Review the marriage license worksheet to prepare for application. Both parties must appear in person at the Town Clerk's office.
Middle and/or Surname Option(s)
Every person has the right to adopt any name by which he or she wishes to be known simply by using that name consistently and without intent to defraud. A person’s last
Name (surname) does not automatically change upon marriage, and neither party to the marrige must change his or her last name. Parties to a marriage need not have the same last name.
One or both parties to a marriage may elect to change the surname by which he or she wishes to be known after the solemnization of the marriage by entering the new name in the appropriate space on the marrige license. The new name shall consist of one of the following surnames:
- the surname of the other spouse; or
- any former surname of either spouse; or
- a name combining into a single surname all or a segment of the premarriage surname or any former surname of each spouce, or
- a combination name separated by a hyphen or space, provided that each part of such combination surname is the premarriage surname, or any former surname, of each of the spouses.
In addition, one or both parties to a marriage may elect to change the middle name by which he or she wishes to be known after the solemnization of the marriage by entering the new middle name in the appropriate space on the marriage licsense. The new middle name shall consist of one of the following options:
- The current surname of the spouse electing to change his or her name;
- Any former surname of the spouse electing to change his or her name; or
- The surname of the other spouse.
Keep in mind:
The use of this option will provide a record of your change of name. The marriage certificate, containing the new name, if any, is proof that the use of the new name, or the retention of the former name, is lawful. The local Social Security Administration office should be contacted so that its records and your social security identification card reflect the name change. There is no charge for this service.
Whether you decide to use or not use this option at the time of your marriage license application, you still have the right to adopt a different name through usage at some future date. However, your marriage license cannot be changed to record a surname you decide to use after your marriage.