Middlesex County
Marriage License Requirements
Are you and your partner ready to take the leap into matrimony in Connecticut? Understanding the process of obtaining a marriage license is crucial to ensure your special day goes off without a hitch. From fees to requirements, we’ve got you covered with all the essential information you need to know.
Introduction
Getting married is a significant step in anyone’s life, and understanding the legal aspects of obtaining a marriage license is essential. Connecticut offers a streamlined process for couples looking to tie the knot. Let’s dive into the details.
Marriage License Fee: $50.00
To initiate the process of obtaining a marriage license in Connecticut, there is a fee of $50.00. This fee covers the administrative costs associated with processing the license.
Minimum Age and Consent
For individuals under the age of 18, written consent is required from a parent, guardian, or probate court judge. Those under 16 years of age must obtain written consent from a probate court judge. This ensures that individuals of a younger age have proper authorization to enter into marriage.
Waiting Period and License Validity
Connecticut does not impose a waiting period between applying for and receiving your marriage license. Once obtained, the marriage license is valid for 65 days from the date of application, giving couples ample time to plan their special day.
Blood Test and Residency
Unlike some states, Connecticut does not require a blood test or physical exam for marriage license applicants. Additionally, there is no residency requirement, meaning you do not have to be a resident of Connecticut to apply for a license in the state.
Witnesses and Officiants
Connecticut law does not mandate witnesses for the marriage ceremony. However, religious entities may have their own requirements. As for officiants, various individuals are authorized to perform marriage ceremonies, including judges, justices of the peace, and ordained clergy from any state.
Marriage Application Process
To apply for a marriage license, both applicants must personally appear. Either applicant can initiate the application process, but both parties must be present to sign the application before the wedding. Required documents include valid forms of identification (such as a driver’s license, passport, or birth certificate), Social Security cards, and information about the officiating person and ceremony details.
Marriage ID Requirement
Acceptable forms of identification for obtaining a marriage license in Connecticut include a birth certificate, valid driver’s license, passport, state identification card, military identification, or Alien Registration Card (Green card).
Marriage Residency Requirement
While you do not have to be a resident of Connecticut to marry there, it’s necessary to apply for the license in the town where one applicant lives or where the marriage will take place.
Previous Marriages and Name Change
Individuals who have previously been married must provide a divorce decree or information about the date, county, and state of death of the previous spouse. If changing your last name, additional steps will be required beyond the marriage license.
Proxy Marriages and Cousin Marriages
Proxy marriages are not allowed in Connecticut. However, first and second cousins are legally allowed to marry in the state.
Common Law Marriages and Marriage Blood Test
Connecticut does not recognize common law marriages. Moreover, no blood test or physical examination is required as part of the marriage license application.
Marriage Ceremony Requirement
Before the marriage ceremony is performed, the officiating person (such as a minister or Justice of the Peace) must be given the marriage license. After the ceremony, the officiant signs and dates the license in black ink before returning it to the Municipal Clerk’s Office.
Marriage Officiants and Witnesses
Various individuals are authorized to officiate marriage ceremonies in Connecticut, including judges, justices of the peace, federal judges, and ordained clergy. Witnesses are not required by Connecticut law, but religious institutions may have their own regulations.
Expiration Date of Marriage License
A marriage license in Connecticut remains valid for 65 days from the date of application. Therefore, the wedding ceremony must take place within this time frame.
Conclusion
Planning a wedding involves more than just choosing a venue and selecting a cake. Understanding the legal requirements for obtaining a marriage license is a crucial step in ensuring your marriage is legally recognized. Connecticut’s straightforward process allows couples to focus on the joyous celebration of their union.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can we apply for a marriage license online? Unfortunately, Connecticut does not currently offer online applications for marriage licenses. Both applicants must appear in person.
- Are same-sex marriages legal in Connecticut? Yes, same-sex marriages have been legal in Connecticut since 2008.
- Can we get married anywhere in Connecticut with the license? Yes, you can have your ceremony anywhere within the state, but the license must be obtained in the town where the ceremony will occur.
- What if we need to change our wedding date after obtaining the license? If your wedding date changes, as long as it’s within the 65-day validity period of the license, no additional steps are required.
- Are there any special requirements for non-U.S. citizens? Non-U.S. citizens are subject to the same requirements as U.S. citizens when applying for a marriage license in Connecticut.
