Unlocking Forever: Your Guide to Obtaining a Marriage License in Connecticut

Planning a wedding can be both an exciting and overwhelming experience. From choosing the perfect dress to deciding on a venue, the to-do list can seem never-ending. But there’s one crucial step that often gets overlooked in the midst of all the planning – obtaining a marriage license. If you’re getting married in Connecticut, you may be wondering how to get a marriage license in CT. Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. In this article, we’ll guide you through the process of obtaining your marriage license so that you can focus on saying “I do” without any last-minute hurdles or surprises. So grab a hot cup of coffee and let’s get started!

What Is A Marriage License?

A marriage license is a legal document that gives couples the permission to officially get married. It serves as proof that the marriage has been authorized by the state and that both parties meet the necessary requirements to enter into marriage. Without a marriage license, any ceremony performed would not be recognized as a valid marriage by the government.

Why Do You Need A Marriage License In CT?

In Connecticut, as in most states, a marriage license is required in order to have a legally recognized marriage. The state’s laws regulate and govern marriages, and obtaining a license ensures that your union will be recognized by the government. This recognition is important for various reasons, such as receiving certain legal benefits like tax breaks and insurance coverage. It also entitles you to responsibilities and privileges within your partnership.

Where To Apply For A Marriage License In CT?

In order to obtain a marriage license in Connecticut, you must apply for one at the Town Clerk’s office of the town where either you or your partner resides. If neither of you are residents of Connecticut, then you must apply for the license at the Town Clerk’s office of the town where your wedding ceremony will take place.

Requirements For Obtaining A Marriage License In CT

Before applying for a marriage license in Connecticut, both partners must meet certain requirements set by the state. These include:

– Both parties must be at least 18 years old. Those who are 16 or 17 years old can also obtain a marriage license with written consent from their parents or legal guardians.
– Both parties cannot already be legally married.
– There cannot be any blood relation between both parties.
– Both parties must provide photo identification such as driver’s licenses or passports.
– The fee for obtaining a marriage license is $30 in cash or check.

Waiting Period Before Marriage

Once the marriage license is obtained, there is a mandatory waiting period before the ceremony can take place. In Connecticut, this waiting period is twenty-four hours. However, it can be waived by a judge if necessary.

Validity Of A Marriage License In CT

A marriage license obtained in Connecticut is valid for sixty-five days after the date of issue. If the marriage does not take place within this time frame, you will have to reapply for a new license.

Covenant Marriages In CT

Unlike some other states, Connecticut does not recognize or offer covenant marriages. Covenant marriages are a type of marriage that requires couples to meet additional requirements and make a stronger commitment to their partnership.

Officiants For Your Wedding Ceremony In CT

In order for your marriage to be legally recognized in Connecticut, it must be performed by an individual who has been authorized to do so by the state. This includes judges, justices of peace, ordained ministers or clergy members and certain religious leaders.

The Wedding Ceremony

After obtaining a marriage license and meeting all necessary requirements, you may proceed with your wedding ceremony. The ceremony can take place anywhere in the state as long as it is within the sixty-five day period of validity of your license and is officiated by an authorized individual. Public ceremonies require two witnesses over the age of 18.

Registering Your Marriage Certificate With The State Of CT

After your wedding ceremony takes place, your officiant will fill out and sign your marriage certificate. This document must then be returned to the Town Clerk’s office within five days in order for your marriage to be officially recorded by the state.

Obtaining a marriage license in Connecticut may seem like a daunting task at first, but knowing the necessary steps and requirements can make the process go smoothly. With a valid marriage license, you can have the peace of mind that your union will be officially recognized by the state. Congrats on taking the first step towards your happily ever after!

Requirements for Obtaining a Marriage License in Connecticut

Before you can get married in the state of Connecticut, you must obtain a marriage license. This legal document serves as proof that you and your partner are legally eligible to be married. To ensure that your marriage license is issued in a timely manner, it’s important to understand the requirements and procedures that must be followed. In this section, we’ll outline the key requirements for obtaining a marriage license in Connecticut and provide information on how to navigate the process.

Age Requirements

In order to obtain a marriage license in Connecticut, both parties must be at least 18 years old. If either individual is under the age of 18, they must have parental consent and may need judicial approval as well. Minors who are under 16 years old are not allowed to get married in the state of Connecticut.

Identification Documents

To apply for a marriage license, both parties will need to present valid forms of identification. This may include a driver’s license, state-issued ID card, military ID, or passport. It’s important to note that an expired identification document will not be accepted.

If either party has been previously married and divorced, they must present legal documentation of their divorce at the time of application.

Residency Requirements

Unlike many other states, there are no specific residency requirements for obtaining a marriage license in Connecticut. Neither party has to be a resident of the state in order to apply for or be granted a marriage license.

Application Process

To apply for a marriage license in Connecticut, both parties must appear together in person at any town or city clerk’s office within the state. The application can only be completed by one or both parties getting married – third parties are not allowed to complete it on behalf of the applicants.

