Welcome >> Wedding Questions
When you apply for your marriage license, you must apply in the town where you will be married.
Please see "Where do we apply for our marriage license?".
"Do we need blood tests to get married in Connecticut?"
"Do we need witnesses to get married in Connecticut?"
"We want to elope. Do we have to wait in Connecticut?"
Your wedding will be unique, just as you are unique, both as individuals and as a couple.
This Page will help you with what you should know before applying for your marriage license,
how to go about getting your marriage license, and other details.
You are always welcome to call me with questions at (860) 543-2334!
Because I am a Connecticut Justice of the Peace, I stay current with the changes that impact the process of getting married in Connecticut.
All of the information presented here is accurate as of May, 2010, to the best of my knowledge and belief.
Please see the Disclaimer at the bottom of this Page.
- How can we get married in Connecticut?
- In Connecticut either an opposite-sex or a same-sex couple can be joined in marriage.
- (There is a
Gay Wedding Questions Page
that answers some questions usually asked by same-sex couples.)
- First, you must meet the age requirements. (Basically, you must both be 18, but there are exceptions.)
- Second, you should select a location for the ceremony.
- Third, you must apply for a marriage license.
- Fourth, select a wedding officiant. There is a Page of Suggested Criteria for selecting an officiant. (I'm hoping that you will choose me as yours!)
- Fifth, rest and relax before the big day! This step is crucial to your enjoyment.
- Sixth, have the ceremony. You must give the original license to your officiant.
It is the officiant's responsibility to sign the license and get it to the proper Town Clerk to be recorded.
- Seventh, live happily ever after.
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- Do you marry gay couples?
- Yes. I am happy to marry any loving couple.
- There is a
Gay Wedding Questions Page
that answers some questions usually asked by gay couples.
- Many same-sex couples elope to Connecticut because they cannot yet get married in their home states.
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- What is the application process for our marriage license?
- After you have selected your ceremony location, apply for a marriage license in that town.
- Both of you must sign the application in person.
- In Connecticut it is not possible to obtain a license through the use of a Power of Attorney.
- You do not both have to sign the application at the same time.
The license expiration limit starts when the first person signs.
- You will need to supply the following data about the ceremony
- The name of the town where the ceremony will be held.
- The date on which the ceremony is expected to be held.
- A telephone number where one of you can be reached.
-
- Each of you will need to furnish the following information
- Your name.
- Your Social Security Number.
- Your age and date of birth.
- Your sex.
- Your state or foreign country of birth.
- Your residence address, including county.
- Your race.
- Whether you are under the supervision or control of a guardian or conservator.
- Your father's name and birthplace (state or foreign country).
- Your mother's maiden name and birthplace (state or foreign country).
- The number of this marriage for you (1st, 2nd, etc.).
- If you were previously in a marriage, did it end by death, divorce, or annulment?
- The number of years of education that you have completed.
- Each of you will take an oath that the information that you have provided is true.
- You will pay the fee required.
- In a very few minutes you will be able to walk out with your license!
- As silly as it sounds, be careful with your license!
You must give the original document to your wedding officiant in order to be legally joined.
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- Does Connecticut allow proxy marriage?
- No. Some states allow people to get married by proxy. Connecticut does not allow proxy marriage.
- Proxy marriages are ceremonies where either one or both halves of the couple are not physically present during the ceremony.
- A proxy wedding is possible in only a few states, usually only in the case of members of the armed forced currently deployed.
- Some states permit an attorney to apply for the marriage license on the couple's behalf. Connecticut does not.
- In Connecticut, both people who want to get married must go to the Town Hall in the town where they will have their ceremony.
- Because Connecticut does not permit proxy marriages, I will not participate in a proxy wedding.
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- How much does a marriage license cost?
- The fee for a marriage license in Connecticut is $30.00.
- Some couples split the cost of the license, signifying the beginning of their financial partnership.
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- What are the age requirements for marriage in Connecticut?
- The legal age for marriage in Connecticut is 18.
- If you are under 18, parental consent is required.
- A person under the age of 16 may not marry unless the judge of probate for the district in which the minor resides gives written consent on the marriage license.
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- Does our marriage license expire?
- Yes! Your ceremony must be held within 65 calendar days after the date of your application.
