What Are Connecticut Marriage Records?

Connecticut marriage records are vital documents that offer a comprehensive account of marriages within the state. They have been officially recorded in the state since 1897 and are meticulously maintained and disseminated by various authorized bodies.

There are two main categories of marriage records in Connecticut:

• Marriage Licenses: These licenses, mandated by Connecticut General Statutes (CGS) Section 46b-24, are prerequisites for couples intending to marry and grant them legal authorization to do so.
• Marriage Certificates: These certificates are issued after the marriage ceremony. They serve as legal confirmation of the marital union under Connecticut law.

Both marriage certificates and licenses include crucial details such as the parties' full names during marriage, the date and location of the union, and information about the individuals' birthplaces.

The information in Connecticut marriage records proves pivotal in various contexts. They are often indispensable for verifying marital status in legal matters, exploring family lineage, or tracing ancestral connections. Moreover, they are vital for accessing spousal benefits like name changes, joint tax filings, and inheritance rights.

Are Marriage Certificates Public Records?

In Connecticut, marriage certificates fall under public records as per CGS Section 7-51a. This classification grants individuals over 18 years old access to obtain copies.

Publicly accessible marriage records contain limited information to strike a balance between public accessibility and safeguarding confidential information.

Sensitive details like Social Security Numbers are redacted for privacy protection, and parties such as the individuals named on the certificate, their legal representatives, and specific government agencies are the only entities allowed to access full details on marriage certificates.

How To Look Up Marriage Records in Connecticut?

The state of Connecticut initiated the official recording of marriage records on July 1, 1897. The Connecticut Department of Public Health (DPH), through its State Vital Records Office, is entrusted with preserving these records.

Marriage records before July 1, 1897, are exclusively kept at the vital records office of each of Connecticut's 169 towns where the marriage occurred.

Since different entities preserve the state's marriage records, record seekers can expect to face different processes for retrieval. To efficiently conduct a lookup, individuals should have the following on hand:

• Full names of both individuals involved in the marriage, including any maiden names
• Date of the marriage or at least an approximate year
• City or town where the marriage was solemnized
• A government-issued photo ID for those obtaining certified copies
• Evidence of relationship or direct interest, if required, for restricted records
• Payment to cover any applicable fees

How To Search Marriage Certificates?

Marriage certificates in Connecticut can be requested in two forms: certified copy and informational copy.

A certified copy of a marriage certificate is an official document that serves as legal proof of marriage. It is printed on security paper and bears the official seal and signature of the issuing authority. This copy type is typically required for legal purposes, such as name changes or spousal benefits.

On the contrary, an informational copy is not considered legal and cannot be used for official purposes. It has limited information and is typically used for personal records.

To search and obtain a certified copy of a marriage certificate in the state, follow one of the procedures below:

Online

• Visit the VitalChek website.
• Select "Marriage Certificate" from the order certificate options and start ordering.
• Choose "Connecticut from the list of states.
• Follow the on-screen instructions by furnishing the following details:
  • City or location of marriage
  • Date of marriage
  • Purpose of request
  • Full names of spouses during marriage
• If necessary, verify identity by providing personal information and submitting a valid state-issued ID.
• Pay the applicable fees using a credit or debit card. The state charges a $20 per copy fee plus additional processing and shipping fees charged by VitalChek.

If the marriage occurred between 1890 and 1939, the Colorado State Archive's Archive Search database can be utilized. Individuals can search this index by entering the spouse's name, marriage license number, date of marriage, and marriage location.

In Person

• Identify the town where the marriage occurred and visit its vital records office.
• Complete a request form provided by the office, which typically requires the following information:
  • Full names of both parties during the marriage ceremony
  • Date of marriage
  • Place of marriage
  • Relation to the individual named on the certificate
• If necessary, present a valid photo identification.
• Pay the applicable $20 fee per copy.

By Mail

Individuals can search and obtain a Connecticut marriage certificate by mail from either the Town Vital Records Office or the State Vital Records Office:

To request from the Town Vital Records Office:

• Download and complete the Request for a Certified Copy of Marriage Record from the Town/City Vital Records Form.
• Include a photocopy of valid photo identification.
• Enclose a payment using a postal money order payable to the town's vital records office. The fee is $20 per copy, and personal checks are not accepted.
• Send the complete package to the mailing address of the town's vital records office. Visit the respective town's website for their mailing address and contact information.

To request from the State Vital Records Office:

• Download and complete the Request for a Certified Copy of Marriage Record from the State Vital Records Office Form.
• Include a photocopy of valid photo identification.
• Enclose a payment using a postal money order payable to Treasurer, State of CT. The fee is $20 per copy, and personal checks are not accepted.
• Send the request to the address below:

How To Search Marriage Licenses?

In Connecticut, individuals seeking marriage licenses can find them at the vital records office in the city or town where the marriage occurred. To initiate the search process, they must determine the relevant location and then contact the corresponding vital records office.

Various avenues exist for accessing marriage licenses from these offices. Options include visiting in person, sending a formal request via mail, or utilizing available online request platforms, such as the one offered by the City of Milford.

