connecticut marriage officiant lawconnecticut marriage officiant law

(Formerly Sec. Enfield, CT 06082, (860) 253-6440 Woodstock, CT 06281, (860) 928-6595 ext 320 or 322 03-238, S. 1; P.A. We have broken this duty down into four simple steps: At some point on the wedding day, you need to ask the couple to present their marriage license. (860) 292-1121 (a) Except as provided in section 46b-28a, no persons may be joined in marriage in this state until both have complied with the provisions of this section, sections 46b-20a, 46b-25 and 46b-29 to 46b-33, inclusive, and have been issued a license by the registrar for the town in which the marriage is to be celebrated, which license shall bear the certification of the registrar that the persons named therein have complied with the provisions of said sections. 17-54, S. Basically, in addition to being an ordained minister, you must also be a legal adult. North Haven, CT 06473, (203) 239-5321 x 630 South Windsor website , 501 Main Street South, Rm. Susan Bysiewicz signed on Friday. Refusal To Solemnize Or Participate In Ceremony Solemnizing A Marriage On Religious Grounds. Sec. 82-166, S. 3, 4; P.A. Phone: (206) 285-1086 Fax: (916) 634-7701. (1967, P.A. Affidavit in lieu of certificate. (203) 881-5005 All marriages attempted to be celebrated by any other person are void. Proof of ordination is a must if a couple or a government official asks for it at the wedding venue. Do we need wedding rings? Officiating a wedding in Connecticut can be broken down into two responsibilities. (c) Anyone who joins any persons in marriage without having received such license from them shall be fined not more than one hundred dollars. Want to Learn More about Ministry in Connecticut? Windham, CT 06226, (860) 465-3013 (860) 722-8041 Even mayors can perform the ceremony in some states. $200 - $299 $300 - $399 $400+ Services Premarital Counseling Bilingual Types Non-religious Interfaith Ceremony Rehearsal Vow Renewal We've put together a comprehensive guide to marriage law in Connecticut to make sure you're informed on the ins and outs of performing a wedding there. A physical copy of your Ordination Certification is useful to have in the event that the couple or anyone else affiliated with the wedding asks to see proof of your ordination. 25.). 94; P.A. (860) 668-3312 If you will be officiating a wedding in The Constitution State, there are some things you'll need to be aware of. Civil is a designation for government officials. Burlington, CT 06013, (860) 673-6789 ext.2 All marriages solemnized according to the forms and usages of any religious denomination in this state, including marriages witnessed by a duly constituted Spiritual Assembly of the Bahais, are valid. Recognition By Another State Or Jurisdiction Of Marriages Entered Into In This State. Ordination is free and can be completed in just a matter of minutes. Old Saybrook, CT 06475, (860) 395-3135 However, speaking with local marriage officials can help clarify the requirements. North Stonington website , 125 East Ave. Room 102 Deep River website , 1 Elizabeth Street CLICK ME! (860) 584-6199 6.). Old Lyme, CT 06371, (860) 434-1605 x 221 Be sure that the couple has picked up their Connecticut marriage license from the appropriate office. Killingly, CT 06239, (860) 779-5307 Wallingford website , 74 West St. Stay up-to-date with the latest wedding industry trends. Phillip J Campbell, Justice of the Peace 5.0 ( 15) Greater Hartford & Beyond! Ledyard website , Lisbon Town Hall 1 Newent Road (Formerly Sec. Waterford, CT 06385, (860) 444-5831 Between 2000 and 2021, there were 1,251 child marriages in Connecticut. Prospect, CT 06712, (203) 758-4461 Below you can read through our curated list of all Connecticut laws related to marriage, weddings, officiants, and marriage licenses. 46b-24. Your marriage license is to be applied for in the town in which you are going to have the ceremony performed. Salem website , 27 Main Street Farmington, CT 06032, (860) 675-2380 Sprague, CT 06330, (860) 822-3000 Ext.220 Need inspiration? Connecticut does have a law ( General Statutes of Connecticut 46b-22) that specifies who can solemnize marriage. Greenwich website , 28 Main Street 01-4, S. 27, 58; P.A. Burlington website , 108 Main Street Your official title will be "Minister"; for ceremony type, put "Religious"; for denomination, write "Non-Denominational". License. Lisbon website , 74 West Street Before this law, there was no age requirement for marriage in the state, and between the years of 2001 and 2021, there were over 1,200 child marriages in Connecticut. A marriage licenses validity is determined by three laws that specify the marriage license waiting period, expiration, and return. 