Can You Get Married the Same Day in Virginia?

Virginia does not impose a statutory waiting period between getting your license and having your ceremony. In practice, the timeline depends on two things: whether the clerk's office can see you, and whether an officiant is available.

The realistic version

• Many clerk's offices require an appointment — sometimes days out.
• Office hours are limited, and marriage license appointments often stop well before closing.
• Once you have the license, you have 60 days to marry, so there is no rush after that point.

We do take short-notice paperwork weddings when our schedule allows. Submitting a request is not a confirmed booking — we confirm availability with you directly.

The Virginia marriage license basics

• A marriage license is issued by the clerk (or deputy clerk) of any Virginia circuit court, and there is no residency requirement — but the marriage itself must take place in Virginia.
• Both applicants must be at least 18 years old and present valid government-issued photo identification.
• The license is valid for 60 days from the date of issuance. If it is not used in that window, a new license is required.
• Fees are set locally (commonly $30) and payment methods vary by court, so check with the clerk's office you plan to use.
• Virginia does not require blood tests, and witnesses are not required for the license itself.
• The person who officiates must be authorized to perform marriages in Virginia, certifies the facts of the marriage, and files the record with the office that issued the license within five days after the ceremony.

Court hours, appointment requirements and accepted payment methods differ from courthouse to courthouse. Always confirm the current details directly with the circuit court clerk's office you plan to visit. Nothing here is legal advice.