Upon arrival, the following information will need to be provided to the clerk’s office:

– Full names of both parties
– Date of birth for both parties
– Place of birth for both parties
– Social Security number for both parties
– Parents’ full names (including mother’s maiden name)
– If either party has been married before, they will need to provide the date and location of their previous marriage(s) as well as any relevant divorce or death certificates

Waiting Period and Expiration

After the application is submitted, there is a mandatory 24-hour waiting period before the marriage license can be issued. This waiting period begins at the time of application and does not include weekends or holidays.

The marriage license will expire in 65 days if it is not used. If it expires, a new application must be submitted.

Where to Obtain a Marriage License in Connecticut

As mentioned earlier, applicants must submit their application in person at a town or city clerk’s office within the state. However, if either party is currently incarcerated or has a physical disability that prevents them from appearing in person, they may complete a special form and have their signature notarized by an official representative from a correctional institution or nursing home.

For out-of-state residents wanting to get married in Connecticut, they may obtain their marriage license from any town or city clerk’s office in the state as long as their wedding ceremony will take place within the state borders.

The Ceremony: What You Need to Know

Once your marriage license has been issued and you have waited out the mandatory waiting period, you are ready to hold your wedding ceremony. In this section, we’ll cover some essential information about how to conduct a legal wedding ceremony in the state of Connecticut.

Ceremony Requirements

In order for your wedding ceremony to be legally recognized in the state of Connecticut, it must be performed by an authorized individual. This may include a justice of the peace, clergy member, or judge. The person performing the ceremony will need to complete the marriage license and return it to the town or city clerk’s office within 10 days.

It’s important to note that self-uniting marriages (where couples perform the ceremony themselves) are not legally recognized in Connecticut.

Possibility of Same-Day Marriage

If you are getting married on short notice and do not have time to obtain a marriage license before the wedding, there is a possibility for same-day marriage in Connecticut. This requires special permission from a superior court based on extenuating circumstances. The application for same-day marriage must be submitted by 2pm – otherwise, it will be processed as a regular application and the mandatory waiting period will apply.

Changing Your Name After Marriage

In Connecticut, both parties must use their legal names when applying for a marriage license. If you wish to change your last name after marriage, you may do so by filling out your new name in the designated section on the marriage license application.

Obtaining a marriage license in Connecticut is a relatively simple

Q: What is the first step to getting a marriage license in CT?

A: The first step is to submit a marriage license application at the town or city clerk’s office where you plan on getting married.

Q: Is there a waiting period between submitting the application and receiving the marriage license?

A: Yes, there is a mandatory three-day waiting period after submitting the application before the marriage license can be issued.

Q: Are there any requirements for obtaining a marriage license in CT?

A: Yes, both parties must be 18 years or older, not currently married, and not closely related by blood or adoption. They must also present valid photo identification and their social security numbers.

Q: Can out-of-state couples get married in CT?

A: Yes, as long as they meet all the requirements and apply for a marriage license in CT.

Q: How much does it cost to get a marriage license in CT?

A: The application fee for a marriage license in CT is $30. Additional fees may apply depending on the town or city clerk’s office.

Q: How long is a CT marriage license valid for?

A: A CT marriage license is valid for 65 days from the date it is issued. If the wedding does not take place within this time period, the couple will need to reapply for a new license.

In conclusion, obtaining a marriage license in Connecticut is a straightforward process that requires understanding the necessary requirements and following the correct steps. It is important for couples to plan ahead and gather all necessary documents, including proof of identity and age, before applying for a license. Additionally, they should be aware of the waiting period and expiration date in order to ensure a smooth and timely ceremony.

Furthermore, performing due diligence and researching specific requirements based on individual circumstances can help avoid any unwanted delays or complications. Whether it be residency or parental consent for minors, being well-informed will save time and frustration. It is also crucial to note that getting a marriage license is only the first step in legalizing a marriage – a marriage ceremony must be conducted within 65 days of obtaining the license.

Finally, while it may seem like a bureaucratic process, obtaining a marriage license is an important legal step in declaring one’s commitment to their partner. It is essential to have all legal aspects in place before embarking on this significant journey with your significant other. We hope this guide has provided valuable insights into how to obtain a marriage license in Connecticut, ultimately helping you achieve your dream wedding day. Always remember to read through official government websites for updated information as these processes may change over time.

Marriage is an

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Kelsey Garrison

Kelsey Garrison, our esteemed author and a passionate writer in the world of weddings and bridal fashion, has been an integral part of our website since its inception.

With a rich history in creating engaging content, Kelsey has consistently brought fresh insights and valuable information to our readers.

Starting in 2024, Kelsey made a significant transition to focus specifically on the "Wedding/Bridal Fashion, Wedding Tips" niche. This shift was driven by her desire to delve deeper into the intricacies of wedding planning and bridal fashion—a field that blends timeless elegance with contemporary trends.

Her articles are meticulously researched and designed to provide thorough answers and innovative ideas for all things wedding-related.