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VT Wedding Officiants
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Wedding Officiants



Marriage Laws United States Vermont VT Wedding Officiants

Marriage license Laws in the state of Vermont, here is what you need to bring with you, and what you need to know about the marriage laws before applying for a Vermont marriage license.

Getting Married In Vermont

Q & A to Help You Plan Your Vermont Wedding


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Who can get married in Vermont?

Two people who are each at least 18 years old can obtain a civil marriage in Vermont. If you are at least 16, but under 18, you will need the consent of a parent or guardian. Your parent or guardian should go with you to the town clerk’s office to sign an affidavit giving you permission to marry. (The affidavit is on the back of the marriage license and is a legal part of the license.) By Vermont law, no one under the age of 16 may marry in Vermont.

Are there any other marriage restrictions?

Anyone under guardianship cannot marry without the guardian’s written consent. Vermont also does not allow marriage between most close relatives. You cannot marry a parent, grandparent, sister, brother, child, grandchild, niece, nephew, aunt or uncle. You cannot marry if either of you is currently married to someone else, or if either of you is joined in a civil union to someone else. The law requires that both parties be of sound mind.

Do we need a marriage license? Do we need blood tests?

You will need a license, but you do not need blood tests, and there is no waiting period.

Where do we get a marriage license?

Licenses are issued by Vermont town clerks. If both parties are Vermont residents, you may go to the town clerk in either of your towns of residence. If just one of you resides in a Vermont town, you must buy the license in that town.

How much does a marriage license cost?

The marriage license application fee is $45, and valid for 60 days from the date it is issued. During that time period, an authorized person must perform your wedding ceremony — otherwise, the license is void.

What if we are not Vermont residents?

If neither party is a Vermont resident, you may get the license from any town clerk in the state.

What information must we have to get a marriage license?

Besides basic information about yourselves (names, towns of residence, places and dates of birth), you must also provide your parents’ names, including your mothers’ birth (maiden) names, and their places of birth. (Certified copies of your birth certificates can supply most of this information). Vermont law requires that at least one of you sign the license in the presence of the town clerk, certifying that all the information you provided is correct. However, most town clerks prefer to see both of you in person before issuing your license. The law requires that town clerks satisfy themselves that you are both free to marry under Vermont laws. Therefore, they may legally ask to see documented proof of your statements (birth certificates, divorce/dissolution decrees, death certificates, etc.). You will also be asked to provide the number of previous marriages and civil unions, and how and when they ended. This information is confidential and does not become part of the marriage certificate.

What if either of us were married or in a civil union before?

If your husband, wife or civil union partner has died, you are free to marry. The clerk will ask the date your spouse or civil union partner died. If you are divorced, you may remarry after the date on which your previous marriage or civil union was legally dissolved. If you are partners in an existing civil union, you are free to marry one another.

Can a license be issued through the mail?

No. A marriage license cannot be issued through the mail.

Can we be married by proxy?

No. You cannot be married by proxy.

Where can we get married?

With a valid Vermont license, you can be married anywhere in Vermont, but only in Vermont.

Who can marry us? Do we need witnesses?

A Supreme Court justice, a superior court judge, a district judge, a judge of probate, an assistant judge, a justice of the peace or an ordained or licensed member of the clergy residing in Vermont can perform your wedding ceremony. A clergy person residing in an adjoining state or country can marry you if his or her church, temple, mosque, or other religious organization lies wholly or partly in Vermont. A clergy member residing in some other state or in Canada can marry you if he or she first obtains a special authorization from the probate court in the district where the marriage will take place. In addition, any person who is over the age of 18 may register with the Secretary of State to become a temporary officiant to a marriage. A person who has filled out the registration form and who has paid the registration fee of $100 will receive a certificate authorizing the person to solemnize a specific Vermont marriage. The individual’s authority to solemnize that marriage will expire at the same time as the corresponding license. For information on registering to be a temporary officiant click here! or call 802-828-2148. Vermont law does not require witnesses, but, if you are planning a religious ceremony, check to see if the religion’s tenets require witnesses.