91-12, S. 2, 3; P.A. 46-3). Southbury website , 75 Main Street (860) 684-1795 2.). Wolcott website , 11 Meetinghouse Lane Oxford, CT 06478, (203) 888-2543 ext.3024 Coventry, CT 06238, (860) 742-7966 Between 2000 and 2021, there were 1,251 child marriages in Connecticut. Sprague website , 1 Main St., 1st Fl. Montville website , 3 East Street Norwalk website , 100 Broadway 313, S. 12; P.A. When speaking with the county clerk; it can be helpful to use the following phrases. (a) A person is eligible to marry if such person is: (1) Not a party to another marriage, or a relationship that provides substantially the same rights, benefits and responsibilities as a marriage, entered into in this state or another state or jurisdiction, unless the parties to the marriage will be the same as the parties to such other relationship; (2) Except as provided in subsection (b) of this section, at least eighteen years of age; (3) Except as provided in section 46b-29, not under the supervision or control of a conservator; and. Connecticut does not permit any type of marriage by proxy. Sterling, CT 06373, (860) 564-2657 (2) Except as provided in subsection (b) of this section, at least eighteen years of age; North Branford, CT 06471, (203) 484-6015 Be aware that the weather in Connecticut can reach both extremes and be sure to plan accordingly. (203) 385-4005 97-10, S. 2, 3; P.A. In Connecticut, the legal age of consent to enter into a marriage is 18 years old. Sec. Bethlehem, CT 06751, (203) 266-7510 ext 2 Family Law. The bulk of your time and energy will be taken up in preparing for the wedding ceremony. (860) 677-8428 CLICK ME! Bristol website , 100 Pocono Road Everything you need to know to officiate. For purposes of this section, another jurisdiction includes, but is not limited to, the Mashantucket Pequot reservation and the Mohegan reservation. (203) 234-2130 Couple's Consent Required: Yes. (203) 783-4856 P.A. A marriage, or a relationship that provides substantially the same rights, benefits and responsibilities as a marriage, between two persons entered into in another state or jurisdiction and recognized as valid by such other state or jurisdiction shall be recognized as a valid marriage in this state, provided such marriage or relationship is not expressly prohibited by statute in this state. In Connecticut either an opposite-sex or a same-sex couple can be joined in marriage. 46b-22. Most couples file for their marriage license a week or two before the ceremony date, in which case the marriage license, according to state law, is valid. Guilford, CT 06437, (203) 453-8001 Period Of Validity. I am very impressed with your quick and professional service as well as your knowledge. Andover website , 253 Main Street Cromwell website , 155 Deer Hill Ave Greenwich, CT 06830, (203) 622-7700 If the license is signed and sworn to by the applicants on different dates, the later date shall be deemed the date of application. Marriage Certificate. Canaan website , 1 Municipal Drive Now there's just one final step - but it's an important one! If you choose to get ordained with American Marriage Ministries, consider ordering one of the following packages. According to the General Statutes of Connecticut 46b-22, all ministers, including online ordained ministers of American Marriage Ministries can officiate any marriage ceremony in the state of Connecticut. East Haven, CT 06512, (203) 468-3201 The state grants marriages to same-sex couples; they are entitled to the same form of marriage as a couple that is not the same sex. Connecticut Officiant Government Registration, Connecticut Officiant Ceremony Preparation, After Officiating a Wedding in Connecticut, Connecticut Zoom Wedding Legal Information, Connecticut Important Officiant Registration Facts. (a) Each person who joins any person in marriage shall certify upon the license certificate the fact, time and place of