Vermont Marriage License Information

If you've just set a date for your wedding, this can be an exciting time for the two of you! Don't let the marriage license laws of Vermont put a dent in your wedding plans. Here's what you need to know and what documents to bring with you before you apply for a Vermont marriage license. We recommend getting this legal aspect of your wedding out of the way about a month before your wedding date.

Requirements may vary as each county in Vermont could have their own requirements.

Congratulations and much happiness as you begin your lifetime journey together!

Driver's licenses or a certified copy of your birth certificate is acceptable. You will need to know your mothers' maiden names, and the states where your parents were born.

You do not have to be a resident of Vermont. However, residents need to apply for a license in the town where one of them resides. Nonresidents should apply for a license in the county where they will be married.

A certified copy of the divorce decree is required. A plain copy of the death certificate is all that is required if your spouse is deceased.

Covenant Marriage Option:

No.

No waiting period.

$45.00 plus $10.00 for a certified copy of the license. Some counties may require cash or travelers' checks only.

No tests required.

No.

Yes, however this may be limited to Vermont residents. According to the brochure provided by the Vermont Department of Health, "First cousins, who are Vermont residents, or residents of another state where marriage between first cousins is allowed, may marry each other in Vermont. You cannot marry in Vermont to evade the laws of the state where you live." We recommend calling the county clerk where you want to get married to verify this requirement.

No.

Same Sex Marriage:

Yes. Vermont became the fourth state to allow gay marriages and the first state to approve same-sex marriage by a vote of the legislature.

According to The Boston Globe, and on the official web site of the state of Vermont, the new law took effect on Sept. 1, 2009.

Under 18:

Applicants under the age of 18, but older than 16, need signed parental or guardian consent. As of September 1, 2009, due to S. 115 anyone under the age of 16 cannot be married in Vermont.

Officiants:

Authorized persons to perform weddings in Vermont are judges, supreme court justices, assistant judges, justice of the peaces, and ordained or licensed clergymen. Non-resident clergy need to file for a permit from the county Probate Court where the marriage will take place.

Through Act 148, Vermont allows you to have a friend or a family member be the officiant of your wedding through the Temporary Officiant program. After paying the $100 fee and registering for the program, anyone meeting the requirements can be authorized to solemnize a specific wedding ceremony.

Miscellaneous:

License is valid for 60 days.

Copy of Certificate of Marriage:

Vermont Department of Health
Vital Records Unit
108 Cherry Street
P.O. Box 70
Burlington, Vermont 05402

PLEASE NOTE:

State and county marriage license requirements often change. The above information is for guidance only and should not be regarded as legal advice.

It is important, especially since the passage of S. 115, that you verify all information with your local marriage license office or county clerk before making any wedding or travel plans.

Please notify us of any oversights or errors.