Find New Haven County Marriage Certificates
New Haven County lies in the south-central part of Connecticut. It borders Long Island Sound. The county contains 27 towns and cities. Each maintains its own vital records. Marriage certificates are kept by town clerks. They serve as Registrars of Vital Statistics. This guide shows you how to search and obtain marriage records throughout New Haven County.
New Haven County Marriage Records Quick Facts
New Haven City Marriage Records Access
New Haven is the county seat. It is also the second-largest city in Connecticut. Over 137,000 people call it home. Yale University is here. The city has a rich history. The New Haven Bureau of Vital Statistics handles all marriage records.
The office is at 165 Church Street, Suite 154, New Haven, CT 06510. Their phone number is (203) 946-7931. You can find more information at nhvhealth.org. They issue marriage licenses. They file completed certificates. They provide certified copies.
Both parties must apply in person. Bring valid photo ID. Know your social security numbers. The license costs $50. It is good for 65 days. The ceremony must happen within this time.
Certified copies cost $20 each. You can order them in person. You can also order by mail. Include all required information. Include a copy of your ID. Include payment.
Waterbury Marriage License and Records
Waterbury is the second-largest city in New Haven County. It has over 115,000 residents. The city is known as the Brass City. It has a rich industrial history. The Waterbury Office of Vital Statistics maintains marriage records.
The office is at 235 Grand Street, Waterbury, CT 06702. Their phone is (203) 574-6800. Visit waterburyct.org for details. The Town Clerk handles licenses. They file certificates. They issue certified copies.
Walk-in service is available. Come during business hours. Bring your ID. Bring payment. Same-day service is often possible. This is faster than mail.
Waterbury follows all state laws. C.G.S. ยง 46b-20 sets eligibility rules. Both parties must be at least 18. Neither can be married to someone else. Both must appear in person.
Other New Haven County Town Clerk Offices
Hamden is a large suburban town. It has over 61,000 residents. The Hamden Town Clerk keeps marriage records. Contact them for licenses. Contact them for certificates.
Meriden is another major city. It has about 60,000 people. The Meriden Town Clerk handles vital records. They follow state guidelines. They issue certified copies.
West Haven borders Long Island Sound. It has over 55,000 residents. The West Haven Town Clerk maintains records. Visit their office in person. Or send a mail request.
Other towns include Wallingford, Naugatuck, Branford, and East Haven. Each has its own clerk. Each keeps separate records. You must know where the marriage happened. That is where you request the record.
Milford and Wallingford appear in both Fairfield and New Haven counties. They are on the county border. Make sure you contact the correct office. The town clerk for that municipality handles all records.
Online Ordering for New Haven County Records
You can order marriage certificates online. VitalChek is the only approved vendor. They work with the Connecticut Department of Public Health. They process orders for all counties. This includes New Haven County.
Online orders take 3 to 5 business days. This is processing time. Shipping adds extra days. You can choose expedited shipping. This costs more. It is faster than standard mail.
Some New Haven County towns offer direct online ordering. Check your town's website. Look for vital records sections. See if online ordering is available. This may be faster than going through the state.
Note: Online ordering includes additional service fees. These go to the vendor. They are separate from the certificate fee.
State Copies of New Haven County Marriage Records
The State Vital Records Office has copies. They keep records from 1897 to now. This covers all New Haven County towns. Their office is in Hartford. The address is 410 Capitol Avenue, MS #11VRS, Hartford, CT 06134.
Phone orders are not accepted for mail requests. You must write a letter. Include specific details. List both parties' full names. Give the date of marriage. Name the town where it happened. Include your contact information.
Payment must be a postal money order. Make it payable to "Treasurer, State of Connecticut." Personal checks are not accepted. Include a copy of your photo ID. Processing takes up to twelve weeks.
Walk-in hours are limited. Check before you go. The phone number is (860) 509-7700. Visit portal.ct.gov/dph/vital-records for current hours.
Genealogy Research in New Haven County Marriage Records
New Haven County has old records. Some date to the 1600s. New Haven was founded in 1638. Early marriage records exist. They are valuable for family history.
The Connecticut State Library holds pre-1897 records. Visit them in Hartford. They have microfilm. They have bound volumes. They have indexes. Research is free.
Genealogical societies can help. The Connecticut Society of Genealogists is active. They offer research assistance. They publish resources. Join for full access.
Researchers should also check town archives. Some New Haven County towns have historical societies. These groups preserve old records. They may have materials not at the state library. Contact them directly.
Other Connecticut Counties
Browse marriage records from other Connecticut counties.
Major Cities in New Haven County
Find marriage records for specific cities in New Haven County.