Obtaining the Marriage License: A How-to Guide for Helping Your Couple

As a first-time wedding officiant, one of your responsibilities may be guiding the couple through the legal side of getting married—including securing their marriage license. It’s important to understand that marriage laws vary by state, so before officiating a ceremony or advising a couple, always check with the state or local clerk’s office where the wedding will take place. This guide walks you through the steps for obtaining a marriage license in the state of Connecticut.

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Before You Begin: Know the Basics

• Who Issues Marriage Licenses in CT?: Connecticut marriage licenses are issued by the town clerk in the town where the ceremony will take place—not where the couple lives.

• Who Can Get Married in CT?: Couples must be at least 18 years old and not currently married. 

• No Waiting Period: The marriage license is valid immediately after it is issued.

• License Expiration: Once issued, the license is valid for 65 days, and the wedding must occur within that time frame.

 

How to Obtain a Marriage License in Connecticut

1. Confirm the Ceremony Location

   • The couple must apply in the exact town where the wedding ceremony will be held.

2. Both Parties Must Appear in Person

   • Both members of the couple must go together to the town clerk’s office.

   • Photo ID (e.g., driver's license or passport) is required.

   • Some towns may allow one party to apply in advance, with the other signing later—but this varies by town. Always call ahead.

3. Complete the Marriage License Application

   • The couple will need to provide:

     • Full legal names

     • Dates of birth

     • Birthplaces

     • Parents’ names and birthplaces

     • Social Security numbers (if applicable)

     • Ceremony date

     • Ceremony location (town)

     • Officiant’s name and contact info (if known)

   • Some towns allow the couple to start the application online, but they must still appear in person to sign. Most towns require appointments. 

4. Pay the Marriage License Fee:

   • As of now, the fee is $50, payable at the town clerk’s office.

5. Obtain the License

   • The couple will receive two documents: the license to be signed at the ceremony and instructions for returning it.

6. Perform the Ceremony

   • As the officiant, it is your legal duty to:

     • Ensure the marriage is signed by the couple, the clerk and has been obtained from the proper town. (CT does not require witnesses).

     • Complete and sign the officiant section of the license immediately after the ceremony. Follow given instructions. 

     • If you are an ordained minister, you will fill in "Minister" under type of officiant and "religious" under type of ceremony. This has no bearing on the content of the ceremony. 

7. Return the Completed License

   • The officiant must return the signed marriage license to the same town clerk’s office where it was issued, ideally within a few days after the ceremony.

8. Certified Copies

   • After the license is filed, the couple can request certified copies of their marriage certificate for name changes, insurance updates, etc.

   • These cost an additional fee: $20 per copy.

 

Pro Tips for Officiants

• Call Ahead: Town clerks may have slightly different procedures or hours, especially in smaller towns.

• Keep Records: Take a photo the completed license before returning it in case of any processing delays.

• Encourage Early Action: Couples should apply for the license at least 30 days before the wedding to avoid last-minute issues. Don’t leave it to the last minute!!

 

Final Reminder

Every state has its own rules and requirements when it comes to marriage laws, including where and how to apply for a license, who can legally officiate, and how the license must be returned. If you’re officiating outside of Connecticut, always check local laws first.

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Being informed not only supports the couple but also protects you legally as their officiant. When in doubt, contact the town clerk directly. You’re not just officiating a ceremony—you’re helping make their marriage legal!

Get more detailed information on CT state laws.