Vermont-Marriage license Laws

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 Vermont marriage laws before filling out the Vermont marriage license form.

In order to get married, you need to apply and receive a marriage license. This is the document in your state that allows you to officially tie the knot under the law. The rules for acquiring your marriage license varies from state to state, so you should check with your city’s marriage bureau at your clerk of court’s office to find out what your local rules are.

You’ll typically need to apply for your marriage license at least one month before your wedding ceremony. You’ll traditionally need to send in your birth certificates, tax information, and other official documents. You don’t, however, want to apply for your marriage license too early. In some states, the licenses do expire, if you don’t get married within a few months.

When you apply for your license, you’ll not only need a proof of identification and age, but you’ll need to apply for the certificate together, will need to provide any information about previous marriages, and will need to pay a nominal fee. You will also need to have a witness when you sign the application, so plan on bringing your maid of honor or best man with you. The bride will need to know what her married name will be before she signs the marriage certificate. You’ll have to write that name on the application.

And, believe it or not, just because you have your marriage license sent to you in the mail does not mean you are officially married. You need to have a justice of the peace or a religious clergyman sign the document. On your wedding day, you’ll give your chaplain your marriage license, then after the ceremony, he’ll sign it and send it to the proper government agency for validation.

ID Requirement: Valid picture ID and a certified copy of a Birth Certificate must be presented.

•  You must know your legal town of residence and your place and date of birth; you will also need to know your parents’ names, including your mother’s maiden name, and the states where your parents were born. (A certified copy of your birth certificate can supply most of this information.)

Vermont law requires that at least one of you must sign in the presence of the town clerk, certifying that all facts are correct; however, most town clerks prefer to see both of you in person before issuing your license to marry, as the law requires that
they satisfy themselves that you are both free to marry under Vermont laws. they may legally ask to see documented proof of your statements, for example birth certificates, divorce decrees, etc. (18VSA, 5141)

If Previously Married: If you are a widow or widower, you are free to marry. You will be asked the date your spouse died. If you are divorced, you may remarry after the date on which your previous marriage is dissolved.

Residency Requirement: If both bride and groom are residents of Vermont, you may get your license from the Town Clerk in the town of residence of either one. If only one of you is a resident, go to the Town Clerk of the Vermont resident. Your license is valid anywhere in Vermont.

If neither of you are residents of Vermont, you need to go to a town clerk in the county in which you will be married. You may need to bring:

•  proof of age (birth certificate)

•  if divorced, a copy of divorce decree

•  if widowed, spouse’s death certificate

Application Requirement: Both the bride and groom must appear in person at the time of applying.

Fees: $20.00 – $23.00 plus $7.00 for a certified copy of the license. Some counties may require cash or travelers’ checks only.

Waiting Period: No waiting period.

Blood Tests: No blood test requirement.

Under 18: If you are at least 16, but under 18, you will need the consent of a parent or guardian.

Anyone under guardianship may not marry without the guardian’s written consent. Vermont also does not allow marriage between most close relatives. You cannot marry in Vermont to evade the laws of the state where you live. You cannot marry if either of you is currently married to someone else. The law also requires that both parties be of sound mind.

Marriage Ceremony: Your marriage can be performed by: A judge, supreme court justice, assistant judge, justice of the peace, or an ordained or licensed minister, rabbi or priest residing in Vermont or authorized by their denomination. If the officiant does not reside in Vermont, or is not recognized by the State of Vermont, they must file for a permit from a Probate Court in the county where the marriage will take place.

You must deliver the license to the officiant before the marriage can be performed. After the ceremony, the officiant will complete the license, sign it, and return it to the town clerk’s office within 10 days of the ceremony so your marriage may be officially registered.

Cousin Marriage: Yes.

Proxy Marriages: No. Both parties must be present.

Same Sex Marriage: No. However, civil unions are. If you sincerely love and care about your Partner, protect your union legally! You will save each other untold grief and heartache should the worse case scenario ever happen!

When it comes to Partnership Rights in Emergency situations? It does NOT matter how long the two of you have been together as Partners! Most States will regard you as TOTAL STRANGERS should a medical emergency ever arise where one of you is left unconscious!! Your Partner can be barred from the hospital, be unable to receive information about your condition, and not allowed to make any medical decision on your behalf!

3 simple things to protect yourselves:

1. Draft A Will & Power of Attorney.
2. Have a Civil Union or Domestic Partnership Performed.
3. Fill out a Medic Alert Registration and Emergency Card.

It is not as difficult as it seems to do these 3 critical things!

Wills and Power of Attorneys can be drawn up in usually one visit to a competent Lawyer! A little bit of effort can save a lifetime of heartache for both of you!

Officiants: Ordained ministers residing in this state may perform marriages. Non-resident ordained ministers may perform marriages with the permission of the probate court of the district within which the marriage is to take place. Ministers must complete the marriage license and certificate of marriage and return it to the clerk’s office from which it was issued within ten days from the date of the marriage.

Miscellaneous: You will need a copy of your marriage certificate if you want to change your name legally (ie Social Security, etc). You may request (in person or in writing) a copy from the town clerk 2 or more weeks after the ceremony.

Valid: License is valid for 60 days.
The license can only be used within the State of Vermont.

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.

Vermont County Clerk’s Office