What do we do with the license? What happens to it after the ceremony?

By law, you must deliver the license to the person who will conduct your wedding ceremony before the marriage can be performed. After the ceremony, the person who performs the ceremony (officiant) will complete the sections concerning the date, place and officiant information, and sign your license. At that point, the license becomes a marriage certificate. The officiant must return the certificate to the town clerk’s office where it was issued within 10 days after the wedding, so that your marriage can be officially registered. If the officiant has registered with the Secretary of State as a temporary officiant, a copy of the certificate of authority issued by the Secretary of State should be attached to the signed license and returned to the clerk’s office. The certificate is not a complete legal document until it has been recorded in the town clerk’s office where it was purchased.

How do we get a copy of our marriage certificate?

At the time you buy your marriage license, you can arrange with the town clerk to mail you a certified copy of your certificate as soon as your marriage has been recorded. The cost is $10 for the certified copy along with the $45 for the license purchase ($10 + $45 = $55). Or, two weeks or more after the ceremony, you can request, in person or in writing, additional copies from the town clerk’s office where you bought your license for the same $10 fee. Or, six or more weeks after your ceremony, you may request, in person or in writing, a certified copy from the Vermont Department of Health, Vital Records Unit for $10. In either case, you will receive a copy of the original certificate, embossed with the town or state seal, signed and dated by the appropriate official. This copy is accepted for all legal purposes as proof of a valid marriage.

Additional Information:

Temporary officiant for a specific marriage in Vermont
As of July 1, 2008, Vermont law allows the Vermont Secretary of State to authorize individuals to officiate at a specific marriage in Vermont.

  • Act 148 - Law pertaining to temporary officiants
Sample Ceremony
Possible language for an officiant to use when solemnizing a marriage in Vermont.

Completing the Civil Marriage Certificate:  Guidelines for Officiants
A publication of the Vermont Department of Health

The Vermont Justice of the Peace Guide
A publication reviewing the role and functions of Vermont’s Justices of the Peace and the laws that apply to them.

Guide to Vermont’s Town Clerks, Treasurers and County Clerks
This guide provides contact information and office hours for town clerks, treasurers and county clerks and indicates the hours at which lister records and zoning records are available in each town.

State of Vermont Vital Statistics
Vermont Reports Relating To the Registry & Return Of Births, Deaths, Marriages, Divorces, Civil Unions & Dissolutions.
 

Name Change:

Getting a marriage license with your new name on it does not mean your name has automatically changed. If you need to change your last name, you can use an online marriage name change kit.

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 that you verify all information with your local marriage license office or county clerk before making any wedding or travel plans.

To notify us of corrections or additions send an email to update@usmarriagelaws.com.  Please include the state and county information.

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Vermont County Clerk's Office

Addison Town Clerk
Vergennes, VT
802. 759. 2020

 Alburg Town Clerk
Alburg, VT
802. 796. 3468

 Bakersfield Town Clerk
Bakersfield, VT
802. 827. 4495
Barnet Town Clerk
Barnet, VT
802. 633. 2256

 Barre County
Barre, VT
802. 476. 0242

 Barretown Clerk
Websterville, VT
802. 479. 9391
Barton Town Clerk
Barton, VT
802. 754. 8584

 Bennington Town Clerk
Bennington, VT
802. 442. 1043

 Berkshire Town Clerk
Berkshire, VT
802. 933.2335
Bolton Town Clerk
Waterbury, VT
802. 434. 3064

 Brandon Town Clerk
Brandon, VT
802. 247. 3635

 Brattleboro Town Clerk
Brattleboro, VT
802. 254. 4541
Bristol Town Clerk
Bristol, VT
802. 453. 2486

 Burke Town Clerk
West Burke, VT
802. 467. 3717

 Burlington City Clerk
Burlington, VT
802. 865. 7000
Cabot City Clerk
Cabot, VT
802. 563. 2279

