Getting Married in Connecticut: A Legal Guide
Connecticut marriage laws require couples to obtain a marriage license from a town clerk, which is valid for 65 days, and have the ceremony performed by an authorized officiant. The state has no waiting period after receiving your license, but requires proper identification, payment of fees, and completion of an application before your ceremony can legally take place.
Marriage in Connecticut creates legal rights and responsibilities that affect property ownership, inheritance, healthcare decisions, and tax status. Understanding these legal implications before your wedding day can help ensure a smooth transition into married life and protect both parties' interests.
Key Considerations
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Relevant Documents
Beneficiary Designation Forms
Documents that specify who receives assets from retirement accounts, life insurance policies, and other financial accounts upon your death.
Durable Power of Attorney
Authorizes someone to make financial and legal decisions on your behalf if you become incapacitated, ensuring your affairs can be managed without court intervention.
Healthcare Power of Attorney
Designates someone to make medical decisions for you if you're unable to do so, ensuring your healthcare preferences are respected.
Prenuptial Agreement
A contract entered into before marriage that establishes rights to property and financial support in case of divorce or death. This document can protect pre-marital assets and outline financial responsibilities during marriage.
Updated Will
A legal document that specifies how your assets should be distributed after death. Marriage typically invalidates previous wills in many jurisdictions, making it important to create a new one that includes your spouse.
Relevant Laws
Connecticut General Statutes § 46b-20 to 46b-38
These statutes outline Connecticut's marriage laws, including who may legally marry, age requirements (18 years or older without parental consent, 16-17 with parental/guardian consent), and the marriage license application process. Couples must obtain a marriage license from a town clerk and have it solemnized within 65 days by an authorized person.
Connecticut General Statutes § 46b-24
This law specifies that couples must apply for a marriage license in person at the town clerk's office in the town where the marriage will take place or where either applicant resides. The license becomes valid immediately upon issuance and remains valid for 65 days. Both parties must appear together to apply for the license.
Connecticut General Statutes § 46b-22
This statute defines who may legally perform marriage ceremonies in Connecticut, including ordained clergy, elected officials (judges, justices of the peace, family support magistrates), and certain appointed officials. The law also recognizes ceremonies performed according to the customs of religious societies.
Connecticut General Statutes § 46b-25
This law requires applicants to provide specific information when applying for a marriage license, including full names, addresses, dates and places of birth, parents' names and birthplaces, social security numbers, and whether either party has been previously married. This information is necessary for the town clerk to issue a valid marriage license.
Connecticut General Statutes § 46b-28a
Connecticut recognizes marriages that are valid in the jurisdiction where they were performed (full faith and credit). This is important for couples who may have married elsewhere and are now residing in Connecticut, as their marriage will be legally recognized in the state.
Regional Variances
Marriage License Requirements in Connecticut
In Hartford, couples must apply for their marriage license at the Town Clerk's office. Both parties must appear in person. Hartford requires a 24-hour waiting period after obtaining the license before the ceremony can take place, and the license is valid for 65 days.
New Haven follows the standard Connecticut requirements but specifically requires proof of divorce or death certificate if previously married. The Town Clerk's office in New Haven is known for being particularly strict about documentation requirements.
Stamford requires appointments for marriage license applications, unlike some other Connecticut municipalities where walk-ins are accepted. The license fee in Stamford is $50, payable by cash or check only.
Bridgeport's Town Clerk offers extended hours on Thursdays for marriage license applications, making it more accessible for working couples. They also provide a notary service on-site if needed for any marriage-related documentation.
Marriage Ceremony Requirements
Greenwich has specific regulations for beach weddings, requiring a special permit from the Parks and Recreation Department at least 30 days in advance, with additional fees that can range from $250-$500 depending on residency status.
While not a separate jurisdiction but a village within Stonington, Mystic has become a popular wedding destination and has specific rules for ceremonies at the Mystic Seaport Museum and other historic venues, often requiring approval from the historical society.
Rural Litchfield County has unique considerations for barn and farm weddings, with many towns requiring special event permits and noise ordinance compliance that can vary significantly from town to town within the county.
Name Change Procedures
Fairfield County courts typically process name change applications faster than other counties, often within 2-3 weeks after marriage. They also provide a comprehensive checklist specific to their jurisdiction for all documents needed.
New London County requires additional documentation for name changes on driver's licenses, including proof of residence within the county, which differs from requirements in other Connecticut counties.
Suggested Compliance Checklist
Apply for a Marriage License
30-60 days before wedding days after startingIn Connecticut, both parties must appear in person at the town clerk's office to apply for a marriage license. You'll need to bring identification (driver's license, passport, or birth certificate), social security numbers, and pay a fee (approximately $50). The license is valid for 65 days from issuance and there is no waiting period in Connecticut, so you can get married the same day you receive your license.
