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.

How do we marry in Vermont?

Buy a marriage license.

Where do we purchase a marriage license in Vermont?

Any town or city 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?

No, clerks sell Vermont marriage licenses which are good anywhere in the state of Vermont.

Do we need an appointment with the clerk?

No, except Burlington. They require an appointment.

Schedule an appointment with Burlington City Clerk

Which forms of identification do clerks accept?

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 in Vermont?

Is there a waiting period in Vermont?

How much does a Vermont 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, I am sorry for your loss, but happy you found new love. You will need to give the clerk a copy of their death certificate.

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

How long is our marriage license good for?

60 days from the day of purchase.

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

Usually 15-20 minutes. Small towns may take longer.

Who returns the marriage license after the ceremony/signing?

I mail the license to the clerk where you purchased it in the envelope the clerk provides.

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

Usually, two to three weeks, if I mail it to the clerk.

What if we want it sooner?

You can return it to the clerk's office yourself.

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

If we want to change our last name, what name do we use on my marriage license application?

Your current legal name.

How do we legally change our last name?

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

What if we need an APOSTILLE?

Apostille are good for people who live in other countries and need the highest verification of a document's authentication. Visit the Vermont Secretary of State's Website. They offer office hours for this service.

Apostille Authentication (vermont.gov)

What if the clerk asks for proof of your justice of the peace status?

Direct them to this website:
Justices of the Peace | Burlington, VT