Vermont Marriage Records

Vermont marriage records refer to information about registered and legally recognized marriages. They typically contain the following information:

• The couple’s full names.
• The date of the wedding.
• The date of the marriage event.
• Marriage dates.
• The location where the wedding took place.
• The couple’s witnesses’ and the officiant’s signatures.
• The marriage license number.
• The officiant and witnesses to the wedding.
• The issuance date of the marriage license.
• The dates of birth of the couple.
• The marital status of the couple before the wedding.
• The issuing authority’s Stamp or Seal.

The county clerk or other local authorities create and record marriage records. These records are typically managed alongside related Vermont family court records and vital documents.

What Types Of Marriage Records Are Available In Vermont?

There are various types of marriage records in Vermont. The content of the records or the governmental agency in custody usually determines the type. Vermont's two primary marriage records are marriage licenses and marriage certificates. Marriage licenses offer couples the legal authority to get married. In contrast, marriage certificates are documents issued to couples after a successful wedding ceremony to certify their union. There are also marriage returns, which the wedding officiant files after the ceremony to confirm that the marriage ceremony was duly conducted. Marriage information is collected, recorded, and reported by town and county clerks through these marriage returns, licenses, and bonds, ensuring official event documentation.

Vermont Marriage Certificate

Marriage certificates provide evidence that a marriage ceremony was conducted and certify the union of a couple. This document is issued after the wedding ceremony has been successfully performed and is signed by the wedding officiant, the couple, and the witnesses. Marriage certificates contain details such as the couple’s names and signatures, the location and date of the marriage, the witnesses’ names and signatures, the officiant’s names and signatures, and the Seal of the issuing authority. Marriage certificates are obtained under the condition that a marriage ceremony was duly conducted based on a prior marriage license obtained by the couple. In addition to official documents, personal records or journals kept by officiants may provide evidence of marriage ceremonies, especially in earlier times before formal civil records were widely maintained.

Vermont Marriage License

A marriage license is a document giving a couple the authority to get married. This document must be obtained before the wedding, as it permits the couple to proceed with the wedding ceremony. Marriage licenses can contain the couple’s names, the intended location for the marriage ceremony, any waiting period, and the issuance and expiration date. The couple must conduct the wedding ceremony within the period in which the license remains valid. These documents, including marriage licenses and certificates, are typically in written form, and writing and filing these records is essential for legal recognition. The requirements for obtaining a marriage license in Vermont are:

• The age requirement is at least 18 years old.
• Residents should apply in the town or city clerk’s office where they reside, while non-residents can apply in any town or city.
• Provide valid identification and fill out the application form.
• Pay the application fee of about $60.

Are Vermont Marriage Records Public?

Yes, Vermont marriage records are public records. Access to Vermont marriage records is guided by the Vermont Public Records Law, which places no restrictions on Vermont vital records. The public can access the records, including fundamental information such as the couple’s names, date, and marriage location. However, access to a certified copy of a marriage certificate requires persons to contact the appropriate vital records office and provide the necessary information. Copies of marriage records can be requested by eligible persons, including spouses, immediate family members, legal representatives, or government agencies for official uses only.

Marriage records can be obtained through the city or town clerk’s office at the place where the marriage took place, the Vermont Department of Health, or the Vermont Secretary of State's office. Some records are available from historical images up to the present. These offices are open during work hours on weekdays to make physical requests to look up or obtain copies of marriage records, and some offices may require an in-person visit to receive certain documents. Where the requester cannot visit the office in person, they may visit the office in person and cannot access online forms or use alternative submission methods.

Payment for copies or certified copies can be made by money order, money order payable to the City Clerk, Mastercard, or Visa.

Note: If both spouses are deceased, original death certificates must be provided, proper identification, and the necessary fees to obtain the marriage record.

They also maintain online platforms such as the Order Vital Records website from the Vermont Department of Health and the Certified Vital Records website from the Vermont Secretary of State’s office, where the public can be guided on mailing their requests.

