APPOINTMENTS REQUIRED TO APPLY FOR MARRIAGE LICENSES

Effective August 1, 2024, couples who wish to apply for a marriage license must make an APPOINTMENT to ensure there is a registrar of vital statistics available to issue.  Please allow 25-30 minutes to complete the process.  If you fill out the Marriage License Worksheet (see link below) ahead of time, this will expedite the process.  License appointments are available Monday through Friday 8:30 am to 3:30 pm.  A marriage license is good for 65 days, so it can be obtained well ahead of your ceremony.  Please call 203-393-2100 x1104 or email townclerk@bethany-ct.com to schedule an appointment or get more information.

Marriage Licenses must be obtained prior to the wedding from the Town Clerk in the town where the marriage will be performed.  The two individuals must appear in person to complete the worksheet and sign the license.  You will be asked to provide the Officiator name and contact information as well as present photo ID.  The fee for the license is $50.00, cash, check or credit card.  If you would like to receive a certified copy of the license after it is returned to the Town Clerk by the Officiator, the cost is $20.00 for each copy.  Below is more information about the marriage license process as well as the marriage worksheet.

Important Note: The Town Clerk’s office only issues the license; they cannot perform the actual wedding ceremony.  You should arrange in advance with your chosen clergyperson or Justice of the Peace.  Click here for a list of the current Bethany Justices of the Peace.  The Town Hall is also not a wedding facility, so you should make plans ahead of time where you would like to conduct the ceremony.

Who is Eligible to Perform Marriages in Connecticut?
• Judge and retired judges, including federal judges and judges of other states;
• Family support magistrates, family support referees, state referee and justices of the peace who are appointed in Connecticut; and
• Ordained or licensed members of the clergy, including persons who have been ordained through online ministries and who are given the authority to officiate marriages through such ministries.

Forms & Applications