Windham County Marriage Certificates and Licenses
Windham County is in the northeastern corner of Connecticut. It borders both Massachusetts and Rhode Island. The county has a rural character. It includes fifteen towns. No cities in the county exceed 25,000 residents. Windham is the largest town with 24,105 people. The county seat is Willimantic. This is part of the town of Windham. Marriage records are kept at the town level. Each town clerk maintains their own files.
Windham County Marriage Records Quick Facts
Windham County Towns and Marriage Records
Windham County has several towns with town clerk offices. Windham is the largest. It includes the county seat of Willimantic. The town clerk office is in the town hall. They issue marriage licenses. They keep all vital records. They provide certified copies.
Killingly has 18,093 residents. It is the second largest town in the county. The Killingly Town Clerk handles all marriage records. They follow the same state laws as other towns. They charge $50 for a license. They charge $20 for certified copies.
Plainfield has 15,315 residents. Putnam has 9,407 residents. These towns also maintain marriage records. Each has a town clerk office. Each provides the same services. All are located in the Quiet Corner of Connecticut.
Other towns include Ashford, Brooklyn, Canterbury, and Chaplin. Eastford, Hampton, Pomfret, and Scotland also keep records. Sterling, Thompson, and Woodstock complete the list. Each town is small. Each has a town hall. Each has a town clerk.
How to Find Windham County Marriage Records
Finding marriage records in Windham County requires contacting the right town clerk. Connecticut keeps vital records at the town level. This is true for all towns. You must know where the marriage took place. The record stays with that town forever.
You can visit the town clerk in person. Bring photo identification. Know the names of both parties. Know the date of marriage. Most offices provide same-day service. This is the fastest way to get a certified copy.
You can also write to the town clerk. Include all relevant details. Include a check or money order. Include a copy of your ID. Mail requests take longer. Times vary by town.
The State Vital Records Office has copies too. They keep records from July 1, 1897 to present. This includes all Windham County marriages. Their office is in Hartford. Mail requests take up to twelve weeks.
Note: Town clerks respond faster than the state office. Contact the local office first.
Marriage Laws for Windham County
Windham County follows Connecticut marriage laws. These are found in Chapter 815e of the General Statutes. The laws cover who can marry. They cover how to get a license. They cover what makes a marriage legal.
Under C.G.S. § 46b-20, you must be 18 or older. You must be single. You must be able to consent. You must not be too closely related to your partner. C.G.S. § 46b-21 lists these relationships.
Both parties must apply together. This is required. You must go to the town clerk. You must bring ID. You must pay $50. The license lasts 65 days. C.G.S. § 46b-24 sets this time limit.
State Resources for Windham County Records
The Connecticut Department of Public Health oversees all vital records. They work with town clerks. They set the rules. They train the staff. They ensure quality.
The State Vital Records Office is at 410 Capitol Avenue in Hartford. The phone is (860) 509-7700. Hours are 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. They have limited walk-in hours.
You can order online through VitalChek. Go to vitalchek.com. This is the only approved vendor. Extra fees apply. Processing takes several days. Shipping adds more time.
Marriage License Information for Windham County Couples
Getting a marriage license in Windham County is simple. Follow these steps. Both parties visit the town clerk. They show valid photo ID. They provide their parents' names. They provide their parents' birth states. They pay the $50 fee.
No blood test is needed. This changed in 2003. No waiting period exists. You can marry the same day. The license works anywhere in Connecticut. You must marry within 65 days.
After the ceremony, the officiant files the license. This must happen on time. The town clerk then issues the certificate. You can get certified copies. These cost $20 each.
Under C.G.S. § 46b-22, many people can perform your wedding. Judges may officiate. Justices of the peace may too. Ordained ministers can perform ceremonies. Online ordination is valid.
Public Access to Windham County Marriage Documents
Marriage records are public in Windham County. C.G.S. § 7-51a guarantees this right. Anyone 18 or older can request copies. No relationship is required. No reason is needed.
The fee is $20 per certified copy. This is set by state law. All towns charge the same. The state office charges the same. Fees rarely change.
Some information is private. Social security numbers are hidden. They appear only on copies for the parties named. Proof of identity is required for these copies.
Genealogists use these records. Family historians use them too. They help trace family lines. They verify relationships. They confirm dates and places. Records before 1897 are at the Connecticut State Library.
Browse Other Connecticut Counties
Connecticut has eight counties with vital records. Each has town clerks who keep marriage documents. Pick a county below to learn more.