Getting Married in West Hartford?

Step 1:  You must complete a Marriage License Application online.
Step 2:  You must request an appointment online to come into the Town Clerk's office to pick up your marriage license. 

**Please note: 48 hours after signing your marriage license, you may pick up your license from our office Monday through Friday, between 9 AM and 4 PM. 

Both parties are required to present valid photo ID in order to obtain a marriage license, such as a driver’s license or passport.

You obtain your marriage license in the town you are getting married, regardless of where either person resides.

No, you are welcome to walk around and find an empty space for your officiant to perform your ceremony, but we do not offer room reservations or rentals.

Yes, effective October 1, 2026, there will be a minimum 48-hour waiting period from the time the marriage application is signed until the license may be issued and picked up.

The couple must first appear in person, during their scheduled appointment time, to sign their marriage license. Once 48 hours have passed, the couple and/or one of the parties must pick up the issued marriage license, which must be used within 65 days.

Our office will arrange your pick-up time during your scheduled appointment time.

Please note that your marriage license does have an expiration date –your ceremony must occur within 65 days from when the license has been issued. 

If your rescheduled wedding date occurs after the 65-day expiration date, a new marriage license must be obtained within 65 days of your rescheduled wedding date. Please contact our office and we will walk you through this process. Additional fees may apply.

No, on the marriage license/application you will indicate which marriage you are applying for (1=First, 2=Second, etc.).

The State of Connecticut no longer requires any person to complete a blood test when applying for a marriage license.

No, if you are married anywhere other than West Hartford (outside of Connecticut) your marriage license will only be filed in that state or country. There is no process for “filing” an international marriage license within the United States. If you need copies or translation of your international marriage license, you must get a copy from the country where the marriage occurred.

Additionally, marriage licenses do not cross state lines. For example, if you were married in Massachusetts your license will only be available in Massachusetts.

As a courtesy, the West Hartford Town Clerk’s office offers the option to prepay for a certified copy of your marriage certificate at the same time you obtain your license. If you choose this option, a certified copy of your marriage license will be mailed to you (in person pickup is available upon request) after your marriage license is returned to our office and filed.

After your marriage license is returned to our office, a permanent copy will be on file in the West Hartford Town Clerk’s office. Additionally, a copy will be sent to the town(s) that both persons reside at the time you obtained your license (this is the address that is listed on your license). For example, if you are getting married in West Hartford, you reside in Newington and your spouse resides in Farmington –a copy will be made available in all 3 towns. This does not apply to cities/towns outside of Connecticut. This also does not apply if you move to a new address after you are married.

We recommend that both persons be present simultaneously to sign the marriage license. If you are unable to come in at the same time, please notify our office, and we will do our best to accommodate your request. 

No, you must be physically present to obtain your license; this includes providing an actual “live” signature on your marriage license.