Vermont Marriage Records
In Vermont, two people can legally marry when they are 18 years or older. Previously, individuals between the ages of 16 and 18 could get married but with the consent of a parent. However, this provision was made void in 2023. Both parties should also be single, meaning they are not legally married to anyone else. The process of obtaining a license requires at least one to be present to sign the license in front of the town clerk. However, both have to sign the application for the license. When they present themselves to the clerk, the applicants must provide a state or federal-issued Identification card. A driver’s license or passport would suffice.
Besides basic information about the marrying couple, they will also include their mother’s maiden names and their place of birth. A certified copy of the birth certificate may provide most of the required information. Details concerning previous marriages and divorces are also needed. The information is confidential and will not be part of the marriage certificate. Though, the town clerk will review the application to determine that the details given do not constitute a prohibition to getting married in the state.
The marriage license in Vermont costs $80 and is valid for only 60 days from the date it was issued. During that period, an authorized officiant will perform the marriage ceremony.
According to Vermont Vital Events data, 5,070 marriages occurred in 2022, an increase from 4,765 the previous year. Under 18 V.S.A § 5002, marriage records are not restricted in the state, provided they are not certified copies, which may only be available to the parties involved and their legal representatives. Copies from online resources may also not be used for legal purposes.
What are Marriage Records?
Vermont marriage records are state-provided documentation proving that a couple has been joined in matrimony. These can be used as proof that a couple has been married for tax, employment, or medical records purposes. Marriages are generally recorded at the town level and stored by the clerk. Microfilm copies of these records may also be held at the Public Records division in Montpelier. Recent year records, though, are maintained at the Vermont Vital Records Office at the Department of Health and Vital Statistics.
Vermont records include the names of spouses, names of wedding officiant, witnesses, and the bride and groom’s parent. Wedding dates, locations, and marriage license issuance dates are also required. Marriage records are essential for the Social Security Administration to complete a name change. These are required when filing a joint income tax return with the Department of the Treasury. The other reason for marriage records includes collecting pension or Social Security benefits. It is also essential when adopting a child or applying for a mortgage where proof of marriage is required. The local and federal governments also require marriage records to chart trends in the population for social research purposes.
Marriages form part of the vital records in Vermont by the 18 V.S.A § 5002, statutes. That means all parties may access marriage records in the state, provided these are not certified. Marriage certificates are only accessible to specific parties. Third parties may access these certificates provided they have court authorization.
Marriages in Vermont
Vermont has one of the highest marriage rates in the country, with 7.8 per 1000 in 2022, a slight reduction from 9.3 in 2010. However, it is higher than the national average of 6.2 per 1000. This can be attributed to a conservative culture that holds matrimony in high esteem. Vermont apparently ranks highly regarding the median duration of marriage, at 22.4 years. Compared to other rates, it also has a high median age for first marriages, at 30.6.
51.7% of people 17 years and older are currently married in Vermont. 35.2% have never been married, 10.9% are divorced, and 2.3% have widowed. Vermont’s married population is grouped below according to ethnicity:
White (non-Hispanic) - 50.08%
Asian (non-Hispanic)- 49.56%
White Hispanic - 35.49%
Black(non-Hispanic)- 20.27%
Mixed (including Hispanic)- 32.7%
Other (including Hispanic)-40.74%
Vermont’s divorce rate is 2.3 per 1000 residents, which is lower than the average in the United States of 2.4. In the state, a marriage license will not be issued through the mail, and parties cannot get married through proxy. Vermont legal statutes mandate that at least one party must be present to sign the license in front of the town clerk. However, both parties must sign the application for it to be valid.
The minimum age for marriage in Vermont is 18. It was previously 16, though the provision was void by Senate Bill 359. Though anyone aged 18 and over can get married in the state, those under guardianship may not do so without the guardian’s written consent. Vermont also does not allow for marriage between close relatives. That is marrying a sister, parent, child, grandparent, niece, nephew, aunt or uncle. The law also requires that both parties are of sound mind.
Per state law, applicants must deliver the license to the individual conducting the wedding ceremony before the ceremony is done. Following the ceremony, the officiant will fill in the needed sections on dates and locations and sign the license. Vermont law does not require witnesses to be present at a religious ceremony, though.
At that point, the license becomes a certificate and will be returned to the town clerk’s office where it was issued no later than ten days after the wedding. That is so the event can be officially registered. In cases where the officiant has registered with the Secretary of State to act as a temporary officiant, a copy of the certificate of authority is provided by the Secretary of State.
When returned to the town clerk, this will be attached to the signed marriage license. The certificate becomes a legal document when the clerk’s office records it. Licenses backdated to a date earlier than when they were purchased are void. Marriage licenses cost applicants $80 in Vermont. Considering the vital records are open to all interested parties in the state, there are no confidential marriage licenses.
Vermont Marriage Certificate
Vermont marriage certificates prove that a couple is joined in legal matrimony. It may be provided by the county clerk after the ceremony, and it is set according to the marriage license. Marriage records at the state level may also be accessed from the state portal. Marriage certificates are confidential to most parties because, though they form part of the records, they are official documentation that can be used for legal purposes. The parties to the marriage and their legal representatives have access to marriage certificates. Third parties can also access Vermont marriage certificates if the courts have authorized them.
How to Find and Access Vermont Marriage Records
Vermont is an open records state, so interested parties can access the marriage records in person, via mail, or online.
Finding and Accessing Vermont Marriage Records in Person
Vermont records can be accessed by visiting the county or town clerk's office. It would mean confirming where the marriage ceremony took place. Visit the offices during office hours and provide the required details for the request, including names, locations, and wedding dates. Requesters also must provide their government-issued identification, such as a driver’s license or passport. Copy fees depend on the county, though these may range from $10 to $30 per request. Alternatively, if the applicant is unsure of the town, they can go to the Vermont Department of Health to the Vital Records Office. Certified records from their offices are $10 per copy.
Finding and Accessing Vermont Marriage Records by Mail
To access marriage records via mail, the record seeker may send a written request to the Vital Records Office from the Vermont Department of Health. They will also detail the parties' names, the ceremony's location, and the relationship to the person on the record. Money orders or checks for the record should be attached as part of the request to the department. The applicant will also provide a copy of their identification within the mail. Some counties are issuing agents for the department as well, so the request may be provided via their offices.
Finding and Accessing Vermont Marriage Records online
Vermont marriage records may be requested online using the vital records request service. A VSARA-09 FORM is appropriate for marriages and divorces. Each certified record is $10, though an extra cost of $10 is applied if one requests authentication for foreign use. Most orders will be shipped via US standard mail in five to seven business days. For faster delivery, though, there is a possibility for expedited shipping at $14.50. These are issued overnight on the day the order is given. If the order cannot be provided, there will be a partial refund.