How-To: Marriage Licenses

• Where to apply: North Canaan Town Clerk’s Office
  
  
• Who applies: Both parties must appear in person (Can come separately if need be)

• Waiting Period: As of October 1, 2026, there is a state-mandated 48-hour waiting period for marriage license distribution. Parties must come in to fill out the application and return 48-hours later to pick up the marriage license.

• Where the marriage will take place: The ceremony must take place in North Canaan.
  
  
  
• Valid for: 65 days from the date of issue
  
  
  

• Marriage License – $50
  
  
• Certified Copy after ceremony – $20 per copy
  
  
  

1. Full legal name of each party
   
   
   
2. Date of birth and place of birth (city & state or country)
   
   
   
3. Current address
   
   
   
4. Parents’ full names, including birth surnames (maiden names)
   
   
   
5. If previously married: the date and manner the last marriage ended
   (death or divorce). You do not need to bring documents, only the information.
   
   
   
6. Forms
   
   
   • Optional: Completed Marriage License Worksheet
     (You may print and fill this out in advance to shorten your visit.)
     
     
     
7. Payment
   
   - Marriage license fee: $50
   
   -If you would like certified copies ready after the license is returned, each copy is $20
   
   -Accepted forms of payment: (Cash, Check, Money Order)
   
   
   

1. Schedule or Visit the Town Clerk

• Visit the North Canaan Town Clerk’s Office
  
  
• (Optional) Call ahead to confirm hours or to schedule an appointment, especially during busy wedding seasons.
  
  
  

2. Complete the Marriage License Application

• The clerk will review your Marriage License Worksheet or help you complete the application on site.
  
  
  
• You will verify all information for accuracy and sign in the presence of the clerk.
  
  

3. Receive Your Marriage License

• The Town Clerk will issue your official marriage license, valid for 65 days.
  
  
• You will take this license to your officiant for the ceremony.
  
  

4. The Ceremony

• Your officiant will perform the ceremony and complete the officiant section of the license (including signature and date of marriage).
  
  
  

5. Returning the License

• Your officiant is responsible for returning the completed license to the Town Clerk’s Office where it was issued.
  
  
  
• Once received, the clerk will record and file your marriage as a permanent vital record.
  
  
  

6. Certified Copies

• You may request one or more certified copies of your marriage certificate. These are often needed for:

• Name change
  
  
• Social Security
  
  
• Driver’s license / Real ID
  
  
• Passport
  
  
• Insurance and benefits
  
  
• Fee: $20 per certified copy

• In person at the Town Clerk’s Office
  
  
• By mail (with a completed Certified Copy Request Form)
  
  

• Ordained or licensed members of the clergy
  
  
  
• Judges and Family Support Magistrates
  
  
  
• Connecticut Justices of the Peace
  
  
  
• Certain tribal officials
  
  
  

• Marriage License Worksheet
  Helps you gather information before you come to the office.
  Marriage License Worksheet (1).pdf
  
  
• Certified Copy Request Form
  Use this after the ceremony to request certified copies of your marriage certificate.
  New Marriage Cert Request.pdf
  
  

• Certified copy of your marriage certificate
  
  
• Updated Social Security record
  
  
• New driver’s license or state ID
  
  
• Updated passport
  
  
• Updated records with banks, employers, insurance, and other institutions