Your Connecticut marriage license must come from the vital records office in the town where your wedding ceremony will take place. Use the official state directory below to find the correct town clerk and confirm that town’s hours, appointment requirements, payment methods, and pickup procedure.
New 48-Hour Waiting Period
Beginning October 1, 2026, Connecticut Public Act 26-141 changes the marriage-license timetable.
- Both people must appear in person and apply in the town where the ceremony will occur.
- The registrar cannot issue the marriage license sooner than 48 hours after the application.
- The wedding ceremony cannot occur sooner than 48 hours after the application.
- The ceremony must occur no later than 65 days after the license is issued.
Example: If you apply on Monday at 10:30 a.m., the registrar cannot issue your license before Wednesday at 10:30 a.m. Because office hours and pickup procedures vary, your actual pickup time could be later. Confirm the exact timing with your town clerk.
Office-hours tip: Connecticut town clerk offices generally operate Monday through Friday and are closed on weekends and municipal or state holidays. Individual schedules vary, so confirm before traveling. Plan to handle your license between 8:30 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., but verify the exact hours and appointment requirements with your town clerk. Do not arrive at 3:50 p.m. expecting to complete the process. Allow plenty of time.
Plan ahead—do not wait until the day before your wedding.
Official Connecticut Resources
Some familiar Connecticut place names—such as Mystic, Noank, Winsted, Willimantic, and Collinsville—are villages or districts within larger municipalities. Your license must be issued by the correct town for the exact ceremony location. If you are unsure, ask your venue or contact the town clerk before applying.
This page provides general information, not legal advice. Rules and local procedures can change; always confirm directly with the appropriate Connecticut town clerk.
Questions About Your Ceremony?
I will help you understand the ceremony process, but the town clerk is always the final authority on marriage-license requirements.
