- Home
- Government
- Courts
- Circuit Court
- Public Services
- Marriage Licenses
Marriage Licenses
Obtaining a Marriage License
To apply for a marriage license, access the Clerk’s automated marriage license application system. To minimize wait times, after online submission, call the Clerk's Office at 804-717-6517 to schedule an appointment to claim the license.
Marriage licenses are issued in the Circuit Court Clerk’s Record Room, located on the ground floor of the main Courts Building (9500 Courthouse Road), from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.
Marriage license are valid for 60 days from the date of issuance.
Fees
The issuance of the marriage license is a $30 fee. View payment options.
There is an optional $2.50 fee for a certified copy of the license. Obtaining a certified copy is not required; however, it is strongly suggested as the certified copy is often necessary for employers, banks, insurance companies, etc. A self-addressed, stamped envelope should be presented for the return of a certified copy of the license.
Requirements
- Marriage must take place in Virginia.
- Both parties must be present at the appointment to claim the license and must be prepared to present a valid government-issued photo I.D. to confirm age eligibility.
- The minimum age at which persons may marry is 18, unless a minor has been emancipated by court order.
- Upon application for a marriage license, an emancipated minor must provide a certified copy of the order of emancipation.
Marriage Ceremonies at Courthouse
There is no one in the Clerk’s Office (or Judges’ Chambers) that performs wedding ceremonies at the courthouse. It is recommended that parties contact a civil marriage celebrant or a minister authorized to perform marriages in Virginia. An authorized marriage celebrant should be able to produce a copy of the court order or clerk’s order that authorized him/her to perform marriage ceremonies in Virginia.
There are some civil celebrants appointed by the Court who are willing to perform ceremonies at the Courts Building (typically outside). Specific details regarding a ceremony would need to be discussed with the celebrant chosen.
Obtaining a Copy of a Marriage License
Certified copies are $2.50 each. View payment options.
Copies of marriage licenses issued prior to July 1, 1997 or after June 30, 2001
Marriage licenses issued prior to July 1, 1997, or after June 30, 2001, these timeframes are public records.
Written requests for certified copies should be sent to the Circuit Court Clerk's Office and include the following: full names of both parties (including maiden name as applicable), date of marriage, a self-addressed stamped envelope and payment. Certified copies are available in the Clerk's Office during regular public service hours or via written request.
Copies of marriage licenses issued between July 1, 1997 and June 30, 2001
To obtain a copy of a marriage license issued between July 1, 1997 and June 30, 2001, the bride or groom must visit the Circuit Court Clerk’s Office in person with a government-issued photo identification card (e.g., driver’s license) during regular public service hours.
In the event the bride or groom is unable to visit the Circuit Court Clerk’s Office, copies may be obtained through the Virginia Department of Health’s Division of Vital Records and Health Statistics.
Changing Your Name After Marriage
Contact the Social Security Administration (SSA) in order to obtain a new social security card. Contact the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) t o update your driver's license.
The above agencies will require a certified copy of the marriage license. After those items are addressed, you should be able to update your name through your bank, your employer, etc. If additional certified copies are needed, contact Record Room staff directly at 804-717-6517 for assistance.
Minister Authorization to Perform Marriages
The Clerk's Office may authorize certain ministers to perform marriage ceremonies, provided that the minister meets the requirements of § 20-23 of the Code of Virginia, 1950, as amended. Before visiting the Clerk's Office to request authorization, please contact the office by phone at 804-748-1241 to confirm the process.
- The Court does not recognize ordinations issued online.
- Out-of-state ministers may be authorized for a one-time ceremony, provided the ceremony will take place in Chesterfield.
- If code requirements are not clearly met, the minister must petition the Court similar to a civil celebrant.