Virginia Marriage License Requirements 2026
Everything you need to legally marry in Virginia: $30 license fee, None waiting period, 60 days validity, minimum age 18, None witnesses required. Apply at the Circuit Court Clerk.
Virginia Marriage License: Quick Facts
How Much Is a Marriage License in Virginia?
A marriage license in Virginia costs $30. This is the standard fee charged by the Circuit Court Clerk when you submit your application in person. The fee covers the license itself, recording, and one certified copy of the marriage certificate in most counties.
Payment is typically accepted in cash, card, or check, though policies vary by county. Some counties charge extra for additional certified copies, which you may need for name changes, passport applications, or insurance updates after the wedding. Call your county clerk in advance to confirm accepted payment methods and total cost with additional copies.
Compared to the national average of $60-$80, Virginia's fee is lower than most US states - one of the more affordable options.
How to Get a Marriage License in Virginia
Gather required documents
Both partners need a valid government-issued photo ID. If you have been previously married, bring the final divorce decree or your former spouse's death certificate. Virginia does not require proof of residency.
Visit the Circuit Court Clerk
Both applicants must appear in person at the Circuit Court Clerk in any Virginia county. You can typically apply in the county where you plan to marry or the county where you live - check your specific county for any local rules.
Complete the application and pay the fee
Fill out the marriage license application and pay the $30 fee. Be ready to provide both Social Security numbers (or visa numbers for non-citizens), your parents' full names, and your places of birth.
License issued same day
Virginia issues marriage licenses the same day with no waiting period. You can legally marry as soon as the license is in hand, though most couples still plan a few days of buffer.
Hold the ceremony within the validity window
The license is valid for 60 days from the date of issue. The ceremony must be officiated and the license signed within this window. Authorized officiants in Virginia: Ordained ministers, priests, rabbis, and other clergy. Judges and justices of any court, retired judges. Circuit court clerks can authorize civil ceremonies. Virginia also recognizes online ordinations.
Return the signed license for recording
After the ceremony, the officiant signs the license along with any required witnesses. The signed license must be returned to the Circuit Court Clerk (often by the officiant) within the timeframe specified by Virginia law. The county then issues your official marriage certificate.
Special Situations in Virginia
Previously married
Bring the final divorce decree or death certificate of your former spouse. Some Virginia counties require the decree be from within a certain number of months - check with the Circuit Court Clerk.
Out-of-state couples
Virginia has no residency requirement, making it a popular state for destination weddings. Both partners just need to appear in person at the Circuit Court Clerk with valid ID.
Same-sex marriages
Same-sex marriages are fully legal in Virginia following Obergefell v. Hodges (2015). The requirements are identical to opposite-sex marriages with no additional steps.
Non-citizens
Foreign nationals can marry in Virginia on a tourist visa with a valid passport. The marriage itself does not change immigration status. You may need certified translations of any foreign documents.
Important Virginia Notes
Who Can Officiate in Virginia
Ordained ministers, priests, rabbis, and other clergy. Judges and justices of any court, retired judges. Circuit court clerks can authorize civil ceremonies. Virginia also recognizes online ordinations.
Good to Know
Virginia raised the minimum marriage age to 18 with no exceptions. No witnesses, blood test, or waiting period are required. The license can be issued from any county regardless of where the ceremony takes place.
Virginia Marriage License Document Checklist
- Valid government-issued photo ID for both applicants (passport, Virginia drivers license, state ID, military ID)
- Birth certificates if requested by the Circuit Court Clerk
- Social Security numbers for both partners (visa numbers acceptable for non-citizens)
- Divorce decree or death certificate if either partner was previously married
- Marriage license fee of $30 - confirm accepted payment methods with your county
- Out-of-state couples are welcome - no residency required
- No witnesses legally required (though many couples bring them anyway)
After the Virginia ceremony, collect every guest photo
Once you have your license and your ceremony is set, make sure no moment gets missed. Guests scan a QR code and upload photos straight to your shared album - no app download required.
Try Pix Wedding FreeMarriage License Requirements in Other States
Related Virginia Wedding Guides
Virginia Marriage License FAQ
Everything you need to know about our free tools and how they help your wedding day.
A Virginia marriage license costs $30. The fee is paid at the Circuit Court Clerk when you apply. Some counties may charge slightly more for processing or a certified copy of the marriage certificate. Payment methods vary by county - call ahead to confirm whether the office accepts cash, card, or check only.
No. Virginia has no mandatory waiting period - you can apply for and use your marriage license on the same day. Many couples still apply a few days in advance to avoid last-minute complications.
A Virginia marriage license is valid for 60 days from the date of issue. The ceremony must be performed within this window or you will need to reapply and pay the fee again. Keep the dates in mind when scheduling your application visit.
Virginia accepts valid government-issued photo ID for both applicants. Acceptable forms include a US passport, state driver's license or state ID card, US military ID, permanent resident card, or foreign passport. Both partners must present ID in person at the Circuit Court Clerk.
No. Virginia does not legally require witnesses for the marriage ceremony, though many couples choose to have them anyway. If you do invite witnesses, anyone over 18 capable of signing is typically acceptable.
No. Virginia does not require residency to obtain a marriage license. Out-of-state couples can apply at any Circuit Court Clerk as long as both partners are present and bring the required ID. This makes Virginia a popular destination wedding state.
Explore more free wedding tools
Everything you need to make your wedding day stress-free and unforgettable.
AI Vow Generator
Write "banger" vows in seconds.
AI Speech Pro
Banger toasts for Best Man & more.
QR Sticker Designer
Design custom print-ready stickers.
Seating Chart Planner
Plan your reception seating visually.
Guest List Manager
Track RSVPs and dietary needs.
Cost Calculator
Compare wedding costs by city.
Timeline Builder
Plan your entire wedding day.
Countdown Timer
Count down the days to your big day.
Photo Sharing QR
The best way to collect guest photos.
Hashtag Generator
Create unique wedding hashtags.
Wedding Checklist
Month-by-month planning checklist.
Thank You Notes
Generate personalized thank you notes.
Dress Style Quiz
Find your perfect dress silhouette.
Invitation Wording
Perfect wording for your invitations.
How to Collect Guest Photos
5 methods ranked by participation rate and ease.
Get Photos After the Wedding
Message templates to gather guest photos post-wedding.
Share Wedding Photos with Guests
Compare every sharing platform by ease and participation.
Best Way to Get Guest Photos
The single method with the highest participation rate.
How to Make a Shared Wedding Album
Step-by-step setup for every platform.
Alternative to Disposable Cameras
Better, cheaper options than disposable cameras.
Alternative to Wedding Photo Booth
5 cheaper alternatives to a $1,000+ photo booth rental.
Alternative to Wedding Guest Book
15 creative alternatives guests actually enjoy.
Alternatives to Hiring a Photographer
Save $2,000+ with these proven photography alternatives.
Cheap Alternative to Videographer
Capture wedding video without the $2,500 bill.