What Happens to the Marriage License After the Wedding in Virginia?

After the ceremony, the officiant certifies the facts of the marriage and files the record with the office that issued your marriage license within five days.

Your part vs. the officiant's part

• Before the wedding: you get the license from a Virginia circuit court clerk.
• At the wedding: the officiant performs the marriage and completes the officiant's certification.
• Within five days: the officiant returns the record to the court that issued the license.
• After that: you order certified copies when you need them.

Getting certified copies

Once the record is processed, you can request certified copies from the circuit court that issued the license. Virginia marriage records are also filed with the State Registrar, and copies are available through Virginia Vital Records. You will usually need a certified copy for a name change at the Social Security Administration and DMV.

Processing times and copy fees vary by court, so ask the clerk when you pick up your license.

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.
• The standard license fee is $30, but some local clerks list a higher total; payment methods also vary. Confirm with your issuing clerk.
• 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.