How to Get a Marriage License in Virginia

Your marriage license comes from a circuit court clerk's office — not from your officiant, your venue or the health department. It is the one thing only the two of you can do.

Virginia marriage license requirements at a glance

• Apply together at any Virginia circuit court clerk's office; you do not have to live in Virginia or use the court closest to your wedding.
• Both applicants must be at least 18. Bring valid, unexpired government-issued photo ID, such as a driver's license or passport, and confirm what your chosen clerk accepts.
• The standard license fee is $30, separate from our $150 officiant service. Local totals differ: Henrico and Colonial Heights currently list $33.
• Your license is valid for 60 days from issuance, and the wedding must take place in Virginia.
• There is no waiting period after issuance and no blood test requirement. Same-day marriage is legally possible, but clerk and officiant availability still matter.

Step 1: Pick a circuit court clerk's office

Choose a convenient Virginia circuit court clerk, then check its official application instructions, accepted payment methods and issuance hours. An online pre-application is not an issued license. Chesterfield and Richmond require appointments; Hanover says no appointment is needed.

Step 2: What to bring

• Valid, unexpired government-issued photo ID for both of you
• The personal information requested on the clerk's application, including Social Security numbers when applicable; ask the clerk what to provide if you do not have one
• Details of previous marriages, if applicable, and any supporting documents your issuing clerk requires
• Payment in the form your clerk accepts; confirm the total, including any card or processing charge

Step 3: Apply together and receive the license

Complete any required pre-application, then attend the clerk's office together with your identification. The clerk verifies your information, administers the required oath and collects payment before issuing the license. Check the names and other details before leaving.

Step 4: Arrange your marriage within 60 days

Bring the actual, valid license to an authorized Virginia officiant. You can marry the same day it is issued if the officiant is available, but the license alone and paying an officiant do not make you married. Our $150 Paperwork Wedding covers the required officiant portion without a customized traditional ceremony; a request is not a confirmed booking.

Step 5: The officiant returns the record; you request copies

After performing the marriage, the officiant completes the certification and returns the record to the issuing circuit court clerk within 5 days. Once it is recorded, request certified copies from that court for uses such as a name change. Copy fees and processing times are separate from the license application.

Where to apply in Central Virginia: county-by-county guide

Chesterfield County

Circuit Court Clerk's Office: 9500 Courthouse Road, Chesterfield, VA 23832. Confirm the current license fee with the clerk. Submit the online application before scheduling your required appointment. Both applicants must attend in person with valid, unexpired photo ID. Confirm the current fee and payment method with the clerk.

Richmond city

Circuit Court Clerk's Office: John Marshall Courts Building, 400 North 9th Street, Richmond, VA 23219. Published license fee: $30. Appointments are required. Both applicants appear with photo ID; follow the clerk's appointment instructions before visiting.

Henrico County

Circuit Court Clerk's Office: 4309 E. Parham Road, Room 240, Henrico, VA 23228. Published license fee: $33. You can apply online, but both applicants still appear in person with valid, unexpired government-issued photo ID. An online application must be claimed within 10 calendar days. Check the clerk's current issuance hours and payment methods.

Hanover County

Circuit Court Clerk's Office: 7530 County Complex Road, second floor, Hanover, VA 23069. Published license fee: $30. No appointment is needed according to the clerk's guidance. Complete the application online or at the office and bring a driver's license or other accepted proof of identification. Check current hours before visiting.

Colonial Heights

Circuit Court Clerk's Office: 550 Boulevard, Colonial Heights, VA. Published license fee: $33. Both applicants appear with photo ID. The application is available at the office's self-service kiosk; the published fee is cash only. Check current issuance hours before visiting.

Use the official clerk links below to check requirements before traveling. Fees, hours, payment methods and appointment procedures can change. This guide is general information, not legal advice.