Regardless of the preferred retrieval method, individuals should prepare certain information to facilitate the search:

• Details regarding the marriage, including the complete names of both individuals, the marriage date, and the marriage location.
• A valid government-issued photo ID.
• Payment of the requisite fees, typically around $20 per copy.

How To Search Marriage Records Online?

Various resources beyond VitalCheck and local city or town clerk vital record offices can assist in searching Connecticut marriage records online.

The Connecticut State Library houses historical marriage records. Its indexes aid in confirming occurrences of marriages dating back to 1897. Moreover, commercial services like RecordsFinder grant individuals access to public records, including marriages. It offers convenience as it contains broad marriage record accessibility for Connecticut and other states.

To search on these platforms, individuals must supply fundamental marriage details like the names of both parties, the marriage date, and the location of the marriage. Varying fees are also commonly associated with using these platforms.

Note that although these platforms furnish marriage information, they do not issue certified copies. Individuals must utilize official avenues to obtain certified copies of marriage records.

When Can You Access Confidential Marriage Records?

A confidential marriage is a type of union where the marriage record is sealed and not available for public viewing. Couples may choose this option for privacy reasons, such as protecting personal information or avoiding public disclosure of their marital status.

Unlike other states, Connecticut does not recognize confidential marriages. All marriages performed in the state are recorded and considered public records, meaning the marriage records are generally accessible, although specific details might require authorization to obtain.

While Connecticut does not offer confidential marriages, couples can still take steps to maintain privacy in their marriage:

• Use Legal Name Flexibility: Couples can choose whether or not to change their last names after marriage.
• Limit Public Announcements: Avoid making public announcements about the marriage in newspapers or online to reduce the chance of unwanted attention.
• Control Access to Marriage Certificates: While marriage records are public in Connecticut, couples can request limited disclosure when ordering copies. For example, they may request that sensitive details not be included in certified copies.
• Seek Legal Guidance: Consult a family law attorney for strategies to protect personal information within the bounds of Connecticut law.

How Do You Apply for a Marriage License?

To apply for a marriage license in Connecticut, individuals must meet the eligibility criteria, including being at least 18 years old, not currently married or under conservatorship, and not prohibited from marrying as per CGS Section 46b-21.

If the intending couple meets the state's eligibility requirements, they can officially apply for a marriage license by visiting the vital records office of the city or town where the marriage will occur.

Upon arrival, applicants must complete an application form. This form varies per town and city vital records office but typically requires details such as the full names of spouses during marriage, the location and date of the marriage ceremony, the address of both parties, birthdates, and parents' names.

The application for a marriage license also requires the intending couple to present valid identification for identity verification and provide a sworn statement. The application costs $50, and a blood test is not required.

Once the application is processed and approved, the couple will be issued a marriage license. Unlike in some states, Connecticut does not impose a waiting period for marriages after obtaining the license, meaning couples can marry on the same day the license is issued.

The state's marriage license is valid for 65 days, during which the marriage ceremony must occur. Failure to hold the ceremony within this timeframe necessitates reapplication and payment for a new license.

How Do I Correct a Mistake on My Marriage Certificate?

A marriage certificate in Connecticut can have errors. Among the most common errors that spouses can face in their certificates include:

• Misspelled names
• Incorrect birth date
• Wrong Social Security number
• Incorrect date or place of marriage
• Missing information

If such mistake is discovered, individuals can rectify them by following the procedure below:

• Visit the vital records office where the marriage took place.
• Provide a notarized affidavit verifying that the existing marriage certificate has incorrect information, including the new and accurate information.
• Submit the affidavit along with any necessary supporting documents that prove the error. (The documents required may vary per city or town's vital records office, so it is best to confirm beforehand.)
• There is no fee for processing the correction of a marriage certificate in Connecticut.

Are Marriage Records Under the Connecticut Address Confidentiality Program (ACP) Accessible?

The Connecticut Address Confidentiality Program (ACP), which became effective on January 1, 2004, safeguards individuals affected by family violence, sexual assault, stalking, or risk to a minor. It shields their privacy and safety by assigning a substitute address for interactions with government agencies.

Participants in the ACP can secure confidentiality for their marriage records by presenting their ACP card at the local vital records office. This action will restrict the public from accessing their marriage records to protect themselves and their sensitive information.

Connecticut Marriage Statistics and Trends

Marriage trends in the U.S. have shifted significantly in recent years. Data from 2018 reveals a decline in the proportion of married adults, with only 53% being married compared to 58% in 1995. Meanwhile, cohabitation has become more common, with 7% of adults living together without marriage, compared to 3% recorded in 1995.

Marriage rates also vary among different demographic groups. For example, Asian adults have the highest marriage rate at 63%, followed by 57% of white adults, 44% of Hispanic, and 33% of black adults. Further, education level influences marriage trends, as 66% of individuals with a bachelor's degree are married, compared to 54% of those with a high school education or less.

As for Connecticut, the marriage statistics are as follows:

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