the marriage, and return it to the registrar of the town where the marriage took place, before or during the first week of the month following the marriage. The office in charge of recording marriages - usually a county clerk - will sometimes ask to see documentation such as your ordination credential or a letter of good standing. In the state of Connecticut, marriage licenses are issued by city or town clerk's offices. (203) 294-2150 96-3; June 18 Sp. Barkhamsted website , 10 Maple Ave Prior to the enactment of that law, Connecticut did not have any age requirement for marriage. Many ULC ministers have used these resources for guidance when becoming professional officiants! Prior to the enactment of that law, Connecticut did not have any age requirement for marriage. (860) 675-2389 (860) 675-9312 (860) 769-3547 7-73 Fees for marriage license, burial or removal, transit and burial permit. Both the couple and the minister must attend the ceremony. Woodbridge website , 281 Main St. S. Connecticut, being one of the oldest continuously inhabited parts of the U.S., has a rich and varied history along a large coastline. Bethany, CT 06524, (203) 393-2100 Ext. (b) If any person fails to return the certificate to the registrar, as required under subsection (a) of this section, the persons joined in marriage may provide the registrar with a notarized affidavit attesting to the fact that they were joined in marriage and stating the date and place of the marriage. (860) 546-9295 Though this doesnt have to be the case, as the marriage license can be completed at any time on the wedding day before or after the ceremony. Beyond being articulated in the General Statutes of Connecticut, this right is also enshrined in the 1st amendment of the US Constitution: Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.. All marriages attempted to be celebrated by any other person are void. Sec. Once you have completed an online requirement to be an ordained minister of American Marriage Ministries, you will have the legal ability to officiate weddings anywhere in Connecticut. on the official state site. Conn. Gen. Stat. (860) 379-2342 Want to Learn More about Ministry in Connecticut? (203) 656-1078 Estonia's parliament passed on Tuesday a law legalizing same-sex marriage, becoming the first ex-Soviet country to do so. 129 Waterbury website , 15 Rope Ferry Road The license shall be completed in its entirety, dated, signed and sworn to by each applicant and shall state each applicant's name, age, birthplace, residence, whether single, widowed or divorced and whether under the supervision or control of a conservator or guardian. Under Connecticut law, a person may not be ordained for the sole purpose of officiating a wedding ceremony. Norwalk, CT 06851, (203) 854-7747 Simply put, at no point in your journey from ordination to officiating are you required to contact or register with any Connecticut government office. Brooklyn website , 200 Spielman Highway (860) 742-8911 Sims Squared Weddings 5.0 ( 3) Connecticut Janice E. Favreau ( 0) South Windsor, CT Wedding Officiants & Premarital Counseling near Stamford, CT View All (80) Beth Siegelbaum JP ( 0) Fairfield County, Connecticut Peter Green 5.0 ( 1) 16-66, S. 29; P.A. . Effect Of Marriage Equality Law On Provision Of Adoption, Foster Care Or Social Services By Religious Organization. Bolton website , 1 River Road 06-196, S. 276; P.A. Southbury, CT 06488, (203) 262-0657 Bethel website , 36 Main St South Under current state law, which was enacted in 2017, a probate judge can issue marriage licenses to 16 and 17-year-olds with the written consent of a parent or guardian. Our online ordination process is simple, fast, and entirely free. Related Articles Pronouncement Required: Yes. Here we cover the important things that you as the officiant need to do, such as how to best prepare for officiating a wedding ceremony and Writing the Wedding Ceremony. (860) 793-2285 No license may be issued by the registrar until both persons have appeared before the registrar and made application for a license. that a marriage that is defective for want of a required statutory formality, such as a marriage license or solemnization of the ceremony, does not necessarily void the marriage. Validity Of Marriage In This State. 