Consider a Prenuptial Agreement
90-120 days before wedding days after startingWhile optional, a prenuptial agreement can protect assets acquired before marriage and outline financial responsibilities. In Connecticut, prenuptial agreements must be in writing, signed by both parties, and executed voluntarily with full financial disclosure. Consider consulting with separate attorneys to ensure the agreement is fair and enforceable under Connecticut law.
Update or Create a Will
60 days after wedding days after startingMarriage automatically changes certain inheritance rights in Connecticut. After marriage, your spouse typically becomes entitled to a portion of your estate even without a will. Creating or updating your will ensures your assets are distributed according to your wishes and can prevent potential disputes. Connecticut requires that wills be in writing, signed by the testator, and witnessed by two individuals.
Create a Healthcare Power of Attorney
60 days after wedding days after startingThis document allows your spouse or another trusted person to make medical decisions on your behalf if you become incapacitated. In Connecticut, this document must be signed in the presence of two witnesses who are not the appointed agent, and these witnesses must also sign the document. The document does not need to be notarized to be legally valid in Connecticut.
Establish a Durable Power of Attorney
60 days after wedding days after startingThis document authorizes your spouse or another trusted person to handle financial and legal matters if you become unable to do so. In Connecticut, a durable power of attorney must be signed and dated by the principal (you) and acknowledged before a notary public or other authorized official. Two witnesses are also required, and they cannot be the agent named in the document.
Update Beneficiary Designation Forms
30 days after wedding days after startingReview and update beneficiary designations on life insurance policies, retirement accounts, investment accounts, and other financial assets. Marriage does not automatically change these designations in Connecticut, so you must update them manually to include your spouse if desired.
Apply for Name Change (if applicable)
30 days after wedding days after startingIf either spouse wishes to change their name after marriage, you'll need to update your social security card first, then your driver's license, passport, and other identification documents. In Connecticut, you can use your marriage certificate as proof of name change without filing a separate court petition. Start with the Social Security Administration, then the DMV, then other documents.
Establish Joint Bank Accounts (if desired)
60 days after wedding days after startingWhile not required, many married couples choose to open joint bank accounts. In Connecticut, joint accounts are owned equally by both parties regardless of contribution amounts. Consider whether you want to maintain separate accounts, create joint accounts, or use a combination approach based on your financial situation and preferences.
Update Health Insurance Coverage
30 days after wedding days after startingMarriage is a qualifying life event that allows you to add your spouse to your health insurance or switch to your spouse's plan outside of open enrollment periods. In Connecticut, you typically have 30 days from your wedding date to make these changes. Contact your health insurance provider or employer's HR department to understand the specific process and documentation required.
Research Tax Implications
90 days after wedding days after startingMarriage affects your tax filing status and may change your tax liability. Connecticut has a state income tax, and married couples can file jointly or separately for both state and federal taxes. Consider consulting with a tax professional to understand how marriage will affect your specific tax situation and whether you need to adjust tax withholdings with employers.
Update Address and Emergency Contact Information
30 days after wedding days after startingIf you're moving in together after marriage, update your address with the postal service, employers, financial institutions, and for voter registration. Also update emergency contact information with employers, doctors, and other relevant organizations to include your spouse.
Review and Potentially Combine Auto Insurance
60 days after wedding days after startingConnecticut requires all drivers to have auto insurance. After marriage, you may qualify for multi-car discounts by combining policies. Contact your insurance providers to compare rates and determine the best option for your situation.
| Task | Description | Document | Days after starting |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apply for a Marriage License | In Connecticut, both parties must appear in person at the town clerk's office to apply for a marriage license. You'll need to bring identification (driver's license, passport, or birth certificate), social security numbers, and pay a fee (approximately $50). The license is valid for 65 days from issuance and there is no waiting period in Connecticut, so you can get married the same day you receive your license. | Marriage License Application | 30-60 days before wedding |
| Consider a Prenuptial Agreement | While optional, a prenuptial agreement can protect assets acquired before marriage and outline financial responsibilities. In Connecticut, prenuptial agreements must be in writing, signed by both parties, and executed voluntarily with full financial disclosure. Consider consulting with separate attorneys to ensure the agreement is fair and enforceable under Connecticut law. | Prenuptial Agreement | 90-120 days before wedding |
| Update or Create a Will | Marriage automatically changes certain inheritance rights in Connecticut. After marriage, your spouse typically becomes entitled to a portion of your estate even without a will. Creating or updating your will ensures your assets are distributed according to your wishes and can prevent potential disputes. Connecticut requires that wills be in writing, signed by the testator, and witnessed by two individuals. | Updated Will | 60 days after wedding |
| Create a Healthcare Power of Attorney | This document allows your spouse or another trusted person to make medical decisions on your behalf if you become incapacitated. In Connecticut, this document must be signed in the presence of two witnesses who are not the appointed agent, and these witnesses must also sign the document. The document does not need to be notarized to be legally valid in Connecticut. | Healthcare Power of Attorney | 60 days after wedding |
