Bigamy is the act of marrying one person while being legally married to another. Polygamy is the practice or custom (often religious) of having more than one wife or husband at a time. Most states prohibit a party from having more than one marriage license at a time, and in most states bigamy is a crime.
In Vermont, bigamy is prohibited under state law. According to Vermont Statutes Title 13, Section 206, a person who is already legally married and marries another person or purports to do so is guilty of bigamy, which is considered a crime. The law makes exceptions for individuals who reasonably believe that their previous spouse is dead or that their previous marriage has been annulled or dissolved. Polygamy, which involves having more than one spouse simultaneously, is also not legally recognized in Vermont, and engaging in polygamous marriage would fall under the prohibition against bigamy. Violation of these laws can result in criminal charges, and those found guilty may face penalties including fines and imprisonment.