- If you sign the application on different days, your license expires 65 calendar days after the first person signs.
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- If we get married after our license expires, are we legally married?
- No officially-authorized officiant will marry you without a valid marriage license.
- The person who violated the law would be fined and you two would not be legally married.
- In addition, all three of you would be guilty of fraud.
- Your only option is to get a new marriage license.
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- Where do we apply for our marriage license?
- You apply for your license at the office of the Town Clerk in the town where you will be married.
- The Connecticut marriage law changed, effective on October 1, 2009.
- The exact wording is " No persons may be joined in marriage in this state until both have complied with the provisions of sections
46b-24, 46b-25 and 46b-29 to 46b-33, inclusive, and have been issued a license by the registrar for the town in which
the marriage is to be celebrated, which license shall bear the certification of the registrar that the persons named therein
have complied with the provisions of said sections."
- Everyone I've talked to at Town Clerks' Offices has been very pleasant and helpful.
- Connecticut has 169 cities and towns, divided into 8 counties. Some villages, such as Mystic, are in two towns.
- Call me at (860) 543-2334 if you need help!
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- Where can we get married in Connecticut?
- You can have your ceremony anywhere in Connecticut as long as you apply for your marriage license in that Connecticut town.
- You must apply for your marriage license in the town where you're having your wedding ceremony.
- You are encouraged to choose your own location, as long as you can arrange for me to have access during the ceremony.
- Would you like to be married on a beach? In a rose garden? On a boat? On top of a hill? In a meadow? Connecticut has limitless possibilities!
- Some suggested locations are very popular. Please plan ahead and get all the necessary permissions, permits, etc.
- I will be happy to assist you in finding a suitable location!
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- Can we apply for a marriage license in two towns?
- Yes! In some cases, it is a wise idea.
- A couple decided to have a Saturday wedding by a pond in a town where their friends live, and got their license in that town.
- Two days before the wedding, the forecast predicted heavy rain and high wind, making an outdoor wedding impractical.
- The couple got a new marriage license in the town where they were to have their reception, and I married them at their reception location.
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- What is a "Destination Wedding"?
- A destination wedding can be one of the simplest weddings to plan, and one of the most economical!
- You and your spouse-to-be travel to a location that is special to you. You are joined by as many of your guests as can attend.
- Your wedding ceremony is held in the location you have chosen. You and your guests celebrate at your reception, then enjoy the local flavor.
- Some Connecticut places for destination weddings include
Mystic Seaport,
Mystic Aquarium,
and Harkness Memorial State Park.
- Dana and Jonathan came with their guests from Arkansas to have their destination wedding at
The Mansion at Bald Hill in Woodstock, Connecticut.
- There are several other popular destination wedding sites listed on the
Locations Page
- Please feel free to call me at (860) 543-2334 for other suggestions!
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- Do we need blood tests?
- No. The Connecticut premarital blood test requirement was repealed effective on October 1, 2003.
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- Do we need wedding rings?
- No. Wedding rings are not a requirement for marriage in Connecticut.
- Some couples prefer to use one ring, others prefer two rings.
- Wedding rings, or the lack of them, have no effect on the validity of a marriage.
- Wedding rings are required by some religious institutions, but are not needed for a Justice of the Peace wedding.
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- We want to elope. Is there a waiting period after we get our license?
- No. People who want to elope can get married on the same day they get their license. It is easy to elope to Connecticut!
- There is no waiting period after you get our license.
- From the start of the license application until you present it to a wedding officiant may be as little as twenty minutes.
- How long it takes to get your marriage license after you have filled out the marriage license application depends on how busy the office is.
- Some towns may ask you to return the following day; please call the specific Town Clerk's Office to be sure!
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- Are witnesses to the marriage ceremony required in Connecticut?
- No. Most people want to share their special day with people close to them, but no witnesses are required.
- Some people prefer to have only the couple and the officiant present.
- You may have as many witnesses as your location will safely hold, or none at all.
- I will give you a printed Certificate of Marriage after the ceremony.
If you want a witness or witnesses to sign it, I will add one or more lines for signatures.
- (Your decorative Justice of the Peace Marriage Certificate is not a replacement for your certified copy of your marriage license!)
