Understanding the Basics
1. Residency Requirement: There are no residency requirements to obtain a marriage license in Virginia. Couples may obtain a marriage license from the Clerk of any Circuit Court in Virginia.
2. Age Requirement: Both parties must be at least 18 years old to apply for a marriage license without parental consent. If either party is under 18, additional requirements and parental consent are necessary.
3. Waiting Period: Once you obtain your marriage license, there's no waiting period. You can get married immediately after receiving the license.
4. Validity: A Virginia marriage license is valid for 60 days from the date of issue. It's essential to plan your wedding within this timeframe.
Steps to Obtain Your Marriage License
1. Visit the Clerk's Office: Both applicants must appear together in person at the
Clerk's Office in the county or city of your choice. Be sure to check for their office hours and any specific requirements or documents needed beforehand.
2. Complete the Application: Fill out the marriage license application form provided by the Clerk's Office. You'll need to provide basic information such as your full names, addresses, social security numbers, and dates of birth. To speed up the process, applicants may complete the Online Marriage License Pre-Application.
3. Bring Required Documents: The couple needs to bring the following to the Courthouse:
♥ Online Marriage License Pre-Application confirmation document, if they used our Online Pre-Application
♥ Valid photo id (driver’s license, passport or military identification card)
♥ Social Security number for each applicant (you do not need to bring your social security card)
♥ Full names of each applicant’s parents (including full middle names) as they appear on their birth certificates. (If a parent’s maiden name differs from their current name, the applicant must provide that parent’s full maiden name.)
4. Pay the Fee: $30 cash, Visa or MasterCard (there is a 4% processing fee on all credit card transactions)
5. Receive Your Marriage License: Once you've submitted the application, provided all necessary documents, and paid the fee, the Clerk's Office will issue your marriage license immediately.
After Obtaining Your Marriage License
1. Get Married: With your marriage license in hand, you're ready to tie the knot! You can have your wedding ceremony anywhere in Virginia, whether it's a courthouse, venue, or another location of your choice.
2. Officiant: Marriages are not performed by the Clerk's office. I am a Civil Celebrant and I have been authorized by the Circuit Court to perform and officiate a legal marriage ceremony. Once I complete the ceremony, I will return the marriage license to the court where the license was obtained.
3. Obtaining Certified Copies: It takes 7-10 business days after your ceremony is complete. You can obtain certified copies of your marriage certificate from the Clerk's Office in person or by mailing the request. Depending which Circuit Court you obtained your marriage license, they will mail you your certified copy.
Final Thoughts
Obtaining your marriage license in Virginia is a straightforward process, but it's crucial to follow the steps outlined by the Clerk's Office in the county court of your choice. By planning ahead and ensuring you have all the necessary documents, you can obtain your marriage license efficiently and start your journey to happily ever after.
Remember, while the process may seem administrative, obtaining your marriage license marks the beginning of a beautiful chapter in your lives together. Enjoy the process, cherish the moments, and congratulations on your upcoming marriage!
