Vermont Marriage License Requirements 2026
Everything you need to legally marry in Vermont: $60 license fee, None waiting period, 60 days validity, minimum age 18, None witnesses required. Apply at the Town Clerk.
Vermont Marriage License: Quick Facts
How Much Is a Marriage License in Vermont?
A marriage license in Vermont costs $60. This is the standard fee charged by the Town Clerk when you submit your application in person. The fee covers the license itself, recording, and one certified copy of the marriage certificate in most counties.
Payment is typically accepted in cash, card, or check, though policies vary by county. Some counties charge extra for additional certified copies, which you may need for name changes, passport applications, or insurance updates after the wedding. Call your county clerk in advance to confirm accepted payment methods and total cost with additional copies.
Compared to the national average of $60-$80, Vermont's fee is in line with the national average.
How to Get a Marriage License in Vermont
Gather required documents
Both partners need a valid government-issued photo ID. If you have been previously married, bring the final divorce decree or your former spouse's death certificate. Vermont does not require proof of residency.
Visit the Town Clerk
Both applicants must appear in person at the Town Clerk in any Vermont county. You can typically apply in the county where you plan to marry or the county where you live - check your specific county for any local rules.
Complete the application and pay the fee
Fill out the marriage license application and pay the $60 fee. Be ready to provide both Social Security numbers (or visa numbers for non-citizens), your parents' full names, and your places of birth.
License issued same day
Vermont issues marriage licenses the same day with no waiting period. You can legally marry as soon as the license is in hand, though most couples still plan a few days of buffer.
Hold the ceremony within the validity window
The license is valid for 60 days from the date of issue. The ceremony must be officiated and the license signed within this window. Authorized officiants in Vermont: Ordained ministers, priests, and other clergy. Judges of the Supreme, Superior, and District courts. Justices of the peace. Vermont was the first state to establish civil unions in 2000.
Return the signed license for recording
After the ceremony, the officiant signs the license along with any required witnesses. The signed license must be returned to the Town Clerk (often by the officiant) within the timeframe specified by Vermont law. The county then issues your official marriage certificate.
Special Situations in Vermont
Previously married
Bring the final divorce decree or death certificate of your former spouse. Some Vermont counties require the decree be from within a certain number of months - check with the Town Clerk.
Out-of-state couples
Vermont has no residency requirement, making it a popular state for destination weddings. Both partners just need to appear in person at the Town Clerk with valid ID.
Same-sex marriages
Same-sex marriages are fully legal in Vermont following Obergefell v. Hodges (2015). The requirements are identical to opposite-sex marriages with no additional steps.
Non-citizens
Foreign nationals can marry in Vermont on a tourist visa with a valid passport. The marriage itself does not change immigration status. You may need certified translations of any foreign documents.
Important Vermont Notes
Who Can Officiate in Vermont
Ordained ministers, priests, and other clergy. Judges of the Supreme, Superior, and District courts. Justices of the peace. Vermont was the first state to establish civil unions in 2000.
Good to Know
Vermont has no waiting period and no witness requirement. Both applicants must appear together before the town clerk to apply. Vermont is a popular destination for elopements due to its scenic mountain backdrops.
Vermont Marriage License Document Checklist
- Valid government-issued photo ID for both applicants (passport, Vermont drivers license, state ID, military ID)
- Birth certificates if requested by the Town Clerk
- Social Security numbers for both partners (visa numbers acceptable for non-citizens)
- Divorce decree or death certificate if either partner was previously married
- Marriage license fee of $60 - confirm accepted payment methods with your county
- Out-of-state couples are welcome - no residency required
- No witnesses legally required (though many couples bring them anyway)
First dance
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Marriage License Requirements in Other States
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Vermont Marriage License FAQ
Everything you need to know about our free tools and how they help your wedding day.
A Vermont marriage license costs $60. The fee is paid at the Town Clerk when you apply. Some counties may charge slightly more for processing or a certified copy of the marriage certificate. Payment methods vary by county - call ahead to confirm whether the office accepts cash, card, or check only.
No. Vermont has no mandatory waiting period - you can apply for and use your marriage license on the same day. Many couples still apply a few days in advance to avoid last-minute complications.
A Vermont marriage license is valid for 60 days from the date of issue. The ceremony must be performed within this window or you will need to reapply and pay the fee again. Keep the dates in mind when scheduling your application visit.
Vermont accepts valid government-issued photo ID for both applicants. Acceptable forms include a US passport, state driver's license or state ID card, US military ID, permanent resident card, or foreign passport. Both partners must present ID in person at the Town Clerk.
No. Vermont does not legally require witnesses for the marriage ceremony, though many couples choose to have them anyway. If you do invite witnesses, anyone over 18 capable of signing is typically acceptable.
No. Vermont does not require residency to obtain a marriage license. Out-of-state couples can apply at any Town Clerk as long as both partners are present and bring the required ID. This makes Vermont a popular destination wedding state.
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