Question 1

How much is the Paperwork Wedding?

Accepted Answer

$150.

Question 2

What is a Paperwork Wedding?

Accepted Answer

It's for couples who don't need a traditional customized ceremony and primarily need an authorized officiant to complete the marriage/officiant portion of their wedding. We meet you as required, review your marriage license, perform the required officiant portion of the marriage, complete the officiant's section of the documentation and handle the required return procedures when applicable.

Question 3

Do we need a Virginia marriage license?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Virginia requires every marriage to be under a license and solemnized. You are responsible for obtaining a valid Virginia marriage license before the marriage is performed. A license is valid for 60 days from the date it is issued, and the marriage must take place in Virginia.

Question 4

Where do we obtain our marriage license?

Accepted Answer

From the clerk (or deputy clerk) of any Virginia circuit court. There is no residency requirement, so you can use whichever circuit court is most convenient. Both of you must appear with valid government-issued photo ID, both must be at least 18, and fees are set locally — commonly $30. Many clerk's offices require an appointment, so check their current requirements before you go.

Question 5

Do you perform elopements?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Elopements are one of the most common reasons couples choose the $150 Paperwork Wedding, and we also perform small personalized elopement ceremonies as custom ceremonies.

Question 6

Can you perform religious ceremonies?

Accepted Answer

Tell us what you have in mind on the ceremony intake form and we'll tell you honestly whether it's something we can appropriately perform. We don't promise to perform every religious rite or to satisfy every denomination's requirements — some ceremonies are better served by clergy of your own tradition, and we'll say so.

Question 7

Can we write our own vows?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely. You can write your own, use traditional vows, use repeat-after-me vows, or ask us to help create vows with you as part of a custom ceremony.

Question 8

Can you create our ceremony?

Accepted Answer

Yes — that's what a Custom Wedding Ceremony is. Complete the ceremony intake form and we'll build the ceremony around your story, your traditions and the feel you're going for.

Question 9

Do you attend rehearsals?

Accepted Answer

Rehearsal attendance can be arranged. It is not automatically included in a ceremony price — it's asked about on the intake form so it can be factored into your custom quote.

Question 10

Can you attend the rehearsal dinner?

Accepted Answer

That can be requested too. The intake form asks separately whether you want ceremony rehearsal attendance only, rehearsal dinner attendance, or both, so your quote reflects what you actually want.

Question 11

Do you travel?

Accepted Answer

Yes, throughout Central Virginia and surrounding areas. Travel is one of the factors considered in a custom ceremony quote, and travel outside the standard included service area is not part of the $150 Paperwork Wedding.

Question 12

What areas of Virginia do you serve?

Accepted Answer

Central Virginia and surrounding communities, including Richmond, Chesterfield, Chester, Midlothian, Henrico, Glen Allen, Mechanicsville, Colonial Heights, Petersburg, Powhatan and Hopewell. See the Service Areas page for the full list.

Question 13

How far in advance should we book?

Accepted Answer

As soon as your date is set. Custom ceremonies take more lead time because the ceremony is written for you; paperwork weddings can often be arranged more quickly. Either way, a date is not held until we confirm availability with you.

Question 14

Can you perform a last-minute wedding?

Accepted Answer

Sometimes, depending on our schedule. Virginia does not impose a statutory waiting period between getting your license and marrying, but clerk's offices often require appointments, so the license is usually the limiting factor. Send a request and we'll tell you honestly what's possible.

Question 15

Do we need witnesses?

Accepted Answer

Virginia circuit courts do not require witnesses in order to issue a marriage license. Practices for the ceremony itself can vary, so if you'd like witnesses present — or need to know what your particular court expects — ask the clerk's office when you pick up your license.

Question 16

What happens to our marriage paperwork after the wedding?

Accepted Answer

The officiant certifies the facts of the marriage and files the record with the office that issued your marriage license within five days after the ceremony. Certified copies are then requested from that circuit court.

Question 17

Do you perform LGBTQ+ weddings?

Accepted Answer

Yes, joyfully. Virginia law recognizes lawful marriages regardless of the sex, gender or race of the parties, and every couple is welcome here.

Questions couples actually ask