New 48hr Marriage Waiting Period in Connecticut in 2026

The new law ends same-day marriage in Connecticut

 

Getting Married in Connecticut? Starting October 1, 2026, you’ll have to wait at least 48 hours after receiving your marriage license to say “I do.” 

 

Lawmakers passed the new waiting period into law earlier this month with almost unanimous bipartisan support – ending same-day weddings in the state.

 

Here’s what that means for couples getting married in Connecticut this fall (and beyond).

 

Related: How to Get Married in Connecticut - Planning a Wedding in the Constitution State

 

What's happening: Same-day marriage ends in CT starting October 1, 2026

 

• Starting October 1, 2026, same-day weddings will no longer be allowed in Connecticut. 

 

• The marriage license application process will look the same as it has in the past. 

 

• After you submit your application to marry, the clerk must wait 48 hours before issuing your marriage license. You won’t be able to pick the license up any earlier than this. 

 

• After your license is issued, you must use it and return your marriage license within 65 days. 65 days is measured from the date of issuance, not the date you apply. (per §46b-24 as amended, effective Oct 1, 2026) 

 

• These rules are the same whether your ceremony is performed by a private wedding officiant or by a justice of the peace.

 

• Be sure to consider this 2-day waiting period and the 65-day expiration period when choosing a wedding date and making the appointment to apply for your license. 

 

Related: State-by-state marriage waiting periods should be part of your wedding plan

 

Summary of new Connecticut marriage license guidelines:

 

REQUIRED WITNESSES: None 
WAITING PERIOD: 48-Hours (starting Oct 1, 2026)
EXPIRATION: 65 Days
RETURN: Before Expiration

 

 

Why did CT lawmakers support this change? 

 

Supporters of the new law say that requiring couples to wait to marry can help reduce the number of “sham marriages” that take place in Connecticut, such as fraudulent marriages that occur only for immigration purposes. According to some sources, there is a significant problem with immigrants traveling to Connecticut from neighboring states to get married in “quick ceremonies at municipal buildings.” (AMM can’t say whether or not this claim is accurate, but a recent monthslong investigation published by CT Insider supports it.)

 

Speaking about the issue earlier this year, Sen. Rahman said that a 48-hour waiting period “is a small hurdle for couples who are marrying in good faith, but it could make a real difference for someone who is facing coercion or being pressured into a fraudulent marriage.” (via CT Insider)

 

Connecticut’s neighboring states of Massachusetts, New York, and New Jersey also have marriage waiting periods (3 days, 1 day, and 3 days, respectively), while Rhode Island does not. 

 

Related: Can You Get Married on the Same Day You Get a Marriage License?

 

 

How does this impact AMM Ministers in Connecticut? 

 

Connecticut’s new marriage waiting period does not impact AMM Ministers directly. However, it’s useful information to know and share with the couples you speak with. 

 

How to put this information to use: 

 

As a professional wedding officiant in Connecticut: 

 

Let couples know about this 48-hour waiting period during your initial consultation meeting. Understanding Connecticut's marriage laws is an important part of your job as a professional officiant, and sharing this information can help establish trust between you and your clients. It also helps them avoid a potential wedding day disaster – not getting a marriage license in time for the wedding! 

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As a new minister performing a friend’s wedding in Connecticut: 

 

If you’ve been asked to officiate a wedding for friends or relatives in the state, let them know that this new policy starts in October. Couples who are already in the wedding planning stage may have already looked up when to apply for their license and marked their calendars, without knowing the law recently changed. Share this information as part of your important role in their big day! 
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Explore More Connecticut Wedding Ideas & Advice For Officiants From AMM

 

• How to Fill out a Connecticut Marriage License with Samples & FAQs
   
• 5 Important Connecticut Officiant Registration Facts
   
• Justices of the Peace are Causing Marriage Mayhem in Connecticut
   
• Connecticut Officiant Ceremony Preparation
   
• How Much Does it Cost to Get Ordained Online in Connecticut to Officiate a Wedding?
   

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