📅 2026 Update: Changes in Gay Marriage Laws in Connecticut

Since the original article was written, there have been important updates to the laws surrounding marriage in Connecticut. These changes affect the requirements and processes for obtaining marriage licenses, especially for same-sex couples. The earlier article continues further down the page.

⏳ New Marriage License Waiting Period

Effective October 1, 2026, Connecticut now requires a minimum 48-hour waiting period after applying for a marriage license. This means couples must plan ahead, as they cannot receive their license immediately. The waiting period is intended to give couples time to consider their decision.

🚫 Marriage of First Cousins Prohibited

As of October 1, 2025, individuals are no longer allowed to marry their first cousins. This change reflects ongoing efforts to update and clarify family marriage regulations. Couples should be aware of these restrictions when considering their eligibility.

💲 Current Fees for Marriage Licenses

The cost for a marriage license in Connecticut remains at $50.00. For couples who need a certified copy of their marriage certificate, fees can vary by town. For instance, the Town of Hartford charges $20.00 for this service.

📋 Application Process Overview

Couples must apply for their marriage license in person at the vital records office in the town where they will marry. Both parties need to be present and provide valid identification, like a driver's license or passport. A sworn statement is also required to confirm that the information is accurate.

📜 Important Eligibility Rules

To marry in Connecticut, both individuals must be at least 18 years old and cannot be currently married. Those under conservatorship may marry only with written consent from their conservator. The law prohibits marriages between close relatives, including first cousins as of October 1, 2025.

📌 Key Points to Remember

  • ⏳ 48-hour waiting period after applying for a marriage license.
  • 🚫 First cousin marriages are now prohibited.
  • 💲 Marriage license fee is $50.00.
  • 📋 In-person application is required for marriage licenses.
  • 📜 Must be at least 18 years old and not currently married to apply.

💡 Tips for Navigating Marriage Laws in Connecticut

It's a good idea to discuss your specific situation with an attorney to ensure you understand all aspects of marriage law.

📍 Understand the Waiting Period

When planning your wedding, remember the 48-hour waiting period after applying for a marriage license. This affects how soon you can get married after submitting your application.

📅 Confirm Eligibility Requirements

Before applying, check that both you and your partner meet the eligibility requirements. You must be at least 18 years old and not currently in a marriage or similar legal relationship.

🆔 Gather Required Documents

Make sure to gather the necessary identification documents before applying. Valid forms of ID include a driver’s license or passport, and both partners must provide these when applying.

💵 Budget for Fees

Plan your budget to include the $50.00 fee for the marriage license. If you need a certified copy of your marriage certificate later, remember that costs vary by town.

🏛️ Choose Your Officiant

Decide who will officiate your wedding. In Connecticut, eligible officiants include judges, clergy, and justices of the peace. Make sure your chosen officiant is qualified to perform your ceremony.

🏆 Top Services for Marriage Needs in Connecticut, Ranked by User Reviews (2026)

There are various services available to help couples navigate the marriage process in Connecticut. These services can assist with obtaining marriage licenses and providing virtual ceremonies. The following order is based on Trustpilot data from October 2026.

Star ratings can change over time, and they reflect feedback from users; dissatisfied customers tend to leave more reviews.

🥇 1. VirtualMarriage

VirtualMarriage has been rated 4.9. This service is known for its ability to facilitate legal online marriages, especially for long-distance couples. However, it may have limited availability in certain states and can charge additional fees for expedited services.

🥈 2. Courtly

Courtly holds a 4.5 rating. This service allows couples to apply for marriage licenses online and offers virtual marriage ceremonies. While it is a convenient option, some customers have reported limited support and occasional processing delays.

🆓 Free Government and Nonprofit Help

The Connecticut Department of Public Health provides information on marriage licenses and certified copies. Additionally, the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Connecticut offers resources related to marriage laws and rights. The Human Rights Campaign (HRC) supports LGBTQ+ individuals regarding marriage rights in Connecticut.

🔎 What to Compare When Choosing a Marriage Service

  • 📅 Check the waiting period for marriage licenses.
  • 💲 Confirm the fees associated with the service.
  • 📋 Ensure the service can help with application requirements.
  • 🏛️ Verify the officiants available through the service.
  • 🌍 Look into the availability in your state or town.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

❓ What is the waiting period for a marriage license in Connecticut?

The waiting period for a marriage license in Connecticut is 48 hours after you apply.

📜 Can first cousins get married in Connecticut?

No, as of October 1, 2025, marriages between first cousins are prohibited in Connecticut.

💵 How much does a marriage license cost in Connecticut?

A marriage license in Connecticut costs $50.00. Additional fees may apply for certified copies of your marriage certificate.

🆔 What identification is needed to apply for a marriage license?

Both parties must present valid identification, such as a driver’s license or passport, when applying for a marriage license.

📅 How long is a marriage license valid in Connecticut?

A marriage license in Connecticut is valid for 65 days from the date it is issued.

🏛️ Who can officiate a marriage in Connecticut?

Eligible officiants in Connecticut include judges, clergy members, and justices of the peace, among others.

⚖️ Recent Court Cases Related to Marriage Laws

There have been recent court rulings affecting marriage laws in Connecticut that are relevant to same-sex marriage and other related issues.

For more information, readers can browse more rulings on the news page.

End of October 2026 Update





The nationwide gay marriage debate  was partially answered by a civil union law passed in 2005, in Connecticut. Gay marriage issues were highly publicized at that time and Connecticut became the second state in the nation to adopt and legally recognize civil unions and the legal rights granted to the couple. In fact, Connecticut would later allow LGBT couples the same rights and responsibilities of marriage by legally recognizing gay marriage. 

Connecticut was only the third state to legally recognize gay marriage. Debates continue as to the language used to describe unions and marriages. In fact, California, which had once recognized gay marriage, has since made it illegal and currently only allows for the legal recognition of domestic partnerships.  Regardless of the language used, LGBT couples in Connecticut are now entitled to the same benefits as married opposite sex couples.

After Connecticut legally accepted civil unions in 2005, the gay marriage debate continued in that state and nationwide. In 2006, a judge ruled that civil unions provided rights and protections similar to marriage and failed to legally recognize gay marriage in Connecticut. In essence, it was ruled that banning gay marriage, did not violate any individual rights as granted by the state of Connecticut. 

Gay Marriage Laws in Connecticut

The court ruled that civil unions were the only legally necessary allowance for LGBT couples.  Civil unions were meant to be similar to marriage, without being exactly the same. Yet, the LGBT community disagreed and the debate continued in Connecticut. Gay couples wanted their unions to be officially recognized as marriages. LGBT couples wanted equal rights across the board, including the right to enter into a marriage. 

The debate continued and civil unions remained the only legally recognized partnerships for those in the LGBT community.  However, the courts later decided that gay marriage was legal in Connecticut. Gay marriage is currently only legal in only a few states.

The Connecticut State Supreme Court ruled that LGBT couples were entitled to equal protection and rights by the states constitution. In fact, Kerrigan V. Commissioner of Public Health was decided in 2008, and made gay marriage legal in Connecticut. Gay marriage is currently legal in Connecticut and couples enjoy all of the rights, benefits and responsibilities of marriage.

In fact, all civil unions in Connecticut will be recognized as marriages as of late 2010. The gay marriage debate has been answered, at least in Connecticut. Gay marriage debates continue in many states. However, every time a positive action is taken toward equal rights, opposition shrinks and the possibility of equality becomes closer at hand.