How to Get Married in Virginia

Getting married in Virginia comes down to three pieces: a valid marriage license, a ceremony performed by someone authorized to solemnize marriages in Virginia, and the completed marriage record returned to the court that issued your license.

Step 1 — Apply for your marriage license

Both of you apply together at a Virginia circuit court clerk's office. You can use any circuit court in the state, not just the one where you live or where the wedding will happen. Many clerks now ask you to pre-apply online and book an appointment.

Step 2 — Choose your officiant

Your marriage must be solemnized by someone authorized under Virginia law to perform marriages. That is the part we handle — whether you want a full ceremony or simply the officiant portion completed.

Step 3 — Have the ceremony in Virginia, within 60 days

The license authorizes a marriage for 60 days from the date it is issued, and the marriage must take place in the Commonwealth.

Step 4 — The paperwork goes back to the court

After the ceremony, the officiant certifies the facts of the marriage and files the record with the clerk's office that issued the license within five days. You then request certified copies from that court if you need them for a name change, insurance or immigration.

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.