New London County Marriage Certificate Search
New London County lies in the southeastern corner of Connecticut along the Long Island Sound. The region contains twenty-one towns and cities. Each maintains its own marriage records. The county has a rich maritime history. Today it serves as an important center for commerce and community life. Residents and researchers can access marriage certificates through local town clerks. The county seat is the city of New London.
New London County Marriage Records Quick Facts
Town Clerk Offices in New London County
Norwich is the largest city in New London County. It has a population of 39,993 residents. The Norwich Town and City Clerk office is at 100 Broadway, Room 215. Their phone number is (860) 823-3732. They issue marriage licenses. They file completed certificates. They provide certified copies to the public. The fee for a certified copy is $20.
Groton is the second largest city. It has 38,762 residents. The Groton Town Clerk office is at 45 Fort Hill Road. Their phone number is (860) 441-6640. Couples apply for marriage licenses here. The office maintains records of all Groton marriages. Staff can search records going back many decades.
New London is the county seat. It has 28,081 residents. The New London Town Clerk is at 181 State Street. Their phone number is (860) 437-6300. This office handles all vital records for the city. Marriage licenses cost $50. Certified copies cost $20 each. Both parties must appear to apply.
Marriage License Requirements in New London County
Getting married in New London County requires a valid license. Connecticut law sets the rules. C.G.S. § 46b-24 covers license requirements. Both parties must apply in person. You must apply at the town clerk where the ceremony will occur. You cannot apply in one town and marry in another.
The license fee is $50 statewide. This applies to all towns in New London County. The license is valid for 65 days. You must hold your ceremony within this window. If you wait too long, the license expires. You must apply again. You must pay the fee again.
No blood test is required. This rule changed in 2003. Both parties must bring photo identification. They must know their parents' full names. They must know their parents' birthplaces. Some towns ask for divorce decrees if either party was married before.
Finding New London County Marriage Certificates
Marriage certificates are available to the public. Under C.G.S. § 7-51a, anyone 18 or older may request a copy. You do not need to be a relative. You do not need a special reason. The records are open for research and verification.
To get a certified copy, contact the town clerk. Provide the names of both parties. Provide the date of marriage. Provide the town where it took place. Bring photo ID. Bring payment. Most offices provide same-day service for in-person requests.
The State Vital Records Office also has copies. They keep records from July 1, 1897 to present. Their office is in Hartford. Mail requests take up to twelve weeks. You can also use VitalChek online. Visit vitalchek.com to order. This is the only approved third-party vendor.
Note: Town clerks process requests faster than the state office. Contact the local clerk first when possible.
Types of New London County Marriage Documents
New London County marriage records include several document types. The marriage license comes first. Couples obtain this before the wedding. It gives legal permission to marry. The license shows both parties' names. It shows their ages. It shows their addresses. It shows their parents' names.
The marriage certificate comes after the ceremony. The officiant completes this document. It proves the marriage took place. It shows the date of the wedding. It shows the location. It shows who performed the ceremony. It includes witness signatures.
Each document serves a purpose. The license allows the marriage. The certificate proves it happened. Both are filed with the town clerk. Both become part of the permanent record. Genealogists use both types. Lawyers use them for legal matters.
Civil union records also exist. These cover October 1, 2005 through September 30, 2010. These unions converted to marriages in 2010. Parties may request conversion certificates.
Online Access to New London County Records
Online ordering is available for New London County records. VitalChek processes these requests. The Connecticut Department of Public Health authorizes this service. Additional fees apply. Standard processing takes 3 to 5 business days. Shipping adds more time.
Some towns may have their own online systems. Check with the specific town clerk. Norwich, Groton, and New London may offer digital services. Smaller towns may require in-person visits. Call before you go. Ask about their current services.
Who Can Marry in New London County
Connecticut law sets eligibility rules. These apply statewide. C.G.S. § 46b-20 through § 46b-30 cover marriage eligibility. You must be 18 or older. You must be single. You must be competent to consent. You must not violate consanguinity rules.
Under C.G.S. § 46b-21, certain relatives cannot marry. You cannot marry a parent or grandparent. You cannot marry a child or grandchild. You cannot marry a sibling. You cannot marry a parent's sibling. You cannot marry a sibling's child. You cannot marry a stepparent or stepchild.
Minors face extra restrictions. Those under 18 need probate court approval. This is rare. Most applicants are adults. The process is straightforward for eligible couples.
Browse Other Connecticut Counties
Connecticut has eight counties with vital records. Each has multiple towns that keep marriage documents. Pick a county below to learn more.