How to Get Ordained and Legally Officiate a Wedding in Connecticut

Getting Married in Connecticut: A Complete Guide for Officiants

Connecticut offers a beautiful blend of New England charm, stunning landscapes, and a rich history, making it an exceptional destination for weddings. From quaint seaside venues to grand estates nestled in the countryside, the state’s diversity provides the perfect backdrop for every couple's big day. If you’re planning to officiate a wedding in Connecticut, it’s essential to understand the legal requirements and steps involved. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know, including becoming an officiant, officiating the ceremony, and completing the necessary paperwork.

Unique Aspects of Weddings in Connecticut

Why choose Connecticut for a wedding? The state’s picturesque settings, including coastal views, historic landmarks, and charming small towns, make it a sought-after location. Additionally, Connecticut’s straightforward marriage laws and inclusivity for all couples make it an ideal place to celebrate love. Whether you're an officiant for a close friend or family member, or a professional officiant looking to expand your expertise, Connecticut offers a supportive framework for creating memorable ceremonies

Who Can Officiate a Wedding in Connecticut?

In Connecticut, the following individuals are authorized to officiate weddings:

• Judges and Retired Judges: This includes federal judges, judges from other states who can legally marry individuals in their jurisdictions, and Connecticut judges.
• Family Support Magistrates, Family Support Referees, and State Referees: These judicial officers can perform marriage ceremonies.
• Justices of the Peace: Appointed in Connecticut, these officials are empowered to conduct civil ceremonies.
• Ordained or Licensed Members of the Clergy: Clergy from any state can officiate weddings if they are officially recognized as ministers or religious leaders. Online ordination through organizations like The Provenance Center is recognized in Connecticut.

How to Become an Officiant in Connecticut

Becoming a wedding officiant in Connecticut is a straightforward process. Follow these steps:

1. Get Ordained Online: Obtain ordination through a recognized organization like The Provenance Center. Their process is quick, easy, and legally recognized in Connecticut.
2. Meet Age Requirements: You must be at least 18 years old.
3. Perform Ministerial Acts: Conduct at least one ministerial act, such as leading a religious discussion or hosting a study group. Keep records of these activities.
4. Obtain a Letter of Good Standing: If ordained online, you should request a letter of good standing to verify your credentials. Some counties in Connecticut may request this.
5. Understand Connecticut’s Laws: Familiarize yourself with state-specific marriage laws to ensure compliance.

How to Officiate a Wedding in Connecticut

Before the Ceremony

• Meet with the Couple: Discuss their preferences and expectations for the ceremony.
• Verify the Marriage License: Ensure the couple has obtained a valid marriage license from the town or city clerk where the ceremony will take place.

During the Ceremony

• Presence Requirement: Both the couple and the officiant must be physically present. Marriage by proxy is not allowed in Connecticut.
• Express Intent to Marry: The couple must declare their intent to marry, typically by saying “I do.”
• Pronouncement: As the officiant, you must pronounce the couple married to finalize the union.

After the Ceremony

• Complete the Marriage License: Accurately fill out the officiant’s section, including your full legal name, title, and address.
• Return the License: Submit the signed marriage license to the issuing clerk’s office promptly. This must be done no later than the first week of the month following the wedding.

For additional guidance on officiating weddings in various states, read this article.

General Tips for Officiating a Wedding

Officiating a wedding is an honor that comes with significant responsibilities. Here are some general tips to help ensure the day goes smoothly:

• Meet with the Couple: Schedule a meeting to understand the couple's vision for the ceremony. Discuss details like vows, readings, and any special traditions they’d like to include.
• Write a Personalized Ceremony Script: Tailor the ceremony script to reflect the couple's story and values. For resources and inspiration, visit Provenance.co.
• Practice the Ceremony: Rehearse the script and familiarize yourself with the venue layout to ensure confidence on the big day.
• Step Aside for the First Kiss: After pronouncing the couple married, move to the side to allow photographers to capture this special moment without obstruction.
• Double-Check the Paperwork: Before the ceremony, verify that the couple has obtained their marriage license and ensure it’s signed and submitted promptly afterward.

For more detailed guidance on becoming a wedding officiant, check out this helpful guide from The PCO.

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How to Fill Out a Marriage License in Connecticut

1. Obtain the License: The couple must apply in person for the marriage license from the clerk's office in the town where the wedding will occur.
2. Verify Details: Double-check the information on the license for accuracy.
3. Sign the License: Sign the document after the ceremony along with the couple.
4. Submit the License: Return the completed license to the issuing clerk’s office within the specified time frame.

FAQs

1. Can a friend or relative officiate our wedding in Connecticut? Yes, as long as they are ordained through a recognized organization like The Provenance Center and meet Connecticut’s legal requirements.

2. Do we need witnesses for our Connecticut wedding? No, Connecticut does not require witnesses for marriage ceremonies.

3. How much does a marriage license cost in Connecticut? The cost is $50.

4. How long is the marriage license valid? Marriage licenses in Connecticut are valid for 65 days from the date of issuance.

5. Can same-sex couples get married in Connecticut? Yes, Connecticut recognizes marriage equality and allows same-sex couples to marry.

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Please Note: State and county marriage certificate requirements often change. The above information is for guidance only and should not be regarded as legal advice. Everyone’s situation is different, and we would always advise that you contact the office of your local marriage authority or a licensed attorney to address any specific questions or concerns you may have. While Provenance will aim to update this information as relevant and as able, you should reach out to the local county clerk for the most up to date information.