4.). (860) 395-5014 00-196, S. 06-196, S. 276; P.A. Penalty for solemnization without license. The information provided below will walk you through the steps one must follow to become a minister and perform a valid wedding ceremony in the state of Connecticut. Norwich website , 52 Lyme Street The reason for this is that the designation Religious and Civil mean something different to the Connecticut Government. 09-13, S. Once the legal matters have been taken care of, officiating a wedding (while a sometimes-daunting task) can be a great deal of fun. Any person who fails to do so shall be fined not more than ten dollars. We recommend that all new Connecticut wedding ministers who have issues or concerns about the ceremony read over our helpful guides. This is usually the responsibility of the couple though it is a good practice as the officiant to follow-up with the couple to make sure that the completed marriage license has been returned. 342 Any person who fails to do so shall be fined not more than ten dollars. Penalty for unauthorized performance. Two adults will be able to marry "regardless of their gender . Ordained ministers of the Universal Life Church have successfully performed thousands of legal marriages in Connecticut. Hebron website , 41 Kent Green Blvd (4) Not prohibited from entering into a marriage pursuant to section 46b-21. 100 Pease Street #7 North Canaan, Ct 06018 Ph: 860.824.7313 ext. Choose Your Officiant with our "Will You Marry Us?" The cost of a marriage license in Connecticut is $50, and it must be paid at the time that the couple applies for the license. The relevant section is displayed below: Sec. 46-5a). Likewise, it is not necessary that either member of the couple who has been previously married provide any type of evidence that the prior marriage was effectively dissolved. Plymouth website , 5 Haven Road Marriage license surcharge. Glastonbury website , 42C North Street (1949 Rev., S. 7304; P.A. Created and reviewed for accuracy by researchers at the Universal Life Church Ministries. Easton website , 55 Main Street 85-83, S. 1, 2; P.A. Yes, in fact, there are laws in Connecticut that specify who is eligible to solemnize a marriage. East Hampton website , 740 Main Street - 1st Floor When done, you must sign it with the couple and two adult witnesses (they are also required to sign the marriage license). Application for license. 342 (P.A. (1967, P.A. Fairfield website , 1 Monteith Drive Learn All About Marriage Law in Connecticut. (1) Registrar means the registrar of vital statistics; For church name, enterAmerican Marriage Ministries. Meriden website , 1212 Whittemore Road Marriage Of Persons Under Conservatorship. Massachusetts outlawed . Validity Of Marriage Ceremony. (860) 963-5360 Monroe website , 310 Norwich-New London Tpke., Room 5 (860) 210-2096 (860) 342-0001 Derby website , 30 Townhouse Road Connecticut marriage licenses valid for a set number of days, and there may be a waiting period between when the couple receives the marriage license in Connecticut and when the ceremony may be legally performed in Connecticut. (860) 487-4431 Branford website , 45 Lyon Terrace, Room 204 Haddam website , 2750 DIXWELL AVENUE Family Law Marriage License Fee: $50.00 50 South Main St., Room 313 West Hartford, CT 06107 Ph: 860.561.7430 Fx: 860.561.7438 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. / M, W 7:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. / Tu 8:30 a.m. - 7:00 p.m. /Th 8:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. / F It is important to note that some county clerks in Connecticut may require wedding officiants to attach a statement which asserts some of the elements in the marriage license upon submission, including the following: Please note that, when filling out a marriage license, that Connecticut State may request you use the title "Minister" or "Reverend". (860) 652-7639 Groton website , 31 Park Street Avon, CT 06001, (860) 409-4311 14-146, S. A parent or guardian of a minor may, on behalf of the minor, petition the Probate Court for the district in which the minor resides seeking approval for the issuance of a license to such minor. Below are the most common questions people have regarding filling out a marriage license. 