How to get married at the courthouse in Vermont is a common inquiry for couples looking for a simple, affordable, and legally recognized way to get married without the stress of planning a large ceremony. Vermont offers straightforward procedures for courthouse weddings, making it easy for residents and non-residents alike to marry legally at the local town clerk’s office or county courthouse. Whether you live in Burlington, Montpelier, or smaller towns like Stowe or Middlebury, getting married at the court in Vermont provides a convenient alternative to traditional weddings. Vermont’s marriage laws are designed to be accessible and accommodating while ensuring all legal requirements are met efficiently. This detailed guide will explain everything you need to know about getting married at the courthouse in Vermont, from requirements and step-by-step procedures to important considerations before your big day.
Requirements to Get Married at the Courthouse in Vermont
Before you can get married at the courthouse in Vermont, certain requirements must be met:
1. Age Requirements: Both parties must be at least 18 years old to marry without parental consent. If either party is 16 or 17 years old, parental consent is required. Vermont law prohibits marriage for those under 16.
2. Residency: You do not need to be a Vermont resident to get married in the state. Vermont allows both residents and visitors from other states or countries to apply for a marriage license and marry at any town clerk’s office or courthouse.
3. Marriage License Application: Couples must apply for a marriage license at any Vermont town or city clerk’s office. Both parties need to appear in person to submit their application and provide valid government-issued photo identification, such as a driver’s license or passport.
4. Waiting Period: Vermont enforces a 72-hour waiting period between applying for the marriage license and performing the ceremony, meaning you must wait three full days after getting your license before you can legally marry.
5. Marriage License Validity: The marriage license is valid for 60 days from the date of issuance. You must have your ceremony within this window, or the license will expire and require reapplication.
6. No Blood Tests or Medical Exams Required: Vermont does not require blood tests, medical exams, or other health-related prerequisites to issue a marriage license.
7. Fee for Marriage License: The fee for a marriage license is set by the town or city and generally ranges from \$40 to \$60. Some municipalities may charge additional fees for officiant services or ceremony use of courthouse facilities.
All Steps to Get Married at the Courthouse in Vermont
1. Apply for a Marriage License at the Town or City Clerk’s Office
To start getting married at the courthouse in Vermont, visit the town or city clerk’s office where you plan to marry. For instance, couples in Burlington would go to the Burlington City Clerk’s office. Both individuals must appear together in person, providing government-issued photo identification such as a driver’s license or passport. You will complete the application form with your personal details, including full names, birth dates, and places of residence. The clerk will inform you of the marriage license fee, which typically ranges between \$40 and \$60. After submitting your application and paying the fee, you will receive your marriage license but must wait 72 hours before the ceremony can take place.
2. Schedule Your Courthouse Wedding Ceremony
Once the 72-hour waiting period has passed, you can schedule your courthouse wedding ceremony. Many Vermont towns allow couples to be married by the town clerk or an authorized officiant right at the clerk’s office, while others may have dedicated courthouse facilities. Scheduling procedures vary by municipality; some require appointments, while others accept walk-ins during business hours. For example, in Montpelier, couples can schedule a brief ceremony at the City Hall, often lasting 15 to 30 minutes. It’s advisable to contact the clerk’s office in advance to confirm hours, available dates, and any ceremony fees.
3. Prepare for Your Courthouse Wedding Day
On your wedding day, bring your valid marriage license and photo IDs for both parties. Vermont requires at least one adult witness to be present at the ceremony to sign the marriage license. This witness must be 18 years or older. The officiant will conduct a brief ceremony, which typically includes the exchange of vows, signing the marriage license by the couple, officiant, and witness, and the official pronouncement of marriage. Courthouse weddings are generally simple, so couples usually dress modestly and keep the event intimate.
4. Complete and File the Marriage License
After the ceremony, the officiant files the signed marriage license with the town or city clerk’s office. This filing is crucial as it legally registers your marriage with the Vermont Department of Health. Couples should confirm with the clerk’s office that the license has been properly recorded, ensuring their marriage is officially recognized by the state.
5. Obtain Certified Copies of Your Marriage Certificate
Once your marriage license has been filed and recorded, you can order certified copies of your marriage certificate from the town clerk’s office or the Vermont Department of Health. Certified copies are essential for legal name changes, insurance updates, tax filings, and other official purposes. The cost per certified copy is usually between \$10 and \$15. Ordering multiple copies at once is recommended to save time and reduce costs later on.
Things to Consider When Deciding to Get Married at the Courthouse in Vermont
1. The 72-Hour Waiting Period Requires Careful Planning
Vermont’s mandatory 72-hour waiting period means you cannot marry immediately after applying for your license. This may impact couples with tight schedules or those planning to marry on a specific date. If you need to expedite the process, it’s important to discuss options with the town clerk, though waivers are rare. Planning your license application and ceremony date with this waiting period in mind will help avoid stress or rescheduling.
2. Fees Vary by Municipality and Should Be Confirmed Ahead of Time
Marriage license and ceremony fees differ between Vermont towns and cities. While most charge between \$40 and \$60 for a license, additional fees may apply for courthouse ceremonies or officiant services. Payment methods also vary; some accept credit cards, while others prefer cash or checks. Contact your local clerk’s office in advance to confirm the exact costs and accepted payment forms, so you are prepared.
3. Courthouse Weddings Are Intimate and Efficient
Courthouse ceremonies in Vermont tend to be short and focused on the legal requirements. This makes them perfect for couples seeking a low-key, hassle-free wedding. However, if you want a traditional or highly personalized celebration, you may need to plan a separate event. Courthouse weddings are ideal for those who prioritize simplicity and legal formality.
4. Witness Requirements Are Straightforward but Essential
Having at least one adult witness present is mandatory for the ceremony. Forgetting to bring a witness or their valid ID can delay your wedding or cause it to be rescheduled. If you do not have a witness, check if the clerk’s office can provide one. Ensuring your witness understands their role beforehand helps your ceremony proceed smoothly.
5. Limited Personalization May Affect Your Ceremony Experience
While some Vermont town clerks or officiants allow brief personal vows or readings, ceremonies are generally brief and traditional. If personalization is important to you, communicate your wishes early and clarify what is possible at the courthouse. Many couples supplement their courthouse wedding with a larger celebration afterward to add personal touches.
6. Certified Copies Are Crucial for Post-Wedding Legal Tasks
Obtaining certified copies of your marriage certificate is essential for updating legal documents, insurance, and tax records. Requesting multiple copies at the time of filing saves time and fees. Store these certificates safely, both physically and digitally, to ensure easy access when needed. Failure to have certified copies can complicate name changes and other administrative processes.
Conclusion
Knowing how to get married at the courthouse in Vermont helps couples navigate the legal and procedural steps with confidence and ease. Vermont’s accessible marriage laws allow both residents and visitors to obtain a marriage license and hold a courthouse wedding quickly and affordably. By meeting all the state’s requirements, following the clear step-by-step process, and considering factors like waiting periods, fees, and witness rules, couples can ensure their courthouse wedding is legally valid and hassle-free. Whether you live in Burlington, Montpelier, or anywhere else in Vermont, getting married at the court in Vermont offers a convenient and straightforward way to make your marriage official while keeping the focus on what matters most—your commitment to each other.
