Our office issues Marriage Licenses by appointment only. You may contact the office by phone at (860) 824-0707 x10 or email at townclerk@canaanfallsvillage.org to arrange for your appointment.
As of October 1, 2009, marriage licenses may only be obtained from the town of occurrence. Once issued, the marriage license is good for 65 days.
As of October 1, 2026, Public Act 26-141, Sections 6 & 7 add a minimum waiting period of 48 hours between applying for and receiving your license. The 48-hour period begins once both applicants have completed and signed the license form. The license may only be picked up by either spouse after the minimum waiting period has concluded.
Day of Application
On November 12, 2008, the Connecticut Supreme Court struck down the state’s civil union law and ruled that same-sex couples have a constitutional right to marry. The same marriage license will be issued to all couples wishing to be married.
Justice of Peace
We do not provide someone to perform your ceremony. If you do not have an officiant yet, here is a list of Canaan (Falls Village) Justices of Peace. Justice of Peace List , January 6 2025.pdf
Appearance Required
Each individual must appear in the Town Clerk’s Office to sign the Marriage License before it can be issued. There is an Marriage License Worksheet Fillable.pdfthat requires completion. You will be asked questions regarding your parentage: where your mother and father were born and your mother’s maiden name. To assist in processing, we ask that you bring the completed worksheet with you. If you are unable to complete it ahead of time, you may complete it when you visit our office.
Certified Copies
Any certified copies you need will be an additional cost. One is not automatically sent to you. Click Here -> Request for copy of Marriage Certificate to find out how to obtain a certified copy once you have been married.
Name Change
The Town Clerk’s Office is frequently asked whether our staff is responsible for legally changing a spouses last name with Social Security Administration (SSA) once they have been married. There are no provisions with the Connecticut Statutes to allow Town Clerks to perform this service. However, you can access the necessary Change of Name Certificate (PDF).pdf to submit to the SSA along with a certified copy of your marriage license.
Identification/Payment/Process Time Length
Please be sure to bring identification - a valid driver’s license or a valid passport. We accept cash or a personal check for the license.
The process takes from 20-30 minutes depending on activity in the office. The hours to obtain a marriage license are Monday, Tuesday & Wednesday 9:00 am to 12:00 pm, and 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm, Thursday, 9:00 am to 12:00 pm. Canaan Town Hall is located at 108 Main Street, Falls Village. If you have any questions, please call our office at 860-824-0707 x10.
Fees*
CGS 7-73 - Marriage License Fee: $50
Once recorded, there is an additional fee of $20 per certified copy.
We suggest you purchase a certified copy of the license at the same time as your application for marriage.
The fee for a copy of a Death Certificate from the State or Town is $20.00 per copy. CGS 7-73 - Removal, Transit and Burial Permit Fee: $5 CGS 19a-323 - Cremation Permit Fee: $5
A copy of the requesters valid government issued photo ID's or passports is required. Or two forms of the following: -Social Security card -Paycheck stub or a w-2 form that contains the Social Security Number -Current school or college photo ID -Automobile registration -Copy of utility bill or bank statement showing name and address Visit CT DPH for more information about forms of ID.
Fees*
Full Size Certified Copy $20.00 Wallet Sized $15.00
------------------------------------------------ **Please note: Checks may be made payable to the Town of Canaan, or payment may be made in cash. We do not accept credit cards.
