This information was prepared to help you plan your Woodstock Civil Union.

We have tried to answer the questions couples most often ask. If you have any questions that remain unanswered you should contact your Town Clerk, the Woodstock Town Clerk at 802- 457-3611, or the Vital Records Unit of the Vermont Department of Health. See Detailed information on Civil Unions

How do we get a Civil Union in Vermont?
Before your ceremony, you will need to get a Vermont Civil Union license. The state of Vermont no longer requires blood tests or a waiting period.

Where do we get a Civil Union license?
If both partners are Vermont residents, you may go to the Town Clerk in either town of residence. If just one of you is a Vermont resident, you must go to the Town Clerk of the resident's hometown.

What if we are not Vermont residents?
If neither party is a Vermont resident, you may get the license from any Town Clerk in the state, but you must have the ceremony in the county where the license was issued. Woodstock is in Windsor County.

How much does a civil union license cost?
A Vermont license costs $23.00. To get a Certified Copy of the License costs $7.

How old must we be to have a civil union in Vermont?
You may get a civil union in Vermont only if you are 18 years old. No one under the age of 18 may enter into a civil union in Vermont.

Are there any other civil union restrictions?
Anyone under guardianship cannot have a civil union without the guardian’s written consent. Neither partner can be non compos mentis (of unsound mind), or a party to another civil union or marriage or a party in a legal reciprocal beneficiary relationship. Vermont does not allow uniting of close relatives. If you need further clarification, contact your Town Clerk or the Vermont Department of Health, Vital Records Unit or see Detailed information on Civil Unions

What information do we need to get a civil union license in Vermont?
You must know your legal town of residence and your place and date 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. Vermont law requires that at least one of you must sign in the presence of the Town Clerk, certifying that all facts are correct. However, most Town Clerks prefer to see both of you in person before issuing you a license for a civil union, as the law requires that they satisfy themselves that you are both free to enter the union under Vermont laws. They may legally ask to see documented proof of your statements, for example birth certificates, divorce decrees, etc.

Can a civil union license be issued through the mail?
No, a Vermont civil union license cannot be issued through the mail.

Can we have a civil union by proxy?
No.

What statistical information will I need to provide?
You will need to provide information about your race, the highest grade you completed in school, the number of times you have been married/joined by civil union and how your previous marriage(s)/civil union(s), if any, ended. This information is used by Vital Records for statistical information and does not become part of the civil union certificate.

What if either of us has been married/ had a civil union before?
If you are a widow/widower, you will be asked the date your spouse died. If you are divorced, the Town Clerk can, by law, ask to see your divorce decree before issuing your civil union license.

How soon can we have our civil union once we have our license?
There is no waiting period in the state of Vermont. A couple may have their civil union on the same day they purchase their license.

How long is our license valid?
Your license is valid for 60 days from the date of issue.

Where can we have the ceremony performed?
If you are a resident, the ceremony may be performed anywhere in the state. If you are not residents of the state, the ceremony must be performed in the county where your license was issued.

Who can perform the civil union?
A Judge, Justice of the Peace, or a member of the clergy recognized by the State of Vermont. By obtaining a temporary certificate of authorization from the Probate Court in the district where the ceremony will be performed, a Priest, Minister, or Rabbi from another state can perform the ceremony in Vermont.

What do we do with the license?
You must deliver the license to the person who will conduct your civil union ceremony (officiant) before the ceremony can be performed. After the ceremony, the officiant will complete and sign your license, and return it to the Town Clerk's office where it was issued. It is not a complete legal document until it has been recorded in the Town Clerk's office where it was purchased.

Do we need witnesses?
Vermont law does not require witnesses.

How do we get a copy of the civil union certificate?
You can request a copy from the Town Clerk or the Vermont Department of Health, Vital Records Unit. The cost is $7.