What Are Vermont Marriage Records?

Vermont marriage records serve as an official record of marital unions that have taken place within the state. These records have been maintained since 1857 by various government authorities.

Vermont's two primary types of marriage records are the marriage license and the marriage certificate. A marriage license is a legal authorization required before a couple can marry, as mandated by Vermont Statutes Title 18 Section 5144. In contrast, a marriage certificate is issued after the wedding, which proves that the marriage has been solemnized and recorded.

Both documents contain key details such as the spouses' full names, the date and location of the marriage, and officiant information. If applicable, these records may include information about the spouses' parents.

These records are used for various legal and personal purposes, including name changes, spousal benefits, inheritance claims, and genealogical research. They also serve as evidence in divorce proceedings, immigration applications, and other legal matters requiring proof of marital status.

Are Marriage Certificates Public Records?

Marriage certificates in Vermont are considered public records under the Vermont Public Records Law. The general public can access these documents through the appropriate custodian agency.

However, specific personal details are withheld to safeguard the privacy of the individuals mentioned in the records. Sensitive information such as Social Security numbers, specific identifying details, home addresses, and other private data are typically redacted.

While the general public can access these records, only specific individuals can obtain certified copies of marriage certificates. These include:

• The individuals listed on the certificate
• Immediate family members of the couple
• Legal representatives
• Authorized government entities
• Individuals with a direct and tangible interest in the records

How To Look Up Marriage Records in Vermont?

Various government entities meticulously keep marriage records in Vermont. The Vermont Department of Health safeguards records that date back to 1857, while individual town or city clerk's offices uphold records dating to the establishment of their respective jurisdictions.

To access marriage records in Vermont, individuals must navigate distinct processes set by the Department of Health and local clerk's offices. However, the general process for accessing these documents is as follows:

• Determine the record custodian.
• Submit a request to the record custodian either in person, by mail, or online by providing the following details:
  • Full names of both spouses
  • Date of marriage
  • Place of marriage
  • Purpose of the request
  • Requester's relationship to the record (if applicable)
• Pay the necessary fees and receive the record.

How To Search Marriage Certificates?

In Vermont, individuals can obtain either a certified copy or an information copy of a marriage certificate.

A certified copy of a marriage certificate is an official document that is legally valid for official purposes. It is printed on security paper and includes a raised or embossed seal.

Meanwhile, an information copy contains the exact details as a certified copy but is only intended for informational or personal use. It is typically printed on plain paper and does not carry an official seal.

To request a marriage certificate in Vermont, individuals can follow one of the options below:

Online

Below are the steps to search for Vermont marriage certificates online:

• Visit the Vermont Department of Health Vital Records Ordering Service.
• Follow the steps on the online ordering service.
  • Enter requester information such as:
    • Full name
    • Address
    • Phone number
    • Email
    • A valid government-issued ID
  • Provide information about the marriage certificate being requested, such as:
    • Full names of both spouses
    • Date of marriage
    • Town or city where the marriage occurred
• Choose the desired delivery method: standard processing, which takes five to seven days, or expedited processing, which ships the order overnight.
• Pay the required fee using a credit/debit card. $12 is charged per certified copy, with an additional $14.50 for expedited processing.

In Person

To access marriage certificates in Vermont in person, follow these steps.

• Visit either the Vermont Department of Health's office or the town clerk's office where the marriage took place in person.
• At the office, request the certificate by providing specific marriage information, including:
  • Couple's full name
  • Couple's address
  • Couple's place and date of birth
  • Parent's name
  • Previous marriage details, if applicable
• Present a valid state ID card such as a driver's license or passport.
• Pay the fee of $10 per certified copy.

By Mail

Those wanting to request a Vermont marriage certificate by mail can do so by following the procedure below:

• Determine the year the marriage occurred.
• If the marriage occurred in 2022 to the present, download and print the Application for Certified Copy of Vermont Marriage or Divorce or Civil Union Dissolution Certificate. If the marriage occurred in 2021 or earlier, utilize the Certified Copy of a Marriage/Civil Union or Divorce Record Request Form.
• Fill out the request form by providing the following details:
  • Requesting party's name, address, and contact details
  • Name of the couple
  • Location of marriage
  • Marriage date
• Include a valid identity document if available and attach a self-addressed envelope.
• Include the payment using a money order or check. The fee is $10 per certified copy.
• Send the complete package to the address found on the form.

How To Search Marriage Licenses?

Town or city clerks throughout Vermont are responsible for issuing and recording marriage licenses. As such, individuals seeking a copy of this document should reach out to these officials.

