West Haven Marriage Documents Search
West Haven marriage records are stored at the Town Clerk office on Main Street. The office keeps all vital records for the city. This includes marriage licenses and certificates. You can visit during regular hours. The staff is ready to help with your search.
West Haven Marriage Records Quick Facts
West Haven Town Clerk Office Location
The West Haven Town Clerk is at 355 Main Street. This is the center of city government. The office handles all vital statistics. You can reach them at (203) 937-3534. They are open Monday through Friday.
Hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays. The office is closed on weekends. It is also closed on city holidays. Plan your visit during business hours. Call ahead if you have questions.
The staff can help you find marriage records. They can issue certified copies. They can answer questions about the process. They know the requirements for licenses too.
West Haven Marriage License Requirements
To marry in West Haven, you need a license from the Town Clerk. Both parties must apply in person. Each must show photo ID. The fee is $50. The license lasts 65 days.
The process starts with the application. You provide your names. You provide your addresses. You show your birth dates. You show your identification. The clerk reviews everything.
After you pay, you get your license. You can marry anywhere in Connecticut. You do not have to marry in West Haven. But you must get the license from a Connecticut town clerk.
The officiant signs the license after the wedding. They return it to the town where the ceremony took place. That office files it as a certificate.
West Haven Marriage Certificate Copies
Once filed, your West Haven marriage certificate is on record. You can get certified copies anytime. Each copy costs $20. You may need several copies. Get them for name changes. Get them for bank accounts. Get them for insurance.
Connecticut law allows anyone 18 or older to buy copies. You do not need to be related. You do not need a reason. Marriage records are public in this state.
Visit the Town Clerk to request copies. Bring your ID. Bring payment. The staff will help you. Most requests are filled quickly.
Note: Certified copies have a raised seal. This makes them valid for legal use.
Online Orders for West Haven Records
You can order West Haven marriage certificates online. Use VitalChek for this service. They are the state-approved vendor. Go to vitalchek.com. Follow the steps to place your order.
Online orders cost more than direct town requests. There is a processing fee. But the service is convenient. You can order from home. You can order any time of day.
Processing takes 3 to 5 business days. Then add shipping time. You can choose standard or expedited delivery. The choice affects the total cost.
State Office for West Haven Marriage Certificates
The State Vital Records Office also has West Haven records. They keep copies of all Connecticut marriages from 1897 to now. Their office is at 410 Capitol Avenue in Hartford. You can contact them for copies.
Mail orders take up to 12 weeks. This is slow. The state handles many requests. Town offices are faster. Use the state office only if you cannot reach the local clerk.
VitalChek connects to both state and town records. When you order online, the system routes your request. You get your certificate from the right source.
Researching West Haven Marriage History
Genealogists often search West Haven marriage records. These documents help build family trees. They show connections between people. They provide dates and locations. They name parents and witnesses.
The Town Clerk has records from many decades. Older records may be on microfilm. Very old records could be at the State Library. The library is in Hartford. Call them for help with pre-1897 records.
When researching, bring all the details you know. Names help. Dates help. Locations help. The more you tell the clerk, the better they can search.
Nearby Cities for Marriage Records
If West Haven does not have the record you need, check these nearby towns. Each maintains its own records.