The Vermont Guide to Traditional & Civil Marriage

EFFECTIVE SEPTEMBER 1, 2009: Civil Marriage became Vermont law. Same-sex couples who enter(ed) into a Civil Union prior to September 1, 2009 will still have a legal civil union. Should that couple wish to enter into a Civil Marriage, the process is the same as for traditional marriage, meaning obtaining a license from a Vermont Town Clerk, paying a fee, and filing the appropriate paperwork. Civil Unions are recognized as legal in some states, Civil Marriage will be recognized as legal on a state-by-state basis. Dissolving a civil union in favor of a civil marriage is not necessary.

Please refer to the Wedding Legalities section for further details.