 Calais Town Clerk
Calais, VT
802. 223. 5952

 Cambridge Town Clerk
Cambridge, VT
802. 644. 2251
Castleton Town Clerk
Castleton, VT
802. 468. 2212

 Cavendish Town Clerk
Cavendish, VT
802. 226. 7292

 Charlotte Town Clerk
Charlotte, VT
802. 425. 3071
Chelsea Town Clerk
Chelsea, VT
802. 685. 4460

 Chester Town Clerk
Chester, VT
802. 875. 2173

 Clarendon Town Clerk
North Clarendon, VT
802. 775. 4274
Colchester Town Clerk
Colchester, VT
802. 655. 0811

 Danville Town Clerk
Danville, VT
802. 684. 3352

 Derby Town Clerk
Derby, VT
802. 766. 4906
Dover Town Clerk
West Dover, VT
802. 464. 5100

 Dummerston Town Clerk
Putney, VT
802. 257. 1496

 Duxbury Town Clerk
Waterbury, VT
802. 244. 6660
East Barre Town Clerk
Websterville, VT
802. 479. 9391

 East Corinth
Corinth, VT
802. 439. 5850

 East Montpelier
East Montpelier, VT
802. 223. 3313
East Wallingford
Wallingford, VT
802. 446. 2336

 Elmore Town Clerk
Lake Elmore, VT
802. 888. 2637

 Enosburg Town Clerk
Enosburg Falls, VT
802. 933. 4421
Essex Town Clerk
Essex Junction, VT
802. 879. 0413

 Fair Haven Town Clerk
Fair Haven, VT
802. 265. 3010

 Fairfax Town Clerk
Fairfax, VT
802. 849. 6111
Fletcher Town Clerk
Fletcher, VT
802. 849. 6616

 Franklin Town Clerk
Franklin, VT
802. 285. 2101

 Georgia Town Clerk
St. Albans, VT
802. 524. 3524
Glover Town Clerk
Glover, VT
802. 525. 6227

 Grand Isle Town Clerk
Grand Isle, VT
802. 372. 8830

 Graniteville Town Clerk
Websterville, VT
802. 479. 9391
Groton Town Clerk
Groton, VT
802. 584. 3276

  		Guildhall Town Clerk
Guildhall, VT
802. 676. 3797

 Guilford Town Clerk
Guilford, VT
802. 254. 6857
Hartland Town Clerk
Hartland, VT
802. 436. 2444

 Highgate Town Clerk
Highgate Center, VT
802. 868. 4697

 Hinesburg Town Clerk
Hinesburg, VT
802. 482. 2281
Hubbardton Town Clerk
Fair Haven, VT
802. 273. 2951

 Huntington Town Clerk
Hunnington, VT
802. 434. 2032

 Hyde Park Town Clerk
Hyde Park, VT
802. 888. 2300
Isle La Motte
Isle La Motte, VT
802. 928. 3434

 Jamaica Town Clerk
Jamaica, VT
802. 874. 4681

 Jericho Town Clerk
Jericho, VT
802. 899. 4936
Killington Town Clerk
Killington, VT
802. 422. 3243

 Londonderry Town Clerk
S. Londonderry, VT
802. 824. 3356

 Ludlow Town Clerk
Ludlow, VT
802. 228. 3232
Manchester Town Clerk
Manchester City, VT
802. 362. 1315

 Marshfield Town Clerk
Marshfield, VT
802. 426. 3305

 Mendon Town Clerk
Mendon, VT
802. 775. 1662
Middlebury Town Clerk
Middlebury, VT
802. 388. 4041

 Milton Town Clerk
Milton, VT
802. 893. 7344

 Monkton Town Clerk
Monkton, VT
802. 453. 3800
Montpelier Town Clerk
Montpelier, VT
802. 223. 9500

 Moretown Town Clerk
Moretown Villag, VT
802. 496. 3645

 Morristown Town Clerk
Morrisville, VT
802. 888. 6370
Newfane Town Clerk
Newfane, VT
802. 365. 7772

