How to Get Married in Connecticut for a Memorable Tri-State Celebration

If you've been wondering how to get married in Connecticut, you've landed on the right page. Whether you grew up in this Tri-State, or have dreamt about a quiet wedding in one of its quaint towns or beachside areas, it's not surprising that you'd be thinking about getting married in Connecticut. After all, "Connecticut is packed with New England charm, rich history and stunning venues for every style," says Irene Katzias, Connecticut wedding planner at Irene + Co Events.

To learn more about Connecticut marriages, from the steps to getting married in CT to CT marriage laws and the best places to tie the knot in this historic Northeastern state, we chatted with Katzias, Evan Chestnutt, owner and lead planner at the Connecticut-based One For The Books Events, and Natalie Roehrs and Aimee Kaplan of Consilium Events.

In this article:

• How to Get a Marriage License in Connecticut
• Notable Wedding Locations in Connecticut
• How to Plan a Wedding in Connecticut Step-by-Step

How to Get a Marriage License in Connecticut

When it comes to how to obtain a marriage license in Connecticut, there are a series of steps to follow. Unlike some other states, there is a specific timeline to secure your marriage license in Connecticut. Although there is no waiting period once your marriage license is created, it is important to note that it is only valid for 65 days which means you have to make things official within that time frame. Strategically plan your wedding date to correlate with the day you make your appointment or walk in to secure your marriage license in CT.

"Depending on the town, some couples are encouraged to make an appointment but honestly, with our small state you can walk into most of the town hall buildings and apply together," Chestnutt says. "These appointments don't take much time at all—an hour maximum usually." That said, Katzias adds that both individuals (18 years of age and older or with consent from a legal guardian or probate court judge if younger) need to be present together in person (typically at the clerk's office in the county or town where they'll tie the knot) and have their valid forms of ID and social security number handy. For example, if you plan on exchanging vows in Norwalk or Stamford, you need to apply and pay the $50 fee for your wedding license there.

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Notable Wedding Locations in Connecticut

Although Connecticut is filled with more than 100 towns where you can tie the knot, we've rounded up some notable wedding locations as recommended by our experts. These towns are home to Connecticut wedding venues to keep in mind when searching for the backdrop to your big day.

New Haven

Whether you're a Yale graduate or are looking to exchange vows in a city that offers charm and culture, you can find it in New Haven. In addition to Hotel Marcel, Katzias shares that New Haven is home to some beloved wedding venues including New Haven Lawn Club and The Blake Hotel. "The Yale campus also provides iconic photo opportunities and is meaningful for couples who met there," Katzias adds.

Mystic

If tying the knot in a picturesque town is a must-have for your Connecticut wedding, consider Mystic. "This seaside town offers breathtaking waterfront venues and historic streets complete with a drawbridge, charming inns and stunning views of the Mystic River," Roehrs notes. Some noteworthy vendors in Mystic which Katzias and the planners at Consilium Events recommend include Cora Jane Photography, Mystic River Entertainment and Haley Mansion at the Inn at Mystic.

Hartford

In addition to serving as the capital of Connecticut, Hartford is also an urban chic area that's close to Bradley International Airport making it an extra convenient location for any out-of-town guests. "The city offers stunning venues like the Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art or the historic Hartford Club for timeless grandeur," Roehrs says. "With accommodations ranging from boutique hotels to luxury suites, Hartford ensures your guests will be well taken care of."

Greenwich

Although a wedding in Greenwich may cost you more than some of the state's other locations due to its proximity to New York City, "Greenwich is perfect for couples seeking private New England vibes with tented estates and coastal charm," Katzias says. Some popular wedding venues in the area include L'escale at the Delamar Greenwich Harbor and The J House Greenwich.

How to Plan a Wedding in Connecticut Step-by-Step

Planning a wedding in Connecticut can feel overwhelming, but it doesn't have to be. That's why we've put together a step-by-step guide (incorporating our expert insights) to navigate the state's unique features and make the most of your wedding day.

1. Establish a Budget

As is the case with any wedding, setting a budget is the first step to bringing your CT wedding ideas to life. When creating your budget, it is best practice to think about all of the features you'd ideally want as part of your dream wedding and assign a monetary value next to each one that you're comfortable spending. Once you've done that, use The Knot Budget Advisor to conduct additional research about how much different wedding elements cost throughout the state as reported by real couples. From there, you can adjust your budget numbers for the different wedding factors until it checks and balances out in a way that suits both you and your partner's preferences without overspending.

2. Look at the Weather

Connecticut's weather tends to be unpredictable, which is why it's important to think about the season you'll want to tie the knot. That said, Roehrs notes that the spring can bring good weather, but oftentimes rain, whereas the summer can be warmer. She adds that fall tends to be one of the more popular seasons during which couples tie the knot in Connecticut as the foliage looks very beautiful around this time of year and you don't have to worry about as many snowstorms as you likely would in the winter. That said, seeking hybrid venues and those with alternative options in the case of inclement weather is key. Working with a wedding planner skilled at adapting to weather is another consideration to make during the wedding planning process.

3. Choose Your Venue

Connecticut is a very popular state to tie the knot and with that comes the need to reserve your venue earlier rather than later. "Connecticut offers a variety of venues including mansions, estates, barns, historical properties, water view properties and more," Chestnutt explains. The Knot Vendor Marketplace has a list of hundreds of venues across the state which you can easily sift through to find the one that captures your heart (and fits within your budget).

4. Consider How to Leverage Scenery

From rolling hills to mountains to the woods and coastline, Connecticut has it all, Chestnut notes. That said, you'll want to consider how you'll leverage your wedding venue to maximize Connecticut's beautiful scenery—whether for the backdrop of wedding photos or the backdrop of your entire celebration. That said, she adds that many venues across the state offer water views.

5. Schedule Transportation

Although some urban areas of Connecticut are walkable, most of the state requires a vehicle to get around. "For out-of-town guests, it's best to offer shuttles or set up a car rental discount," Katzias says. Luckily, Connecticut is home to many wedding transportation services including Gateway Limousine and OAK Luxury Service. That said, "with its central location between New York City and Boston, Connecticut is easily accessible via major highways, Amtrak and regional airports like Bradley International," Kaplan adds.

6. Touch Base With Unique Vendors

From DJs to photographers, Connecticut is filled with unique vendors you can hire for your special day. Although you can do your research online, The Knot Vendor Marketplace is a platform you can utilize to find those that match your wedding's aesthetic and allocated budget. You can also filter vendors to specifically consider those that have won awards and those located between five and 100 miles of your marrying location.