- I am ethically bound to protect your privacy.
Unless I have your permission, I will not divulge any information not required by law.
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- Can a Connecticut Justice of the Peace marry people from another state or another country?
- Yes! It would be a pleasure to marry you, no matter where you are from.
- Just follow the steps at "How can we get married in Connecticut?"
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- Is there a specific format for a marriage ceremony?
- No. Your wedding ceremony will be as unique as you are! Together we will create your ideal wedding celebration.
- You are welcome to design your own wedding ceremony and write your own vows.
- In addition to the Vows Page, I will be happy to assist you.
- Neither party needs to say "obey"! Modern language typically includes the words "love", "honor", "cherish", and "respect".
- You can write your own alternative wedding vows, and I'd be happy to help you if you'd like help.
- Most couples choose to have some form of Unity Ceremony as part of their wedding ceremonies, but it certainly isn't required.
- Would you like to have friends and family take an active part? There are many ways to include them. Just give me a call at (860) 543-2334.
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- Who can perform marriages in Connecticut?
- "Can an attorney officiate at my wedding?"
- This is an extremely important topic.
Please confirm with your wedding officiant that they are legally authorized to join people in marriage in Connecticut.
- Authorized officiants include
- Justices of the Peace;
- Judges and retired judges;
- Family support magistrates;
- Ordained or licensed clergy who have an active ministry in addition to performing marriages;
- State referees.
- An attorney could officiate at a wedding only if that attorney were also a Justice of the Peace.
- If there is any doubt about your officiant being properly authorized, please consult the Town Clerk where the officiant resides.
- There are some Suggested Criteria for helping you choose an officiant.
- Alternative wedding celebrants, such as Justices of the Peace, usually offer you the most options of all wedding officiants.
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- Can my sister perform part of the ceremony?
- Absolutely!
- You are encouraged to have your friends and family participate in any ways that you find meaningful.
- There are a few things that must, by Connecticut law, be done by the Justice of the Peace or other legally-authorized person.
- The Justice of the Peace must sign your license certifying that the ceremony took place, for example.
- It cannot be emphasized enough: It is your day! Your happiness is my goal.
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- Can you tell me how to get certified to perform weddings in Connecticut?
- Getting a so-called Internet ordination will not give you the right to marry people in Connecticut!
- Some states allow people to apply for and receive a one-day permit to perform legal marriages. Connecticut does not.
- Only the people listed under "Who can perform marriages in Connecticut?", above, can legally marry people in Connecticut.
- Basically, Justices of the Peace are appointed in presidential election years for four-year terms.
- JPs are appointed by the Republican or Democratic parties in their towns. Unaffiliated voters apply directly to their Town Clerks.
- If you live in Connecticut please contact your political Town Committee or Town Clerk for information on becoming a JP.
- How to become a judge in Connecticut is far beyond my explaining.
- Likewise, I have no idea how one becomes a family support magistrate or state referee in Connecticut.
- You are strongly cautioned that Connecticut has cracked down on people getting "ordained" via the Internet.
- Such "ordinations" are not valid in Connecticut. Marriages performed without the proper legal authority are not valid.
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- Are there people who cannot be legally married in Connecticut?
- According to Connecticut Statute: "No man may marry his mother, grandmother, daughter, granddaughter, sister, aunt, niece, stepmother or stepdaughter,
and no woman may marry her father, grandfather, son, grandson, brother, uncle, nephew, stepfather or stepson".
- For same-sex couples, the same laws that applied to civil unions apply to marriages:
"[No woman may marry her] mother, grandmother, daughter, granddaughter, sister,
brother's daughter, sister's daughter, father's sister or mother's sister.
[No man may marry his] father, grandfather, son, grandson, brother, brother's son,
sister's son, father's brother or mother's brother."
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- How much does a Connecticut Justice of the Peace wedding cost?
- Connecticut law does not set the fees that Justices of the Peace may charge for their services.
- Because your wedding will be uniquely yours, together we will design a ceremony based on your dreams.
- Just as every couple is different, I don't have a one-size-fits-all ceremony with a fixed fee.
Nor do I offer "packages" at different price levels.
- Many factors determine the fee: Travel distance, whether we have a rehearsal, time spent doing preparation, et cetera.
