How to Get Married in Connecticut

Connecticut is a place of wealth and taste. It has the highest average household income in the nation and is a bastion of political clout and class. For a posh wedding, here's how to get married in Connecticut:

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Marriage license
• Identification

1. Decide where you want to have your wedding. On the coast in New Haven or Saybrook? Or perhaps you’d rather be inland on the river, say, in Hartford? There are many wedding venues to choose from (see Resources below).
2. Find a date that works. Depending on the setting you’ve chosen, see what your options are as far as dates, then agree with your fiancé on the best time to be married.
3. Find an officiant to perform the ceremony. Most couples choose a clergy member they know. However, if you prefer, you can have a justice of the peace perform your ceremony.
4. Plan your wedding details. If the two of you are too busy, consider hiring a professional wedding planner or enlisting the help of your parents or siblings.
5. Make a guest list and send invitations. Your wedding invitations should include a phone number and/or return envelope for RSVPs.
6. Get your medical tests completed. In Connecticut, all couples must undergo a test for syphilis at least a month before being married.
7. Get a marriage license. Go to the county clerk’s office and apply for one. All you need is your partner, photo identification and, depending on the county you’re being married in, approximately $35 dollars for your marriage license. This fee must be paid in cash at the time of the application (see Resources below).

Tips & Warnings

• There is no waiting period for your marriage license. You can be married the same day you receive it.
• Same-sex marriages are illegal in the state of Connecticut, although marrying one’s cousin is legal. Common-law marriages are not allowed in this state.
• Make reservations for your venue as early as you can to give yourself the best chance of securing the site you want on the date you’d prefer.

Who Can Help:

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