Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Who can perform marriages in Connecticut?
A: All judges and retired judges, either elected or appointed, including federal judges and judges of other states who may legally join persons in marriage in their jurisdictions, family support magistrates, family support referees, state referees and Justices of the Peace who are appointed in Connecticut, and all ordained or licensed members of the clergy, belonging to this state or any other state. All marriages solemnized according to the forms and usages of any religious denomination in this state, including marriages witnessed by a duly constituted Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is, are valid. All marriages attempted to be celebrated by any other person are void.
Q: How do I know if someone is a Justice of the Peace?
A: All Justices of the Peace in Connecticut are appointed within their town of residence and are authorized to perform marriages anywhere within the State of Connecticut. The Town Clerk in each town can provide you with a list of the Justices of the Peace appointed in that town, if you wish to check the Justice of the Peace's credentials.
Q: Why should I use a Justice of the Peace instead of a friend or family member who got ordained online?
A: There are many reasons why a Justice of the Peace is the right choice to perform your wedding ceremony. Unlike a friend or family member who had been ordained just for your wedding, a Justice of the Peace will be knowledgeable about marriage laws in Connecticut and the process for filling out and filing your marriage certificate. A Justice of the Peace will also be comfortable performing the wedding ceremony, something a friend or relative may not be.
Q: Why should I use a Justice of the Peace instead of a member of the clergy.
A: Unlike a member of the clergy, a Justice of the Peace is not constrained by any church's teachings or religious beliefs and can tailor your service to exactly what you want. Members of the clergy are allowed under Connecticut law to decline to perform marriages based on their religious beliefs. As a Justice of the Peace I am more than happy to perform a marriage service for anyone. I can include any religious writings or prayers you would like into your service.
Q: Is a ceremony required to get married?
A: No, all that is needed is both parties to agree to get married and the Justice of the Peace to sign the marriage license. This can be done at the Town Hall when you obtain your marriage license. In most cases, the Town Hall will not provide a Justice of the Peace. This is a service that I offer (see "Married in a Hurry" on the Services page) .
Q: Where to I go to get a marriage license?
A: A marriage license must be obtained from the town where the ceremony will be performed. It is valid for 65 days from when it was issued.
Q: Where can I get a copy of my marriage license?
A: An original copy of a marriage license is on file in the Town Clerk’s office in the town the wedding occurred and a copy in the town of residence.
Q: Does getting married automatically change my name?
A: Getting married does not automatically change your name. The Social Security Administration will need a certified copy of the marriage certificate in order to change a name on their records.
Q: What do I do if my question is not covered on this page.
A: Please feel free to contact through email, text, or by phone and I will answer any Justice of the Peace questions that your have.