- Most couples like to meet to discuss their ceremony. There is never a fee for the initial planning meeting!
- Special consideration is given to military personnel who are serving our country!
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- Why do wedding officiants charge based on the number of people in your wedding?
- I do not set my fee by the number of people in your wedding party or the number of guests you will have.
- When we talk on the telephone and meet in person I will ask you several questions in order to help plan your wedding ceremony.
- The number of people in your wedding party will be one factor in us deciding together whether we will need a rehearsal.
- The number of guests that you plan on having will be one factor in you deciding what kind of Unity Ceremony you would like.
- In general, people with larger guest lists have more elaborate wedding ceremonies.
- People who elope generally have simpler ceremonies.
- When you and I decide on a fee, it will not change no matter how many guests you add.
- If you decide that you want to add Unity Ceremonies, readings, or other ceremony elements, my fee will remain the same.
- At the end of our initial planning meeting you will know exactly what my fee will be. There will be no surprises!
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- We got our license, then decided not to get married. Do we need to file a divorce?
- No. As long as you did not have an actual wedding, big or small, you are not legally married.
- In Connecticut you are not legally married until an authorized officiant pronounces you married.
- If 65 days have gone by since your license was issued and your license hasn't been signed by an authorized officiant and returned to the Town Clerk, then you are not legally married.
- For your own peace of mind, destroy your marriage license, whether it has expired or not.
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- I've made a big mistake. I found out something about the person I married. Can you (my officiant) just not file the marriage license?
- No. Contact an attorney immediately.
- Once your officiant has pronounced you married, you are legally married.
- By Connecticut law, your officiant must sign and return your license to the proper Town Clerk.
- Whether you should seek an annulment or a divorce is a question I cannot legally answer.
- I wish you the best outcome, and legally I cannot do more than that.
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- Does Connecticut recognize Common Law marriage?
- No. There may be rare exceptions!
- (Another way to phrase the question would be "How long do you have to live together in Connecticut for common law rights?")
- For details of Connecticut Common Law rights please consult an attorney authorized to practice in Connecticut.
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- Can you help us with our Prenuptial Agreement?
- Short answer: No.
- Longer answer: If you have a Prenuptial Agreement and would like to have your signatures on it notarized,
I would be happy to notarize and seal it in my capacity as a Connecticut Notary Public.
- You should obtain legal and financial advice from professionals authorized to provide such services in Connecticut.
- I can make recommendations.
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- Why are flower petals sometimes strewn in the bride's path?
- Traditionally flower petals are strewn in the bride's path to ensure a happy path in married life.
- This happy task is often given to a young girl whom the couple wishes to honor by including her in the ceremony.
- You may decide to have more than one person strewing flowers.
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A Brief Word about Terms
In these Pages, "town" is used to refer to one of Connecticut's
169 municipalities,
whether it is officially a city or officially a town.
In order to avoid long phrases, the words "Town Clerk" as used here refers to the Registrar of Vital Statistics.
In most Connecticut towns the term "Town Clerk" and "Registrar of Vital Statistics" are identical.
"Wedding Officiant"? "Wedding Officiate"? "Wedding Officiator"? "Wedding Celebrant"?
You may see the term "Wedding officiate" on the Web.
"Officiate" is a verb; "officiant" is a noun. A wedding officiant will officiate at a wedding ceremony.
Yes, there are some places that call a legally-authorized wedding officiant a "Wedding Officiator".
Officiant is very much the preferred term.
Because it is an honor to be asked to officiate at the formal, legal celebration of your love,
and it is a joy to unite you, I consider myself a wedding celebrant, not just a wedding officiant.
No matter what you call me, please call me at (860) 543-2334!
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Please note that I am a Connecticut Justice of the Peace; I am not an attorney.
I cannot give legal advice.
The answers given here were derived from information publicly available,
including data provided by the Vital Statistics division of the Connecticut Department of Public Health.
You are encouraged to do your own research, both online and in your public library.
Please check with the Town Clerk where you reside or plan to have your wedding ceremony.
The people in the Town Clerk's Office want your celebration to be a success; they will help you however they can.
For complex questions, or if you have any doubts about the laws, you should consult an attorney authorized to practice law
in Connecticut (or your home state).
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