06-195, S. 19; P.A. (860) 434-1400 (203) 468-3372 The Connecticut government does not have any office that registers, certifies, or licenses wedding officiants. (860) 632-3425 87-587, S. 13, 18; P.A. Once you have completed of the above, you are ready to perform the wedding! If you are unclear on where or how to return the marriage license, the couple should know. Connecticut Code Title 46b. Town of Monroe Marriage License Requirements Connecticut Code Title 46b. 46b-20a. Marriage By Proxy Allowed: No Minister Required to be Present: Yes Number of Witnesses Required: None Min. Washington website , 235 Grand St. 1st Floor Colorado: Wedding Officiants: Marriages . Hamden, CT 06518, (203) 287-7028 If so, please take a moment and share your thoughts and feelings about your wedding ceremony. If you need further clarification on what these terms mean, there is a good explanation here. Hebron, CT 06248, (860) 228-5971 (860) 642-7716 As long as you are a member of any religious institution that grants you the authority to solemnize marriage, you are good to go. There is no mandatory waiting period - meaning that a ceremony can legally be performed as soon as the license is issued. Scotland, CT 06264, (860) 423-9634 x102 (860) 826-3348 Connecticut marriage laws are governed by Section 46b of the state code. Connecticut Marriage Laws Our complete list of the 21 General Statutes of Connecticut relevant to marriage. Congratulations! After a wedding, a minister or other officiant must fill out the officiants section of the marriage license. Various states in the USA have various laws governing marriage. Saying Yes To Performing a Wedding Ceremony, prepare for officiating a wedding ceremony, RELIGIOUS DENOMINATION ON MARRIAGE LICENSE, Saying Yes to Officiating a Wedding Ceremony. Kent website , 172 Main Street Killingworth website , 579 Exeter Road Check the marriage license for the exact dates. To give an example, let's say the couple plans to get a Fairfield County marriage license. Please be aware that the signed license must be returned to the issuing office in Connecticut before the time limit is reached. As an AMM minister, you are legally empowered under the protections of the General Statutes of Connecticut 46b-22 to officiate wedding ceremonies. Solemnization of Marriage is simply a fancy way of saying, Perform Marriage, Conduct a Wedding, or Officiate a Wedding. Chaplin, CT 06235, (860) 455-0073 ext 312 A summer wedding can be hot and balmy, while a winter ceremony will likely be very cold, maybe even snowy. Stamford, CT 06901, (203) 977-4054 5-Year Unlimited Connecticut Ordination Package $24.95. Hampton, CT 06247, (860) 455-9132 The letter of good standing acknowledges this condition of Connecticuts statutory law and indicates compliance. Litchfield website , 480 Hamburg Rd, Rte 156 2022 - Nautical Wedding Bells. Introduce yourself as a minister planning to perform a wedding and inquire about what documents they'll need to see from you. In Connecticut, ministers are required to register before they are eligible to legally solemnize marriages. The address that you provide should be your home address rather than the address of the ULC. Groton, CT 06340, (860) 446-4102 First, you must meet the age requirements (basically, you must both be 18, but there are exceptions). You need to: Conduct the Wedding Ceremony (Non-Legal Duty) Complete the Marriage License (Legal Duty) So far, we have gone over how to prepare for a wedding ceremony in Connecticut. (203) 879-8105 Eligibility To Marry. (b) No public official legally authorized to issue marriage licenses may join persons in marriage under authority of a license issued by himself, or his assistant or deputy; nor may any such assistant or deputy join persons in marriage under authority of a license issued by such public official. If these instructions are not included with the marriage license, you can call the issuance office or visit their website for further clarification. However since it is not every day that you fill out marriage licenses, you may find some of the fields confusing at first glance. 01-4, S. 1, 3; P.A. 5.). 1. Bethany website , Clifford J. Hurgin Municipal Center, 1 School Street Age of Witnesses: Not Applicable Couple's Consent Required: Yes Pronouncement Required: Yes Connecticut does not permit any type of marriage by proxy. Seymour website , 63 Main Street