Gay Male Couple sitting in front of a log cabin

EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT A VERMONT MARRIAGE LICENSE

Officiant Carmen George

You don't marry every day, so it's normal to have questions about the marriage license. Here are common questions couples ask me every week.

This is how Vermont marriage licenses work. Each state in the United States have their own rules about marriage licenses. I do weddings in New York State, if you are marrying there, let me know and I can explain their rules.

Where do we purchase a marriage license in Vermont?

Any town clerk

Where do we find the marriage license application?
The town clerk and online, here's the link

VT MARRIAGE LICENSE APPLICATION

Do we need to purchase the license in the town where the wedding will take place?

Do we need an appointment with the clerk?

No, except Burlington. They require an appointment.

Schedule an appointment with Burlington City Clerk

What identification do we need for the clerk?

One of the following valid forms of identification:

Passport
Driver's License
Birth Certificate

What if the clerk asks for your address?

7 Brandywine Street

Burlington, Vermont 05408

Do we need a witness?

Is there a waiting period?

How much does a marriage license cost?

Around $80, plus $10 per copy of the license.

Do both of us need to go to purchase the marriage license?

What if I was married before?

If your marriage ended because of divorce, you need the date your divorce was finalized. If your spouse died, you would need a copy of their death certificate.

How old do you need to be to marry in Vermont?

What is the earliest we can purchase our marriage license?

60 days before your wedding date.

How long does it take for the clerk to issue our marriage license for you to sign?

Usually 20 minutes. Small towns may take longer.

After we give you our marriage license, what happens?

I complete my section of the license and mail it to the town clerk where you purchased it. They will mail you your final copy.

Who returns the marriage license?

I mail the license to the clerk where you purchased it in the envelope the clerk provides.
Some couples choose to return the license themselves so they can have the final license immediately.

How long will it take for us to receive our final marriage license by mail?

Two to three weeks. It may take a month and a half if you are in another country.

Can we deliver the final marriage license to the clerk?

Yes, and they should be able to hand you your final license while you are there.

Do we need an appointment to deliver our completed marriage license to the clerk?

If I am going to change my name, what name do I use on my marriage license application?

Your current legal name.

How do I legally change my name?

You must start with the Department of Social Security.
Name Changes | Vermont Judiciary

What is I need an APOSTITLE of my marriage license?

Visit the Vermont Secretary of State's Website. They offer office hours for this service.

Apostille or Authentication (vermont.gov)