterburyct.org to start your application. This lets you fill out forms from home. You will still need to visit the office to complete the process.
The second option is to print and email your application. Download the forms from the city website. Fill them out completely. Email them to the Office of Vital Statistics. They will review your application and contact you.
The third option is traditional mail or in-person pickup. Send your completed application by mail. Or visit the office to pick up blank forms. This method works well for those who prefer paper documents.
Note: All three methods require both parties to appear in person before the license is issued.
Waterbury Marriage Certificate Copies
The Office of Vital Statistics sells certified copies of Waterbury marriage certificates. Each copy costs $20. This is the standard fee set by Connecticut law. Payment can be made by cash, check, or money order. Ask about credit card options when you call.
Any person 18 or older may purchase a certified copy. Under state law, you do not need to be related to the couple. You do not need to explain why you want the record. Waterbury marriage records are public documents.
To request a copy, provide the full names of both parties. Include the date of the marriage. The year is required. The exact date helps speed up the search. Bring a photo ID when you visit in person.
State Records for Waterbury Marriages
The Connecticut Department of Public Health keeps copies of all Waterbury marriage certificates. Their records go back to July 1, 1897. The State Vital Records Office is at 410 Capitol Avenue in Hartford. You can order copies by mail or online.
VitalChek is the approved online vendor for Connecticut vital records. Visit vitalchek.com to order Waterbury marriage certificates. There is an additional fee for this service. Processing takes 3 to 5 business days plus shipping time.
Mail orders to the state can take up to 12 weeks. This is much slower than town office service. For faster results, contact the Waterbury Office of Vital Statistics directly. They often provide same-day service for walk-in requests.
Requirements for Marrying in Waterbury
Both parties must appear in person to get a marriage license in Waterbury. This is required by Connecticut law. Neither party can send a proxy. Both must show valid photo identification. Acceptable IDs include driver's licenses and passports.
The license fee is $50. It is valid for 65 days from the date of issue. Plan your wedding within this window. If your license expires, you must apply again. You must pay the fee again as well.
Anyone 18 or older may marry in Waterbury. Under C.G.S. ยง 46b-20a, both parties must be single. They must not be under conservatorship. They must not violate consanguinity rules.
No blood test is required in Connecticut. This rule changed in 2003. The process is simple and straightforward. Most couples complete their application in under an hour.
Genealogy Research in Waterbury Marriage Records
Waterbury marriage records are valuable for family history research. The city has records dating back many decades. Older records may be stored at the Connecticut State Library. Contact them for records before 1897.
Genealogical societies can access vital records for research. This includes marriage certificates and indexes. It does not include social security numbers. That information is kept confidential.
Related Waterbury Marriage Record Locations
If you cannot find the record you need in Waterbury, check these nearby towns. Each town clerk keeps records for marriages that took place in their jurisdiction.