A Marriage License must be obtained in the town where you plan to marry.
To apply for a marriage license, both the prospective spouses must appear in person to sign the marriage license. Beginning October 1, 2026 there will be a 48-hr waiting period between the date of application and license issuance. Once the license is issued, it is good for 65 days. The license fee is $50.00, payable by cash or check.
Things you should know:
- The application process will take some time to complete; please plan to arrive at least a 1/2 hour before closing time;
- Please call ahead or email to let us know when you'll be coming in so we can have everything prepared for you - (860) 228-3284 or townclerk [at] columbiact.gov (townclerk[at]columbiact[dot]gov)
- Both parties must appear in person to apply, though not necessarily together. In that case all information needs to be furnished by the initial applicant;
- Both parties must be at least 18 years of age;
- Bring your drivers license or other government issued photo ID (if you do not have a government issued photo ID please contact our office for other acceptable documents);
- Be prepared to provide the following information:
- Which state each of you were born in;
- Each of your mothers’ full maiden names;
- Where each of your respective parents were born (state or foreign country);
- Your social security numbers;
- The name of the person officiating and their phone number if known;
- Effective October 1, 2026 (per PA 26-141, Section 6) there is a minimum 48-hr waiting period between the date of application and license issuance. One or both prospective spouses are required to return to the Town Clerk’s office no less than 48 hours after you have submitted your application to pick-up your issued license. Below is a chart to help determine when your license can be picked up after you submit your application:
- Keep in mind that the marriage license is good for only 65 days from the date of issuance;
- The fee for the marriage license is $50. The fee for a certified copy of the completed marriage certificate is $20 per copy. Payment can be made by cash or check payable to “Columbia Town Clerk.”
- To speed up the process, before you come to our office, you can fill out the Marriage License Application online, as well as print and fill out the Marriage License Worksheet
- If you wish your ceremony to be performed by a Justice of the Peace, you will need to make those arrangements yourselves. A list of local Justices of the Peace can be found here.
Click here for a Marriage License Application (Please enter information as - Groom/Spouse One & Bride/Spouse Two)
Click here for the Marriage License Worksheet
Need A Copy Of Your Marriage License?
- You should call ahead to make sure we have your license on file.
- You will need to fill out a request for a copy of your license and you will need to present a photo ID.
- There is a $20.00 fee for a certified copy of your marriage license.