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 for the license. If you’re a Vermont resident simply visit your town clerk and for a minimal fee of $23 you can legally be married that same day. You can also purchase a license up to sixty days before the ceremony, however it becomes void after that sixty day period if unused and will have to be reissued.
Other legal requirements are:
• You must provide your legal town of residence
• Your place & date of birth
• Your parents’ names, including your mother’s maiden name, and the states where they were born
• You will also be asked to provide information about your race, the highest grade you completed in school, the number of times you have been married and how your previous marriages ended.
• Be prepared to provide proof for information related to the requirements above (for example birth certificates, 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 service.
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 $7 in addition to your $23 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:
http://www.vermont.gov |
