Getting a Marriage License in Connecticut
Where to apply for a marriage license in Connecticut, what to bring, the waiting period, how long it's valid, and the minimum marriage age.
Short answer: Both people must apply in person at the vital records office (town registrar) of the town where the wedding will take place, complete the application, provide identification and swear that the information is true. Conn. Gen. Stat. §§ 46b-24, 46b-25; Connecticut Department of Public Health, License to Get Married
| Getting a marriage license | Both people must apply in person at the vital records office (town registrar) of the town where the wedding will take place, complete the application, provide identification and swear that the information is true. No blood test is required. According to the Department of Public Health, the town cannot issue the license until at least 48 hours after the second person signs the application. The license is good for 65 days, and the wedding must take place within that time. The Department of Public Health lists a $50 fee for each license. After the ceremony, the officiant files the license with the town registrar, and it becomes the marriage certificate. Fee: https://portal.ct.gov/dph/knowledge-base/articles/faq/marriage-licenses-and-certificates . The 48-hour wait appears on the Department of Public Health page; the version of §§ 46b-24 and 46b-25 posted in the 2025 statutes does not yet show it. |
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| Minimum marriage age | Both people must be at least 18. Connecticut removed the former exception that allowed 16- and 17-year-olds to marry with consent, effective July 1, 2023, so there is no exception for minors. |
Where to get help in Connecticut
More Connecticut divorce & family law
- Adopting a Child in Connecticut
- Guardianship of a Child or Adult in Connecticut
- Establishing Paternity in Connecticut
- Changing Your Name in Connecticut
- Child Custody Laws in Connecticut
- How Child Support Is Calculated in Connecticut
- Divorce Records in Connecticut
- Alimony and Spousal Support in Connecticut
- How to File for Divorce in Connecticut
- Legal Separation and Annulment in Connecticut
- All Connecticut divorce & family law rules
FAQ
How do you get a marriage license in Connecticut?
Both people must apply in person at the vital records office (town registrar) of the town where the wedding will take place, complete the application, provide identification and swear that the information is true. No blood test is required. According to the Department of Public Health, the town cannot issue the license until at least 48 hours after the second person signs the application. The license is good for 65 days, and the wedding must take place within that time. The Department of Public Health lists a $50 fee for each license. After the ceremony, the officiant files the license with the town registrar, and it becomes the marriage certificate.
What is the legal age to get married in Connecticut?
Both people must be at least 18. Connecticut removed the former exception that allowed 16- and 17-year-olds to marry with consent, effective July 1, 2023, so there is no exception for minors.
General legal information, not legal advice. Laws change and local rules can differ; check the linked official source or talk to a lawyer about your situation.