The procedures for accessing marriage licenses vary among town or city clerks. To help facilitate an effective search for a marriage license in Vermont, interested parties can follow the steps below:

• Determine the town or city clerk where the marriage license was issued and contact its respective town or city clerk's office.
• Request a marriage license copy from the town clerk. This process can be done in person or by mailing a request letter. Some town clerks, like the Burlington Town Clerk, allow online requests for marriage licenses via its Online Marriage License Request Form.
• When requesting, provide the following details:
  • Date and location of the wedding ceremony
  • Names of parties involved
  • Requester's information
  • Relationship to the parties involved
• If applicable, provide proof of identification.
• Pay the required fee, which is $10 per certified copy.

How To Search Marriage Records Online?

There are multiple online options for accessing Vermont marriage records, in addition to the official services of the Vermont Department of Health and local town clerks.

The Vermont State Archives & Records Administration (VSARA) preserves an extensive collection of historical records, including marriage records dating from 1760 to 2008. Additionally, commercial record retrieval services such as RecordsFinder provide remote access to public records, including marriage records.

When looking for marriage records through these platforms, users can refine their search by entering details such as the full names of the spouses, the date of marriage, the location where the marriage occurred, and other identifying information such as the parents' names. While some resources offer free access, others may require a fee for a detailed report.

Note that these sources do not issue certified copies of marriage records. The information obtained can only confirm whether a marriage occurred and is not accepted in legal proceedings.

When Can You Access Confidential Marriage Records?

A confidential marriage is a type of marriage where the record is not made public and can only be accessed by the couple or through a court order. Couples may choose a confidential marriage for privacy reasons, such as protecting their personal information from public scrutiny or avoiding familial or social pressures.

In Vermont, confidential marriages are not recognized. All marriage records are considered public, but certified copies are only available to specific individuals, such as the couple, immediate family, or legal representatives.

To maintain privacy regarding their marriage in Vermont, couples can limit public announcements of their wedding ceremony or consult a privacy attorney for guidance. In rare cases, they may petition the court to seal their records, though this process requires a valid legal justification.

How Do You Apply for a Marriage License?

In Vermont, obtaining a marriage license involves meeting specific state requirements and eligibility criteria. Below are the details regarding the process:

1. Meet the Eligibility Requirements

Intending couples must be at least 18 years old to marry. If they are 16 or 17, written consent from a parent or legal guardian is required. Both parties must also not be currently married to anyone else or in a civil union with someone else.

2. Prepare the Required Documents

Marriage license applicants must have the following documents when applying:

• Proof of identity
• Social Security number
• A certified copy of a divorce decree or death certificate, if applicable

3. Visit the Town Clerk's Office

The state does not accept proxy marriages. When applying for a marriage license, both partners must appear together in person at the town clerk's office.

4. Complete the Application Form

Applicants are required to fill out the application form provided by the town clerk. This form typically requires the following information:

• Names of both parties
• Address of both parties
• Dates and places of birth for both parties
• Parents' names of both parties

5. Pay the Fee

Town clerk offices in Vermont charge $80 for a marriage license. Payment methods may vary by town, but they usually accept cash, check, or credit cards.

Note that a marriage license in Vermont is valid for 60 days. Couples must marry within this timeframe; otherwise, they will need to apply for a new license.

How Do I Correct a Mistake on My Marriage Certificate?

Mistakes are common in Vermont marriage certificates. Among the usual errors that individuals face include:

• Misspelled names
• Incorrect dates
• Wrong place of marriage
• Omitted information

Vermont couples can correct these mistakes, but the process varies depending on the length of time the error is identified.

Individuals can visit the town clerk's office for a correction if the mistake was noticed within six months after the marriage is solemnized. The town clerk can correct or complete the certificate by requiring documents to certify the error.

If the error is identified after six months, couples must petition the court for a correction. Usually, this procedure will prompt the court to set a hearing date, which allows the couple to present evidence of correction. Once the court approves the correction, they will amend the marriage certificate.

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

The Vermont Safe at Home Address Confidentiality Program (ACP) aims to protect victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, and human trafficking by providing them with a substitute address to use for official purposes. This program prevents their actual residential address from being disclosed publicly, which reduces the risk of being located by an abuser.

Individuals enrolled in the ACP can apply the protection to their marriage records. They can notify the town clerk during their marriage license application to reflect the substitute address instead of their actual address.

The marriage records protected by the ACP are kept confidential and not made available to the public. Access is restricted to authorized parties only, including the individuals themselves or certain government agencies, as permitted by law.

Vermont Marriage Statistics and Trends

The percentage of married individuals in the U.S. decreased from 58% in 1995 to 53% in 2018. During the same period, however, the number of individuals choosing cohabitation rose, with 7% of Americans opting to live with a partner in 2018, compared to the 3% reported in 1995.

Vermont marriage data diverges from these nationwide trends. Refer to the table below to learn more about the state's marriage statistics:

Related Articles

What Different Types of Marriages Are There? 

What Is Civil Marriage: Pros and Cons