Same-sex Civil Unions

As of October 1, 2005 the barriers dropped that limit your rights to same-sex civil unions. I feel especially privileged to work with same-sex couples. I am happy to assist you with your ceremony.

Each civil union is unique and wonderful. You deserve to affirm your love and to become (legal) partners in a beautiful ceremony, and I am committed to making that happen for you.

Click here for sample ceremonies.

Civil Unions In the State of Connecticut
A civil union is a legal relationship that provides same-sex couples in Connecticut all the benefits, protections and responsibilities under Connecticut law as are granted to spouses in a marriage. (More information about the law is available from local Town Clerks.)

Frequently Asked Questions:

Who can form a civil union?
Both parties to a civil union must be of the same sex and therefore ineligible for marriage. Both parties must be at least 18 years of age, of sound mind, and not already in a marriage or another civil union. Connecticut also does not allow a civil union between close relatives.

Do we need a license?
Yes. Before your ceremony you will need to purchase a Connecticut civil union license. It must be presented to the officiator before your civil union is performed. A civil union license is valid and a ceremony may be performed within a period of not more than sixty-five days after the date of application.

Do we need blood tests?
No.

Where do we get a civil union license?
The civil union license must be issued by the registrar of vital statistics either in the Connecticut town in which the civil union will take place or where either person to be joined in the civil union resides.

What information do we need to purchase a civil union license in Connecticut ?
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). Connecticut law requires that both of you must sign in the presence of the town clerk, certifying that all facts are correct. They may legally ask to see documented proof of your statements, (such as birth certificates, divorce decrees, etc)

What if either of us has been married or in a civil union before?
If you are a widow or widower, you are free to form a civil union. 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 or civil union is dissolved.

Can a civil union license be issued through the postal mail?
No.

Can we form a civil union by proxy?
No.

Is there a waiting period?
No.

Where can we form a civil union?
A Connecticut license is valid only for a civil union performed in Connecticut . If you are a Connecticut resident or forming a civil union with a Connecticut resident you may form a civil union anywhere in Connecticut . If you are not a Connecticut resident you must form a civil union in the town where your license is issued.

Who can certify our civil union?
A judge, Supreme Court justice, assistant judge, justice of the peace, or an ordained or licensed member of the clergy residing in Connecticut may perform your ceremony.

What do we do with the license?
By law you must deliver the license to the person who will conduct your civil union ceremony before the civil union can be performed.

Do we need witnesses?
Connecticut 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 civil union.

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 the civil union took place so that your civil union 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 our civil union certificate?
A certified copy can be obtained from the Registrar of Vital Statistics (Town Clerk) of the town where the civil union was performed for a small fee.