Getting Ready
The Legal Details for a Vermont Wedding
Vermont Marriage Law is a remarkably relaxed affair.
There is no waiting period or blood test required to receive a marriage license. If you’re a Vermont resident, simply visit your town clerk and for a minimal fee of $23.00, you can legally be married that same day! You can also purchase a license 60 days prior to the ceremony; however, the license becomes void after 60 days and will need to be reissued.
Other legal requirements include providing your:
• Legal town of residence
• Place and date of birth
• Parents’ names, (including mother’s maiden name), and the states where they were born
• Information regarding your race, highest degree of education completed, number of times previously married, and how previous marriages ended.
Proof for information related to the above: birth certificates and/or divorce decrees.
A judge, Supreme Court justice, assistant judge, justice of the peace, or any licensed or ordained minister residing in Vermont and recognized by the state can perform the marriage ceremony.
To obtain a copy of your Vermont Marriage Certificate:
• Upon purchase of the license, arrange with the town clerk to send you a certified copy of the marriage certificate as soon as the marriage is recorded. The cost is $7.00 (in addition to the $23.00 cost of the license).
• Two weeks or more after the ceremony, a request, in person or in writing, may be made to the office of the town clerk from which the license was purchased.
To obtain a copy of your marriage certificate you can: a) Arrange, upon purchase of the license, with the Town Clerk to mail you a certified copy of your certificate as soon as the marriage is recorded. The cost is $10 in addition to your $45 cost of the license. b) Request, in person or in writing, two weeks or more after the ceremony a copy from the Town Clerk’s office where you purchased your license. c) Request, in person or in writing, six weeks or more after your ceremony, a certified copy from the Vital Records Unit. You will receive a copy of the original embossed with the Town or State Seal and signed and dated by the appropriate official. These certified copies are good for all legal purposes.
For more info:
Vital Records Unit of the Vermont Department of Health
(802) 863-7275 (800) 439-5008.
108 Cherry Street,
PO Box 70 Burlington VT 05402
Download the Vermont State Health Dept Marriage Guidelines PDF
For more complete information regarding marriages please visit the official state website at:
www.sec.state.vt.us
Related Pages:
TIPS FOR A PERFECT VERMONT WEDDING
