Order official Connecticut Marriage Records and Vital Records online

Marriage records are crucial documents that serve various essential purposes, such as legal verification of marital status, genealogical research, and eligibility for certain benefits. In Connecticut, obtaining marriage records involves following specific procedures set out by the state's vital records department. This informative guide will walk you through the steps on how to get Connecticut marriage records, including information on the cost, application process, and required documents.

Who Can Request Marriage Records?

In Connecticut, marriage certificates can be requested by individuals who meet specific eligibility criteria. Typically, the bride or groom, their children, parents, grandchildren, or a legal representative can request a marriage certificate. If you do not fall under these categories, you may need to provide additional documentation or obtain court approval.

What Documents Are Required?

To apply for a Connecticut marriage record, you will need to provide certain documents. These typically include:

• • A completed application form for a certified copy of a marriage certificate;
• • A valid government-issued photo ID (e.g., driver's license, passport);
• • Proof of relationship (if required);
• • Payment for the applicable fees.

You can download the necessary forms from the Connecticut State Department of Public Health’s website and follow the provided instructions on how to complete them.

How to Obtain Connecticut Marriage Records

You can obtain Connecticut marriage records through several methods:

By Mail

To request by mail, send your completed application, along with copies of the required documents and the appropriate fee, to the town clerk's office where the marriage took place or to the State Vital Records office.

In Person

You can visit the town clerk's office or the State Vital Records office to submit your application in person. Ensure you bring all required documents and the fee in acceptable forms of payment.

Online

The State of Connecticut partners with VitalChek to provide online orders for marriage records. You can visit their website at VitalChek to complete your application and make a payment.

Tips for a Smooth Application Process

• • Double-check that all required fields in the form are completed;
• • Ensure that your identification documents are current and valid;
• • Verify the correct fees and acceptable payment methods;
• • Keep copies of your application and correspondence for your records.

How Much Do Marriage Records Cost?

The cost for obtaining a marriage certificate in Connecticut is $20.00 per copy if requesting from the town clerk and $30.00 per copy if requesting from the State Vital Records office. Expedited service may be available for an additional fee when ordering online through VitalChek.

Processing Time

The processing time for mail-in requests to the town clerk's or the State Vital Records office typically takes around 6 weeks. In-person requests may be processed on the same day if all required documents are provided. Online orders through VitalChek may take a few days to several weeks, depending on the chosen shipping option and any expedited service.

Following these guidelines will help ensure a smooth process when applying for Connecticut marriage records. If you have any specific questions or need further assistance, do not hesitate to reach out to the Connecticut Department of Public Health directly. Obtaining a marriage certificate is an important step in verifying legal and historical information, and ensuring you have accurate records is essential for many aspects of life.

If the event was recorded locally or if you need immediate access to detailed records, it is preferable to contact your county vital records office directly. Find the contact details of your local county vital records office here.