Litchfield County Marriage Records Search
Litchfield County is in the northwest corner of Connecticut. It borders New York and Massachusetts. The county is largely rural. It contains 26 towns. Each town clerk keeps marriage records. They serve as local Registrars of Vital Statistics. This guide explains how to find and obtain marriage certificates and licenses in Litchfield County.
Litchfield County Marriage Records Quick Facts
Marriage Records Access in Litchfield County
Litchfield County is different from more urban counties. The towns are smaller. The populations are lower. But the record-keeping is the same. Each town clerk maintains vital records. They follow Connecticut state law.
The county seat is the town of Litchfield. It is a historic town. It dates back to colonial times. The Litchfield Town Clerk handles local records. Other towns do the same.
Torrington is the largest city in the county. It has about 35,000 residents. The Torrington Town Clerk is at 140 Main Street, Torrington, CT 06790. Their phone is (860) 489-2228. They issue marriage licenses. They file certificates. They provide certified copies.
New Milford is the second-largest town. It has about 28,000 residents. The New Milford Town Clerk is at 10 Main Street, New Milford, CT 06776. Their phone is (860) 355-6060. Visit their office for marriage records.
Torrington Marriage License Information
Torrington serves as a hub for Litchfield County. It is the most populous municipality. Many couples apply for licenses here. The process follows state guidelines.
Both parties must appear in person. This is required by C.G.S. § 46b-24. No exceptions are made. Bring valid photo identification. Know your social security numbers. The clerk will ask for these.
The license fee is $50. The certificate fee is $20. These match state rates. The license is valid for 65 days. Plan your wedding within this window. Otherwise, reapply.
Office hours vary. Call ahead. Confirm they are open. Ask what payment methods they accept. Most take cash and checks. Some take cards. There may be a service fee for cards.
Marriage Records in Smaller Litchfield County Towns
Many Litchfield County towns are small. Some have just a few thousand residents. But they all have town clerks. They all keep marriage records. Examples include Washington, Warren, Roxbury, and Bridgewater.
These towns may have limited hours. The town clerk might work part-time. Call before you visit. Make an appointment if needed. This saves time. It ensures someone is there.
Some towns share services. They may have regional arrangements. But records stay with each town. You cannot get one town's records from another. You must contact the correct office.
The rural nature affects research. Older records may be in original form. They may not be digitized. They may be in storage. Access might take longer. Be patient.
State Vital Records for Litchfield County
The Connecticut Department of Public Health keeps copies. They have Litchfield County records from 1897 forward. This is a backup source. Use it when you cannot reach the town clerk.
The State Vital Records Office is at 410 Capitol Avenue, Hartford, CT 06134. Phone (860) 509-7700. Visit portal.ct.gov/dph/vital-records for information.
Hours are limited. Monday 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Friday 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Closed Tuesday and Thursday. Plan accordingly.
Mail requests take up to twelve weeks. This is slower than towns. But it works when local offices are closed. Or when you need a state-certified copy.
Note: Only postal money orders are accepted for mail requests. Make them payable to "Treasurer, State of Connecticut."
Getting Married in Litchfield County
Litchfield County offers beautiful wedding locations. Rolling hills. Historic barns. Quaint town greens. Many couples choose to marry here. The process is straightforward.
First, pick your town. The ceremony location determines which clerk to use. Get the license there. Then find an officiant. C.G.S. § 46b-22 lists who can officiate. Judges. Justices of the peace. Ordained clergy. All are valid.
After the ceremony, the officiant files the license. This must happen promptly. It goes to the town clerk. The clerk records it. It becomes a certificate. You can then order copies.
The 65-day validity period applies everywhere. This includes Litchfield County. Do not apply too early. Time it right. The license should be fresh for your wedding date.
Public Access Laws for Litchfield County Records
Connecticut makes marriage records public. C.G.S. § 7-51a ensures this. Anyone 18 or older can request copies. No relation needed. No reason required.
This applies to all Litchfield County towns. The law is uniform across Connecticut. Town clerks must comply. They cannot deny valid requests.
One limit exists. Social security numbers are protected. They do not appear on public copies. Only the married couple can get copies with SSNs. They must prove identity.
Under Chapter 815e, marriage laws are consistent statewide. Eligibility rules are the same. Licensing procedures are the same. Fees are the same. Litchfield County follows these standards.
Historical Marriage Records in Litchfield County
Litchfield County has deep roots. It was established in 1751. Early settlers kept records. Some marriages date to the 1700s. These are valuable for historians.
The Connecticut State Library holds old records. Pre-1897 records are there. Visit them in Hartford. Use their resources. Access is free.
Local historical societies can help. The Litchfield Historical Society is active. They preserve documents. They offer research help. Contact them for assistance.
Other Connecticut Counties
Explore marriage records from other Connecticut counties.