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So, You Want To Get Married? Vermont is the place!
Vermont
has been a leader in the fight for gay and lesbian civil
rights. In 2000, Vermont was the first state to pass a
civil union law. In 2009, it became the fourth state to
establish gay marriage and the first one to do it by
legislative vote rather than having it decreed by
judicial order.
Our new gay marriage law goes into effect September 1,
2009. Civil unions will continue to be offered until
that time.
We’ll
make your ceremony perfect.
We’ll make your special day truly memorable. Vermont has
always been a great destination for adventurers,
romantics, and anyone looking for fresh air and
picturesque New England villages.
Whether you want an intimate simple ceremony for you and
your beloved, or an extravagant event with several
hundred of your closest friends, we provide all the
services and products you’ll need. The members of the
Vermont Gay Tourism Association can help with every
aspect from finding picturesque locations to working
with caterers, florists, musicians and finding just the
right officiant.
What
do we need to do?
The
process is simple. You’ll need to apply for a marriage
license at a local Town Clerk’s office which you can do
when you arrive here. You will fill out a simple, one
page form with your name, address, parents' names, etc.
If either of you have ever been married, be sure to
bring a copy of your divorce decree. You will pay a $45
fee and get your wedding application. An additional fee
of $10 will be charged by the Town Clerk if you would
like a certified copy for your records. After your
ceremony, your officiant will sign the license and send
it back to the Town Clerk who will then mail you a copy
of the state marriage license certificate with Vermont
state seal if you paid the extra $10 fee. It usually
takes about a week or two to receive the certificate.
According to Vermont law, both of you must be at least
18 years of age. There is no waiting period, no blood
tests, and no witnesses required. Your innkeeper can
help you with the process. Most people who come here are
surprised at how easy the marriage process is.
What
if I don't want to wait until September 1? Can I still
get a civil union before then?
Yes, Vermont will continue issuing civil union licenses
until August 31. Vermont's civil union law is a set of
laws parallel to the state’s marriage laws. It provides
same sex couples all the state-level protections,
benefits and responsibilities of the state’s marriage
laws. See the Vermont Secretary of State’s website for
more information:
http://www.sec.state.vt.us/Marriage_Equality_FAQs.pdf
What
if I already had a civil union in Vermont?
Your
civil union stays in effect forever and if you want to
keep it, you don't have to do anything. But if you would
like to switch to a marriage, you have to go through the
same process as someone who is getting married for the
first time.
Vermont’s arms are wide open.
You are not just tolerated here, you are warmly
welcomed. For nine years, Vermont has actively invited
gay and lesbian couples to celebrate and formalize their
loving relationship here. On September 1, 2009, Vermont
will take the final step in recognizing and honoring
"equal love, equal rights."
If
you dream it, we’ll make it a reality!
Photos By
David Garten
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