Marriage records in Bennington County, Vermont, can be accessed through several channels. BenningtonCourt.us can help you find publicly available marriage record information for the county. You can also request records through the town clerk where the marriage license was issued, the Vermont Department of Health, or the Vermont State Archives and Records Administration (VSARA). Requests may be submitted online through the state's vital records portal, in person at the issuing town clerk's office, or by mail.
Bennington Marriage Records Search
In Vermont, marriage records are maintained differently than in most other states. Rather than a single county recorder or county clerk, individual town clerks in Bennington County issue marriage licenses and file marriage certificates. Each of the county's towns — including Bennington, Arlington, Manchester, Dorset, Shaftsbury, Pownal, and others — maintains its own marriage records at the municipal level.
The Vermont Department of Health maintains a statewide vital records database that includes marriages. For records from 2013 and earlier, the Vermont State Archives and Records Administration (VSARA) holds historical marriage, civil union, and divorce records. The collection across these offices includes:
- Marriage licenses issued by town clerks
- Marriage certificates filed after the ceremony
- Civil union certificates (Vermont recognized civil unions beginning in 2000)
- Historical marriage records dating back to the early 1800s
To search for a specific record, contact the town clerk in the municipality where the license was issued. For the Town of Bennington:
For statewide searches or older records, contact VSARA at 802-828-3286 in Montpelier.
Certified Marriage Record Copies and Fees in Bennington
Fees for certified copies of Vermont marriage records depend on whether you order through a town clerk or through the state. Below are the standard fees:
| Service | Fee | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Certified copy (town clerk) | $10.00 | 18 V.S.A. § 5016 |
| Each additional copy (same record, same order) | $5.00 | 18 V.S.A. § 5016 |
| Certified copy (VSARA / state office) | $10.00 | VSARA fee schedule |
| Online order through VitalChek (state portal) | $10.00 + processing/shipping fees | State online ordering service |
Processing times vary. Town clerk requests handled in person are often completed the same day. Mail requests through the town clerk typically take 1–2 weeks. Orders placed through the state's online portal may take 2–4 weeks depending on volume and shipping method selected.
Order Marriage Certificates Online or In Person in Bennington
There are three main ways to obtain a marriage certificate for a marriage that took place in Bennington County:
Online
The state operates the Vermont Vital Records Ordering Service, which allows you to request certified copies of marriage certificates online. This service is administered through VSARA and covers marriages recorded statewide. You can also visit the Vermont Department of Health vital records page for guidance on ordering. Expect to pay the base certificate fee plus any online processing and shipping charges.
In Person
Visit the town clerk's office in the municipality where the marriage license was originally issued. For marriages in the Town of Bennington, go to:
Bring a valid photo ID. Certified copies are generally available while you wait. Payment by check or money order is typical — call ahead to confirm whether the office accepts credit or debit cards.
By Mail
You can mail a request to either the town clerk or VSARA. Include the following:
- A written request specifying the full names of both spouses, the approximate date of marriage, and the town where the marriage took place
- A photocopy of your valid government-issued photo ID
- A check or money order for the appropriate fee (payable to the town or to "VSARA")
- A self-addressed stamped envelope
For marriages recorded in 2013 or earlier, or if you are unsure which town holds the record, mail your request to:
For more recent records (2014 and later), contact the Vermont Department of Health or the town clerk directly. If you are researching historical marriage records tied to probate or family court matters in Bennington County, the VSARA probate court records page and the family court records page may also be helpful starting points.