Marriage Licenses

State law says that if you are under 18 years of age, you need the written consent of your parent or guardian. If you are under 16 years of age, the Probate Judge has to sign a consent as well.
     You both have to appear at the Town Clerk's Office in person. The license is valid for 65 days from the date of application. The fee is $30.00. If you want a certified copy of the license, the cost is $20.00.
     We have a list of Essex Justices.

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Military Discharges

Notice of Entitlement. Persons who claim an exemption from local property tax under the provisions of section 12-81(19) or 12-82 by reason of military service must give notice to the town clerk of the town of their residence that they are entitled to the exemption.

DATES OF WARS AND OTHER RECOGNIZED MILITARY CAMPAIGNS AND
OPERATIONS UNDER STATE STATUE 27-103,
AS AMENDED BY PUBLIC ACT 03-85

FOR PROPERTY TAX EXEMPTION ELIGIBILITY UNDER S.S.12-81(19)
AS OF OCTOBER 1, 2003

#1 The Spanish American War includes the Philippine Insurrection, the Boxer Rebellion and service in the Moro Province, for which the ending date is eleven days later than the ending date of the Spanish American War.

#2 The ending date of service in Russia by a person serving with the United States military forces during World War I differs from the ending date for all service during that war in all other arenas.

#3 Pursuant to S.S.12-86, twelve o'clock midnight on December 31, 1947 is the World War II termination date for purposes of granting a property tax exemption.

#4 A person must have served in a combat or combat support role for the duration of a campaign lasting less than 90 days (i.e., the Invasions of Grenada and Panama) in order to qualify for a property tax exemption. A person must also have served in a combat or combat support role in Lebanon or in Operation Earnest Will, during the specified dates, in order to qualify for an exemption. An Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal is awarded to such individuals.

#5 Although referred to as the Persian Gulf War, service in the Persian Gulf is not required, nor is service in a combat or combat support role.

Vital Records

The Essex Town Clerk's Office maintains records of birth, marriage and death for people who were born, got married or died in town. Our records go back to 1852.
     All vital records are available for public inspection, except for birth records that are less than 100 years old.

Birth Certificates
People whose parents resided in Essex, Centerbrook or Ivortyton at the time of their child's birth can obtain a certified birth certificate at our office. Make $20.00 check payable to the Town Clerk.

Marriage Certificates
Certified marriage certificates are also available by mail by sending a letter of request to the Town Clerk's Office, 29 West Avenue, Essex, CT 06426. Include:

• names of couple (including wife's maiden name).
• wedding date.
• a $20.00 check payable to the Town Clerk.

Death Certificates
Death certificates are retained here for those who either died in town, or were residents of Essex, Centerbrook or Ivoryton at time of death. Make $20.00 check payable to the Town Clerk.

Voter Registration

John V. Heiser (R)
Phone: 860.767.4340 Ext. 142

The Town Clerk's Office is available to help you obtain election and voting information.

To register in Connecticut, you must

• be a U.S. citizen
• be a resident of a Connecticut municipality
• be at least 18 years of age on or before the next election
• not be convicted of a felony
• Registration forms may be obtained from the Town Clerk or Registrar of Voters..
• Your registration is subject to the approval of the municipal registrars of voters.