How-To: Certified Copies of Marriage Certificates

Back to
Town Clerk's Office

Español: Puede traducir esta página automáticamente usando la opción “Traducir” en su navegador o teléfono. Estamos aquí para ayudar. 


Certified copies of marriage certificates are available through the Town Clerk’s Office for marriages that took place in North Canaan, Connecticut and for individuals who are eligible to request them.


A certified copy is a legal document with the raised seal of the Town Clerk and is accepted by government agencies for purposes such as:
 ✔ Name change
 ✔ Social Security
 ✔ Real ID/DMV
 ✔ Passport
 ✔ Insurance and benefits
 ✔ Legal proceedings


Who May Request a Certified Copy

Under Connecticut law, certified copies may be issued to:


  • Either spouse named on the certificate


  • Immediate family members (parent, child, grandparent, grandchild, sibling)


  • Legal guardians or conservators


  • Attorneys-at-law or legal representatives


  • Individuals or agencies with a direct legal interest (documentation may be required)



Government-issued photo identification is required when requesting a certified copy.


Marriage Records We Can Provide

We can provide certified copies for marriage certificates if:


  • The wedding took place in North Canaan, or

  • One or both spouses lived in North Canaan when they got married


If neither condition applies, the certificate will be on file in the town where the marriage occurred and in the town where the spouses resided at the time


If you are unsure which town the marriage was recorded in, we can assist you with verification.


How to Request a Certified Copy

Request In Person

Visit the Town Clerk’s Office during posted office hours and bring:


  • Valid photo ID


  • Fee payment ($20.00)



Copies are typically issued while you wait.


Request By Mail


Please send:


  • Completed Certified Copy Request Form


  • Photocopy of valid photo ID


  • Payment by check or money order


  • Self-addressed stamped envelope (recommended)



Mail to:
 North Canaan Town Clerk
100 Pease Street #7
North Canaan, CT 06018


Online Ordering Option

Request certified copies online through our authorized third-party vendor, VitalChek.

✓ Online ordering allows payment by credit card
 ✓ Helpful for out-of-state requests or those unable to visit Town Hall
 ✓ Secure identity verification process

Please note:

✓ Online orders require additional vendor processing and identity verification
 ✓ Processing times may be longer than requests submitted directly through the Town Clerk’s Office

Certified copies requested directly through the North Canaan Town Clerk’s Office (in person or by mail) are typically processed more quickly.

https://www.vitalchek.com/v/



Fees

Connecticut state law sets the fee for certified copies at:


  • $20.00 per certified copy



Accepted payment types:
 (Cash, Check, Money Order)


Processing Time
  • In-person: Same day


  • By mail: Typically 3–7 business days
    (Additional mailing time may apply)



Required Identification

Acceptable forms of photo ID include:


  • Driver's license


  • State ID card


  • Passport


  • Military ID



If you cannot provide one of the above, please contact the Clerk’s Office for alternate documentation options.


Forms & Downloads

📄 Certified Copy Request Form (Marriage Certificates)
→   New Marriage Cert Request.pdf


Contact the Town Clerk

For questions about eligibility or how to request records, please contact:



North Canaan Town Clerk
100 Pease Street #7
North Canaan, CT 06018
Phone: (860)824-7313 Option 1
Email: townclerk@northcanaan.org 



Office Hours:
Monday-Thursday 8:30am-3:30pm 
Open for Lunch