| Establish a Durable Power of Attorney | This document authorizes your spouse or another trusted person to handle financial and legal matters if you become unable to do so. In Connecticut, a durable power of attorney must be signed and dated by the principal (you) and acknowledged before a notary public or other authorized official. Two witnesses are also required, and they cannot be the agent named in the document. | Durable Power of Attorney | 60 days after wedding |
| Update Beneficiary Designation Forms | Review and update beneficiary designations on life insurance policies, retirement accounts, investment accounts, and other financial assets. Marriage does not automatically change these designations in Connecticut, so you must update them manually to include your spouse if desired. | Beneficiary Designation Forms | 30 days after wedding |
| Apply for Name Change (if applicable) | If either spouse wishes to change their name after marriage, you'll need to update your social security card first, then your driver's license, passport, and other identification documents. In Connecticut, you can use your marriage certificate as proof of name change without filing a separate court petition. Start with the Social Security Administration, then the DMV, then other documents. | Name Change Application | 30 days after wedding |
| Establish Joint Bank Accounts (if desired) | While not required, many married couples choose to open joint bank accounts. In Connecticut, joint accounts are owned equally by both parties regardless of contribution amounts. Consider whether you want to maintain separate accounts, create joint accounts, or use a combination approach based on your financial situation and preferences. | Joint Bank Account Application | 60 days after wedding |
| Update Health Insurance Coverage | Marriage is a qualifying life event that allows you to add your spouse to your health insurance or switch to your spouse's plan outside of open enrollment periods. In Connecticut, you typically have 30 days from your wedding date to make these changes. Contact your health insurance provider or employer's HR department to understand the specific process and documentation required. | Health Insurance Coverage Change Form | 30 days after wedding |
| Research Tax Implications | Marriage affects your tax filing status and may change your tax liability. Connecticut has a state income tax, and married couples can file jointly or separately for both state and federal taxes. Consider consulting with a tax professional to understand how marriage will affect your specific tax situation and whether you need to adjust tax withholdings with employers. | - | 90 days after wedding |
| Update Address and Emergency Contact Information | If you're moving in together after marriage, update your address with the postal service, employers, financial institutions, and for voter registration. Also update emergency contact information with employers, doctors, and other relevant organizations to include your spouse. | - | 30 days after wedding |
| Review and Potentially Combine Auto Insurance | Connecticut requires all drivers to have auto insurance. After marriage, you may qualify for multi-car discounts by combining policies. Contact your insurance providers to compare rates and determine the best option for your situation. | - | 60 days after wedding |
Frequently Asked Questions
In Connecticut, you must be at least 18 years old to marry without parental consent (16-17 year-olds need parental consent). Both parties must appear in person at a town clerk's office to apply for a marriage license. You'll need to provide identification (driver's license, passport, or birth certificate), your Social Security numbers, and pay a fee (typically $30-50). There is no blood test requirement. The marriage license is valid for 65 days from issuance, and there is no waiting period before you can use it.
Connecticut recognizes marriages performed by judges, family support magistrates, state referees, justices of the peace, ordained or licensed clergy members of any religious denomination, and certain elected officials (including the governor, lieutenant governor, and mayors). If you want a friend or family member to officiate, they can become a justice of the peace or get ordained online through various organizations, though they should verify that their ordination meets Connecticut's requirements.
Unlike some states, Connecticut does not legally require witnesses to be present at your wedding ceremony. However, your officiant will need to sign your marriage license, and many couples still choose to have witnesses as part of their ceremony for traditional or personal reasons.
After your ceremony, the officiant must complete and sign the marriage license and return it to the town clerk's office where it was issued within 10 days of the ceremony. Once filed, you can obtain certified copies of your marriage certificate from the town clerk's office. These official documents may be needed for name changes, insurance updates, and other legal matters.
Yes, Connecticut has recognized same-sex marriages since 2008, well before the 2015 Supreme Court decision that legalized same-sex marriage nationwide. Same-sex couples have exactly the same marriage rights and responsibilities as opposite-sex couples in Connecticut.
Connecticut recognizes prenuptial agreements, which must be in writing and signed by both parties. For a prenup to be enforceable, there must be full financial disclosure between parties, the agreement must be entered into voluntarily, and its terms cannot be unconscionable. It's highly recommended that each party have their own attorney review the agreement before signing. Connecticut follows the Connecticut Premarital Agreement Act, which provides specific guidelines for valid prenuptial agreements.
A marriage that is legally performed in Connecticut is recognized in all other U.S. states due to the Full Faith and Credit Clause of the U.S. Constitution and the Supreme Court's rulings on marriage equality. However, if you live in another state, you'll be subject to that state's laws regarding property, divorce, and other marriage-related legal matters.
Connecticut is an 'equitable distribution' state, not a 'community property' state. This means that property acquired during marriage isn't automatically considered jointly owned 50/50. In the event of divorce, courts divide property based on what they consider fair, which may not be equal. However, during marriage, spouses have certain rights regarding jointly owned property and inheritance rights even for separately owned property.