Connecticut Wedding Laws

What to expect when officiating a wedding.

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Connecticut Wedding

 

Quick Facts for Wedding Officiants in Connecticut

  • Ministries of Love Ordination Accepted: Yes

  • Minister Registration Required: No (Documentation may be requested)

  • Minister’s Residency: Not Required

  • Minister’s Minimum Age: 18 Years Old

  • Marriage License Waiting Period: None

  • Marriage License Valid For: 65 Days

  • Marriage License Return Deadline: By the First Week of the Month Following the Ceremony

Steps to Perform a Wedding in Connecticut

1. Minister Eligibility

To officiate weddings in Connecticut, ministers must:

  • Be at least 18 years old.
  • Be ordained by a recognized religious body, such as Ministries of Love.
  • Perform at least one ministerial act (e.g., leading a discussion on religious or spiritual topics) before the wedding to comply with state requirements.

It is recommended to order a Letter of Good Standing to demonstrate compliance with state laws.

2. Wedding Ceremony Requirements

  • Marriage by Proxy: Not allowed.
  • Minister Presence: Required.
  • Witnesses: Not required.
  • Consent and Pronouncement:
    • The couple must verbally confirm their intent to marry (“I do”).
    • The officiant must pronounce the couple married.

Connecticut allows complete customization of the ceremony beyond these legal requirements.

3. Marriage License Requirements

What the Couple Needs to Know:

  • Who Picks Up the License: The couple.
  • Where It’s Valid: Only in the town of issuance.
  • Pick-Up: In person.
  • Cost: $50.
  • Identification: Valid photo ID required.
  • Proof of Divorce: Not required.

4. Marriage License Facts

  • Waiting Period: None; couples can marry on the same day the license is issued.
  • Validity: 65 days from the date of issuance.
  • Return Deadline: The license must be returned to the town clerk before the end of the first week of the month following the ceremony.

5. Perform the Wedding Ceremony

The officiant must ensure:

  1. The couple and officiant are physically present together during the ceremony.
  2. The couple formally declares their intent to marry.
  3. The officiant pronounces the couple as married.

Witnesses are not legally required in Connecticut, making it ideal for intimate ceremonies.

6. Return the Marriage License

After the ceremony:

  1. The officiant must accurately fill out the officiant’s portion of the marriage license, including:
    • Their full legal name.
    • Title: “Minister.”
    • Ordaining church: “Ministries of Love.”
    • Address: The officiant’s home address.
  2. Ensure all parties sign their respective sections.
  3. Return the completed license to the town clerk within the required timeframe (7–38 days, depending on the date of the ceremony).

Errors on the license may require a costly reissuance.

Additional Notes

  • Residency: No residency requirement for the couple or officiant.
  • Age Restrictions: Applicants must be 18 or older.
  • Marriage Equality: Same-sex marriages are legally recognized.
  • Kinship Restrictions: Marriages closer than first cousins are prohibited.
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