State of Virginia Marriage License, VA
Local Officiants
State of Virginia
Marriage License Requirements
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Virginia Marriage License Fee: $30.00.
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Marriage licenses are issued by the Clerk of the Circuit Court. A couple may go to any circuit court in Virginia to obtain this license.
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Minimum Age: 16.
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If a party is 16 or 17 years of age a father, mother or legal guardian must appear with valid photo identification.
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The Clerk’s Office will provide a special affidavit for the parent’s signature.
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Waiting Period: None.
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License Validity: 60 Days.
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Blood Test: Not Required.
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Residency: Not Required.
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Witnesses: There is no statutory requirement that witnesses be present at the marriage ceremony.
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Marriage Application Requirement Virginia: ✔ Get Copy Of Birth Certificate
To complete the application for a marriage license, a couple must:
The couple must appear before the Clerk together to obtain a license and be 18 years of age or older. The couple must provide the following:
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Valid photo identification (a valid driver’s license with picture, passport or military identification)
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$30 cash or credit card (MasterCard and Visa only with a 4% transaction fee)
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Their social security number (they do not need to bring their social security card)
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The 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.)
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Each party must furnish the required information under oath or affirmation and falsifying any information on a marriage license could subject the parties to prosecution for perjury.
Marriage ID Requirement:
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Driver’s License
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State issued ID card
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Military ID
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Passport
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Passport Card
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Permanent Resident Card
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Foreign Gov’t issued Passport
Marriage Waiting Period:
There is no waiting period. You will receive your license immediately, and may get married as soon as the license is issued.
Marriage Residency Requirement:
There are none. You do not have to be a previous or current resident of Virginia to obtain a marriage license
Previous Marriages: ✔ Search Marriage | Divorce Records
The date of your divorce or the date of your spouse’s death must be provided. Bring a certified copy of the divorce decree or death certificate.
Marriage License Fees:
The marriage license fees in Virginia is $30. Some clerks offices accept credit cards with an additional fee. All accept cash.
Proxy Marriages:
No. Proxy marriages are not allowed in Virginia. Both parties must be present.
Cousin Marriages:
Yes. You can marry your first or second cousin in Virginia.
Common Law Marriages:
Common Law marriages are not allowed or recognized in the Commonwealth of Virginia.
Marriage Blood Test Virginia:
There is no blood test requirement for marriage in Virginia.
Name Change:
Getting a marriage license with your new name on it does not mean your name has automatically changed. If you need to change your last name, you can use an online marriage name change kit.
Marriage Age Requirements: ✔ Get Copy Of Birth Certificate
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The minimum age for marriage in the Commonwealth of Virginia is 16 years for both parties.
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If either party is under 18 years old, consent to the marriage must be given in person by the father, mother or legal guardian of the minor.
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The law permits marriage for a Virginia resident under the age of sixteen if the bride is pregnant when seeking a marriage license or has been pregnant within the nine months preceding examination by a physician, and the parent or guardian of the underage party gives consent.
Marriage Officiants Virginia:
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A minister of any religious denomination may be authorized by the circuit court to celebrate the rites of matrimony. In order to obtain such authorization, the minister must produce proof of his ordination and regular communion with the religious society of which he is a reputed member. Marriages between persons belonging to any religious society which has no ordained minister may be solemnized by the persons and in the manner prescribed by and practiced in the society.
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The minister or other person officiating at the marriage must complete and sign the Marriage Register and the Marriage Return and forward both forms to the clerk of the court who issued the license within five days after the ceremony is performed. The Marriage Return is forwarded by the clerk to the State Division of Vital Records. In addition to the forms to be returned to the clerk, the officiant may also prepare a certificate to be given to the newly married couple.
Marriage Witnesses
There is no statutory requirement that witnesses be present at the marriage ceremony.
Expiration Date of Marriage License:
A Virginia marriage license is valid for 60 days from the date of issue.
Copy of Certificate of Marriage License
VDH, Office of Vital Records
and Health Statistics
P.O. Box 1000
Richmond, VA 23218-1000
Ph: 804.662.6200
Please Note: State and county marriage license requirements often change. The above information is for guidance only and should not be regarded as legal advice. For more information regarding Virginia marriage license laws and records please visit www.vdh.state.va.us.