Couples planning to marry in Vermont may complete the Application for Vermont License of Civil Marriage form online and bring it to the town clerk in their town of residence. If neither applicant is a resident of Vermont, then the application may be presented to any town clerk within Vermont. The clerk issues a license that the couple takes to an officiant. The officiant signs, dates, and returns the license to the town clerk. Then the town clerk records and files the certificate and sends a certified copy to the Health Department.
Civil unions were established in Vermont in 2000 to provide same-sex couples all the benefits, protections and responsibilities under law as are granted to spouses in a marriage. The marriage equality act, effective September 1, 2009 allows same-sex couples to marry in Vermont. This discontinued the need for the separate status of "civil unions." Civil unions entered into prior to September 1, 2009 will continue to be recognized as civil unions.
order a certified copy of a marriage or civil union certificate
- Application for Certified Copy of Marriage from 2014 to Present from the Vermont Department of Health
- Application for Certified Copy of Marriage from 2013 or earlier from the Vermont State Archives Records Administration
- Application for Certified Copy of Civil Union for all years from the Vermont State Archives Records Administration
Some internet browsers will not allow for the filling of a PDF file. You may need a current version of Adobe Reader to complete this process. If so, click on the link below for a free download.
- Getting Married in Vermont - Questions and answers to help you plan your Vermont wedding
- Marriage Checklist for Officiants