Learn How to Obtain a Connecticut Marriage Certificate

If you are searching for or researching Connecticut marriage records, where will you begin? Marriages there were recorded as far back as 1640. By 1650, all vital records had become the town clerk's responsibility. Except for the period between the Revolution and mid-19th century, recording became thorough again once the State Board of Health was established in 1870.

The town clerk is still responsible, but since July 1st 1897, the office must send copies to the State Department of Health. So, for marriage records from July 1897, you will need to write to Vital Records, 150 Washington Street, Hartford, CT 06106. You can also call 860-566-2334, 860-566-1124.

What You Can Find in a CT Marriage Record

On a marriage record, the least you can expect to find are the bride's and groom's full names, the date of the marriage, and the county where the marriage took place. Many records will also include items of information such as the names and birthplaces of the bride's and groom's parents, the addresses of the bride and groom, evidence of previous marriages, and the names of the marriage witnesses and the person officiating at the ceremony. Depending on individual choice, you may also find identification by religion and denomination.

How to Request a Marriage Certificate

Your letter should be brief and to the point. Be careful not to give confusing details about family lines. Make no more than two requests in one letter. Otherwise it may simply bounce back and forth between departments, causing avoidable delay.

Submit all possible data about the marriage. If a person goes by more than one name, mention all of them, including nicknames and alternate spellings.

Be accurate about the marriage date. If you do not know the exact date, provide a time span that can be searched. Try to keep it narrow – the wider the search, the more it will cost you. Type or print all names and addresses to avoid misreading.

Do not pay in advance, unless you know for sure how much the document/s will cost. Guesswork could leave you out of pocket losing time on adjustments. Consider sending a signed blank check: with "Not to exceed $__.00" (the maximum likely amount) written preferably in red ink, under the checks "$____" line.

The best bet is to write two letters. The first letter should state your requirements and provide all relevant information, and ask about the charges payable. The second letter should carry your check. Remember to enclose a stamped and self-addressed envelope.

State and county offices are most likely to be short of staff and swamped with paper work. In fact, this is the case in most of the offices. Though they carry out genealogical queries, it is good to know that this is not their main job.

So it is a good idea to show a little patience and courtesy, especially if you find their responses slower than you would like. Remember, they are out there to help you get the Connecticut marriage certificate that you want.

Remember These Essential Details

•    Date of request
•    Full name of husband (last name in caps)
•    Full name of wife (maiden name in caps)
•    Date of marriage
•    Place of marriage (city or town, county, state)
•    Relationship to you
•    Purpose for which the record is needed
•    Your name & address
•    Your driver's license number & state (some counties require it)
•    Your signature

You are sure to receive the marriage certificate that you want. All you need to do is just ensure that the application that you are sending is accurate and that it is sent to the right place.