Planning a legal wedding ceremony in Connecticut begins with the marriage license. The town clerk—not the officiant—is the final authority on application requirements, office hours, appointments, identification, payment methods, and certified copies.
New Connecticut Rule Effective October 1, 2026
Public Act 26-141 creates a 48-hour waiting period before the registrar may issue a marriage license.
- You do not have to be a Connecticut resident.
- Both people must appear in person and apply through the vital records office in the Connecticut town where the ceremony will take place.
- The registrar cannot issue the license sooner than 48 hours after the time of application.
- The ceremony cannot take place sooner than 48 hours after the application.
- The ceremony must take place no later than 65 days after the license is issued.
- The current Connecticut marriage-license fee is $50. Certified copies and payment methods vary by town.
- Blood tests and ceremony witnesses are not required under current Connecticut rules.
Example: If you apply Monday at 10:30 a.m., the registrar cannot issue your license before Wednesday at 10:30 a.m. Office hours or local pickup procedures may make the actual pickup time later.
Do not wait until the day before your wedding. Connecticut town clerk offices generally operate Monday through Friday and are closed weekends and municipal or state holidays. Plan for 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., but verify the exact schedule and appointment requirements. Do not arrive at 3:50 p.m. expecting to finish the process.
What to Confirm With the Town Clerk
- The exact office, address, hours, and whether an appointment is required
- Acceptable identification and any documents you must bring
- The accepted payment methods
- When and how the license will be ready for pickup after the 48-hour wait
- How to order a certified marriage certificate after the ceremony
After your ceremony, I complete my officiant section and return the marriage license to the proper town registrar for filing. Once filed, it becomes the official marriage record.
This page provides general information, not legal advice. Requirements and local procedures can change; always confirm directly with the appropriate town clerk.
