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Connecticut marriage license: fee, waiting period and how to apply

What Connecticut's official pages say about getting married there: the fee, the waiting period, how long the license lasts, witnesses, officiants, ID and where to apply. Each rule links its source.

By Wedding RemedyPublished October 30, 2026

Editorial standards

Connecticut marriage license at a glance

Fee: $50 per license, paid to the town where the marriage will take place. Waiting period: At least 48 hours after the second spouse signs the application before the town can issue the license; the page says this is in effect starting October 1, 2026. How long it is valid: The license is good for up to 65 days after the town gives it to you; the wedding must be within that time.

Connecticut marriage license rules

The rules below restate official pages, linked with the date they were read. Last checked October 30, 2026. Rules and fees change, and this is not legal advice: confirm with the clerk where you apply before you rely on a rule.

Fee: $50 per license, paid to the town where the marriage will take place. (Source: portal.ct.gov, checked October 30, 2026)
Premarital education discount: None stated on the official pages we read. Check with your county clerk. Official page
Waiting period: At least 48 hours after the second spouse signs the application before the town can issue the license; the page says this is in effect starting October 1, 2026. (Source: portal.ct.gov, checked October 30, 2026)
How long the license is valid: The license is good for up to 65 days after the town gives it to you; the wedding must be within that time. (Source: portal.ct.gov, checked October 30, 2026)
Where the license can be used: The license comes from the vital records office of the town where the wedding will take place, so it is tied to that town. (Source: portal.ct.gov, checked October 30, 2026)
Witnesses: Check with your county clerk. Official page
Who may officiate: Judges and retired judges, family support magistrates, referees and appointed justices of the peace, and ordained or licensed clergy, including those ordained online. (Source: portal.ct.gov, checked October 30, 2026)
Officiants ordained online: The state DPH says clergy ordained through online ministries that give them authority to officiate marriages may officiate. (Source: portal.ct.gov, checked October 30, 2026)
Age: At least 18. A person under a conservator needs the conservator's written consent. (Source: portal.ct.gov, checked October 30, 2026)
ID and documents to bring: Both parties bring identification, complete the application, and swear that the information is true. (Source: portal.ct.gov, checked October 30, 2026)
Where to apply: In person, both parties, at the vital records (town clerk) office of the town where the marriage will occur, during its business hours. (Source: portal.ct.gov, checked October 30, 2026)
Online application: Check with your county clerk. Official page
Certified copy of the marriage certificate: Request from the town where the marriage occurred, a town where either spouse lived, or State Vital Records. The DPH request form lists $20 per copy. (Source: portal.ct.gov, checked October 30, 2026)

Common questions

How much is a marriage license in Connecticut?

$50 per license, paid to the town where the marriage will take place.

Is there a waiting period to get married in Connecticut?

At least 48 hours after the second spouse signs the application before the town can issue the license; the page says this is in effect starting October 1, 2026.

How long is a Connecticut marriage license valid?

The license is good for up to 65 days after the town gives it to you; the wedding must be within that time.

Who can officiate a wedding in Connecticut?

Judges and retired judges, family support magistrates, referees and appointed justices of the peace, and ordained or licensed clergy, including those ordained online. The state DPH says clergy ordained through online ministries that give them authority to officiate marriages may officiate.

How do you get a certified copy of a Connecticut marriage certificate?

Request from the town where the marriage occurred, a town where either spouse lived, or State Vital Records. The DPH request form lists $20 per copy.

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