How To Register Your Marriage In Virginia: A Seamless Step-by-step Process

Key points

To acquire a marriage license, you must visit the Circuit Court Clerk’s office in the county or city where either you or your partner resides.
You have the freedom to choose the location of your marriage ceremony, whether it be a church, a park, a private residence, or any other suitable venue.
Within 60 days of the marriage ceremony, you must file the completed marriage license with the Circuit Court Clerk’s office in the county or city where the ceremony took place.

Congratulations on your decision to embark on the journey of marriage in the beautiful state of Virginia! As you prepare for this momentous occasion, understanding the process of marriage registration is crucial to ensure a smooth and seamless experience. This comprehensive guide will provide you with detailed instructions on how to register your marriage in Virginia, ensuring that your union is legally recognized and celebrated.

Step 1: Obtain a Marriage License

The first step towards registering your marriage in Virginia is obtaining a marriage license. This license serves as legal authorization for you and your partner to enter into a marital union. To acquire a marriage license, you must visit the Circuit Court Clerk’s office in the county or city where either you or your partner resides.

Required Documents:

Valid photo identification (driver’s license, passport, etc.) for both parties
Social Security numbers for both parties
Proof of residency in Virginia (utility bill, lease agreement, etc.)
Application fee (varies by county or city)

Note: If either party has been previously married, a certified copy of the divorce decree or death certificate of the former spouse is also required.

Step 2: Complete the Marriage License Application

Once you have gathered the necessary documents, you can proceed to fill out the marriage license application. This form typically includes basic information about both parties, such as names, addresses, ages, occupations, and parental information. You will also be asked to provide the date and location of your intended marriage ceremony.

Step 3: Attend a Premarital Education Course (if applicable)

In Virginia, couples are not required to complete a premarital education course before obtaining a marriage license. However, some religious organizations or officiants may require proof of such a course before performing the marriage ceremony. If you choose to take a premarital education course, you can find approved providers through the Virginia Department of Social Services website.

Step 4: Choose a Marriage Officiant

The next step is to select a marriage officiant who will solemnize your marriage ceremony. In Virginia, authorized marriage officiants include:

Ministers, priests, or rabbis of religious organizations
Judges or magistrates
Clerks of circuit courts
Notaries public (only for civil ceremonies)

You can find a list of authorized marriage officiants in your area by contacting the Circuit Court Clerk‘s office or searching online.

Step 5: Determine the Location of Your Marriage Ceremony

You have the freedom to choose the location of your marriage ceremony, whether it be a church, a park, a private residence, or any other suitable venue. If you plan to hold the ceremony at a public location, you may need to obtain a permit from the local government.

Step 6: Perform the Marriage Ceremony

On the day of your wedding, the marriage officiant will conduct the marriage ceremony according to your preferences and religious beliefs. The officiant will ask both parties to declare their consent to the marriage and exchange vows. After the vows are exchanged, the officiant will pronounce you legally married.

Step 7: File the Marriage License

Within 60 days of the marriage ceremony, you must file the completed marriage license with the Circuit Court Clerk‘s office in the county or city where the ceremony took place. The marriage license should be signed by both parties and the marriage officiant.