How to Find Marriage Records in Vermont

Vermont marriage records are accessible to the public, but only the basic information, such as the couple’s names and the date and location of the marriage, are fully public. These records can be looked up at the city or town clerk’s office. Marriage records in Vermont are available through the Department of Health and the City or Town Clerk, where the marriage ceremony took place. These agencies only provide copies of marriage records to the couples, their immediate family members, and their legal representatives. To access these records, prepare the fees of $10 for copies of the records, a valid government-issued ID or proof of being related to the couple, and identity proof for legal representatives. When requesting records, completing all required forms and providing complete information is important to ensure your request is processed efficiently. Some offices may require applicants to contact them directly for additional instructions or requirements.

The records office of the Department of Health is open to the public during work hours on weekdays for physical records requests. The office also provides an online platform, Order Vital Records, where requesters can mail in their requests with the necessary supporting documents. The city or town clerk’s office is also open on weekdays to look up marriage records. Requesters may proceed to the city or town clerk’s office where the marriage ceremony took place to find marriage records. The Secretary of State’s office has a Certified Vital Records website where requesters can get information on vital records requests and how to obtain them.

How to Get a Marriage License in Vermont

Marriage licenses refer to state authority given to a couple to proceed with their wedding ceremony. Once the application is approved, a marriage license is created by the city or town clerk’s office. This differs from marriage certificates in that marriage certificates are documents issued after the wedding to show that the couple properly conducted the wedding and are recognized as a couple by the state. Marriage licenses are obtained prior to the wedding and last for a period of time within which the couple must conduct the wedding ceremony. Vermont marriage licenses are obtained for $80 from the city or town clerk’s office where the wedding is to take place. The couple must first certify that they are eligible to obtain the license. To be eligible, they must be at least 18 years old to marry without parental consent or 16 - 17 with parental consent. They must provide valid identification and fill out the application form for the license and must have paid the fee of $80. There is no waiting period required and no residency requirement in Vermont.

Who Can Obtain Marriage Records in Vermont?

Marriage records are public in Vermont, but only the basic details are available to the general public. According to the Vermont Public Records Law, the state’s vital records are open to the public. Basic information like the couple’s names, location, and date of the wedding can be found in the city or town clerk’s office where the wedding ceremony was conducted. Beyond that, detailed copies of marriage records are restricted to certain individuals. These individuals include the couples, their legal representatives, their immediate family members, and governmental agencies for official use only. To obtain copies of marriage records in Vermont, first confirm if you are eligible to access the records. The person requesting the marriage record must provide proper identification and proof of eligibility. After confirming eligibility, prepare the required documents, such as your legal identification for legal representatives, proof of relation to the couple, or a valid government-issued ID from government officials. Pay the required fee and fill out the record request form if any is provided. Submit the form with your proof of payment and the necessary documents physically at the Vital Records office of the Department of Health or at the city or town clerk’s office and wait for copies of the records to be retrieved.

Can You Lookup Online Marriage Records For Free in Vermont?

You can look up Vermont marriage records for free online using third-party websites. Third-party platforms are websites curated to offer an organized archive of records that are up to date and can be easily navigated. These websites are built to make it easy for the public to navigate and search for the records they want. The search tools allow various search parameters, such as names, dates, and location searches, to narrow down the records sought. Third-party platforms are often free to access without the requirement for ID verification. These platforms also provide all-day access to marriage records, which is faster as there is no red tape process in between. However, requesters must verify the content of records obtained from third-party websites. While their archives are often up to date, it is important to confirm sensitive information with official sources periodically.

Is Vermont a Common Law State for Marriage?

No, Vermont laws do not recognize common law marriages as a legal form of union. Common law marriages are unions between couples who do not perform civil wedding rites but are considered legally married. They can happen through public declaration, an intent to be married by both parties, or cohabitation.

However, the state allows for a common law alternative called Domestic Partnerships, which involves unmarried couples living together as a family. Such couples can be heterosexual or of the same gender and must be 18 years old or older. The couple must not be related by blood, be each other’s sole domestic partner, have been in the relationship for at least six consecutive months, be responsible, and intend to remain accountable for each other’s welfare.