Weddings in
Stowe, Vermont, U.S.A.
This information sheet was prepared to help you plan your Stowe
Vermont Wedding. If you have questions that are not answered,
contact Timberholm Inn at 800-753-7603 or the Stowe Town Clerk
at 802-253-6133.
Do we need a marriage license?
Yes. Before your ceremony you will need to purchase a
Vermont marriage license. It must be presented to the officiator
before your marriage is performed. While your license may be
purchased up to two months before your ceremony, it becomes void
sixty days from date of issue if the proposed marriage is not
solemnized.
Do we need blood tests?
No.
Where do we get a marriage license?
If both bride and groom are Vermont residents you may
go to the town clerk in either of your towns of residence. If
just one of you is a resident, you must go to the town clerk of
the town where the Vermont resident currently resides.
What if we are not Vermont residents?
Decide where in Vermont you wish to be married (we
hope it's Stowe!) Out-of-state residents must buy their license
in the county where they plan to marry (Stowe is in Lamoille
county). Any town clerk in that county can issue the license.
The Stowe town clerk's office is located in the Ackley memorial
building on Main Street in Stowe village - a short and easy
drive from the Timberholm Inn.
How much does a Vermont license cost?
A Vermont license costs $23.00 U.S. plus an
additional $7.00 for a certified copy.
Who may be married in Vermont?
A man and a woman who are at least 18 years old may
marry in Vermont. If you are at least 16, but under 18, you will
need the consent of a parent or guardian.
Are there any other marriage
restrictions?
Vermont does not allow marriage between close
relatives. You cannot marry in Vermont to evade the laws of the
state where you live. You cannot marry if either of you is
currently married to someone else. The law also requires that
both parties be of sound mind.
What information do we need to purchase
a marriage license in Vermont?
You must know your legal town of residence and your
place of birth; you will also need to know your parents' names,
including your mother's maiden name, and the states where your
parents were born (a certified copy of your birth certificate
can supply most of this information). Vermont law requires that
at least one of you must sign in the presence of the town clerk,
certifying that all facts are correct; however, most town clerks
prefer to see both of you in person before issuing your license,
as the law requires that they satisfy themselves that you are
both free to marry under Vermont laws. They may legally ask to
see documented proof of your statements, (such as birth
certificates, divorce decrees, etc).
What statistical information will I
need to provide?
You will need to provide information about your race, the
highest grade you completed in school, the number of times you
have been married and how your previous marriage(s), if any,
ended. This information is confidential and does not become part
of the marriage certificate.
What if either of us has been married
before?
If you are a widow or widower, you are free to marry.
You will be asked the date that your spouse died. If you are
divorced you may remarry after the date on which your previous
marriage is dissolved.
Can a marriage license be issued
through the postal mail?
No.
Can we be married by proxy?
No.
Is there a waiting period?
No.
Where can we get married?
A Vermont license is valid only for a marriage
performed in Vermont. If you are a Vermont resident or are
marrying a Vermont resident you may be married anywhere in
Vermont. If you are not a Vermont resident you must be married
in the county where your license is issued. We hope it's Stowe!
Who may marry us?
A judge, Supreme Court justice, assistant judge,
justice of the peace, or an ordained or licensed member of the
clergy residing in Vermont may perform your ceremony. The
Timberholm Inn will be happy to assist you in finding a local,
legal Officiant for your ceremony. A priest, rabbi or minister
from another state may perform your ceremony if he or she first
obtains a special authorization from a probate court in the
district where the marriage takes place.
What do we do with the license?
By law you must deliver the license to the person who
will conduct your wedding ceremony before the marriage can be
performed.
Do we need witnesses?
Vermont law does not require witnesses. If you are
planning a religious ceremony check with your church or
synagogue to see if religious tenets require witnesses for your
marriage.
What happens to the license after the
ceremony?
The person who performs the ceremony (officiate) will
complete the sections concerning the date, place and officiate
information and sign your license. It must then be returned to
the town clerk's office where it was issued within ten (10) days
so that your marriage may be officially registered. It is not a
complete legal document useful for passports, social security,
etc. until it has been recorded in the town clerk's office where
it was purchased.
How do we get a copy of the marriage
certificate?
There are two ways to obtain a copy of your marriage
certificate:
-
When you purchase your license, you may arrange with the town
to mail you a certified copy of your certificate as soon as
your marriage is recorded. The cost will be $30.
-
Two weeks or more after the ceremony you may request (in
person or in writing) a copy from the town clerk's office
where you purchased your license. Or, six or more weeks after
your ceremony you may request (in person or in writing) a
certified copy from the department of Health, Vital Records
Unit, 108 cherry street P.O. Box 70, Burlington Vermont 05402.
Either way the fee is $7.00 and you will receive a copy of the
original certificate, embossed with the Town or State seal and
signed and dated by the appropriate official. These certified
copies are accepted for all legal purposes.
We hope that this has helped you
in planning your Stowe wedding!
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