 Newport City Clerk
Newport, VT
802. 334. 2112

 North Ferrisburg
Ferrisburgh, VT
802. 877. 3429
N. Hero Town Clerk
N. Hero, VT
802. 372. 6926

 Northfield Town Clerk
Northfield, VT
802. 485. 5421

 Panton Town Clerk
Vergennes, VT
802. 475. 2333
Pawlet Village Clerk
Pawlet, VT
802. 325. 3309

 Peacham Town Clerk
Peacham, VT
802. 592. 3218

 Peru Town Clerk
Peru, VT
802. 824. 3065
Pittsfield Town Clerk
Pittsfield, VT
802. 746. 8170

 Pittsford Town Clerk
Pittsford, VT
802. 483. 2931

 Plainfield Town Clerk
Plainfield, VT
802. 454.8461
Pownal Town Clerk
Pownal, VT
802. 823. 7757

 Proctor Town Clerk
Proctor, VT
802. 459. 3333

 Randolph Town Clerk
Randolph, VT
802. 728. 5682
Readsboro Town Clerk
Readsboro, VT
802. 423. 5405

  		Rochester Town Clerk
Rochester, VT
802. 767. 3631

 Rutland Town Clerk
Center Rutland, VT
802. 773. 2528
Sharon Town Clerk
Sharon, VT
802. 763. 8268

 Sheldon Springs
Sheldon, VT
802. 933. 2524

 South Burlington
South Burlington, VT
802. 658. 7952
South Hero
South Hero, VT
802. 372.5552

 St. Albans
St. Albans Bay, VT
802. 524. 2415

 St. George Town Clerk
Willeston, VT
802. 878. 5121
St. Johns Berry Town Clerk
St. Johns Berry, VT
802. 748. 4331

 St. Johnsbury
St. Johnsbury, VT
802. 748. 4331

 Starksboro Town Clerk
Starksboro, VT
802. 453. 2639
Stockbridge Town Clerk
Stockbridge, VT
802. 234. 9371

 Strafford Town Clerk
Strafford, VT
802. 765. 4411

 Sudbury Town Clerk
Sudbury, VT
802. 623. 7296
Sunderland Town Clerk
East Arlington, VT
802. 375. 6106

 Townshend Town Clerk
Townshend, VT
802. 365. 7300

 Tunbridge Town Clerk
Tunbridge, VT
802. 889. 5521
Underhill Town Clerk
Underhill, VT
802. 759. 2020

 Vergennes City Clerk
Vergennes, VT
802. 877. 3641

 Vernon Town Clerk
Vernon, VT
802. 257. 0292
Wallingford Town Clerk
Wallingford, VT
802. 446. 2336

 Warren Town Clerk
Warren, VT
802. 496. 2709

 Washington Town Clerk
Washington, VT
802. 883. 2218
Waterbury Town Clerk
Waterbury, VT
802. 244. 8447

 Weathersfield Town Clerk
Weathersfield, VT
802. 674. 2626

 Wells Town Clerk
Wells, VT
802. 645. 0486
West Fairlee Town Clerk
West Fairlee, VT
802. 333. 9696

 West Rutland Town Clerk
West Rutland, VT
802. 438. 2263

 Westminster Town Clerk
Westminster, VT
802. 722. 4091
White River Jct. Town Clerk
White River Jct, VT
802. 295. 2785

 Williamstown Town Clerk
Williamstown, VT
802. 433. 5455

 Williston Town Clerk
Williston, VT
802. 878. 5121
Wilmington Town Clerk
Wilmington, VT
802. 464. 5836

 Windham Town Clerk
West Townshend, VT
802. 874. 4211

 Windsor Town Clerk
Windsor, VT
802. 674. 5610
Winooski Town Clerk
Winooski, VT
802. 655. 6419

 Witingham Town Clerk
Wittingham, VT
802. 368. 7887

 Woodbury Town Clerk
Woodbury, VT
802. 456. 7051
Woodstock Town Clerk
Woodstock, VT
802. 457. 3611

 







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