Marriage records in Chittenden County, Vermont, can be accessed through several channels. ChittendenCourt.us can help you find publicly available marriage record information. You can also request records through the town clerk's office where the marriage took place, the Vermont Department of Health, or the Vermont State Archives and Records Administration (VSARA). Records are available online, in person, and by mail.
Chittenden Marriage Records Search
In Vermont, marriage records are maintained at two levels: the town clerk's office in the municipality where the marriage license was issued, and the state vital records office. There is no county-level recording system for vital records in Vermont — each of the towns and cities within Chittenden County (including Burlington, South Burlington, Essex, Colchester, Winooski, and others) maintains its own marriage records through its respective town or city clerk.
The records held by local clerks typically include marriage licenses issued, marriage certificates returned after solemnization, and historical marriage registers. For Burlington — the county seat and largest city — marriage records are maintained by the Burlington Clerk/Treasurer's Office:
For marriages that took place in other Chittenden County towns, contact the town clerk in the municipality where the license was issued. The Vermont Department of Health also maintains a statewide index of marriage records and can issue certified copies for marriages that occurred anywhere in Vermont.
Certified Marriage Record Copies and Fees in Chittenden County
Fees for certified marriage record copies vary depending on whether you order from a local town clerk or from the state. The table below reflects standard fees established under Vermont law and current state agency schedules.
| Service | Town Clerk Fee | State (VDH/VSARA) Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Certified copy | $10 | $10 |
| Each additional copy (same order) | $5 | $5 |
| Noncertified/informational copy | Contact town clerk | Available upon request |
| Search fee (if no record found) | Varies by town | Included in copy fee |
Fees are set by 18 V.S.A. § 5012. Processing times for mail requests through the state typically range from two to four weeks. Town clerk offices may process requests faster for in-person visits. Some towns and the state accept credit card payments for online or in-person orders.
Order Marriage Certificates Online or In Person in Chittenden County
There are three main ways to order a certified copy of a Chittenden County marriage certificate:
Online
The Vermont Vital Records Ordering Service allows you to request certified copies of marriage certificates for any marriage that took place in Vermont. You will need to provide:
- Full names of both spouses
- Date of marriage
- Town or city where the marriage occurred
- Your relationship to the individuals on the record
- A valid credit or debit card for payment
In Person
Visit the town clerk's office in the Chittenden County municipality where the marriage took place. For Burlington marriages, go to:
Bring a valid photo ID. Most town clerk offices accept walk-ins during regular business hours, but calling ahead is recommended to confirm availability.
You can also request certified copies in person at the Vermont State Archives and Records Administration in Middlesex:
By Mail
To order by mail through the state, send a written request to VSARA or the Vermont Department of Health. Include:
- Full names of both spouses and date of marriage
- Town or city where the marriage occurred
- Your name, mailing address, and daytime phone number
- Your relationship to the individuals named on the record
- A check or money order for the applicable fee, payable to the Vermont Department of Health
- A copy of your photo ID
Mail requests to:
For genealogical research on older Chittenden County marriage records, the Vermont Secretary of State's vital records research page provides guidance on accessing historical records through FamilySearch and other archives. Noncertified research copies of older records may be available without eligibility restrictions.
If you need help locating the correct town clerk office or verifying which records are available, ChittendenCourt.us provides additional guidance for navigating Chittenden County public records.