How to Get Married or Elope in Virginia
Answers to Your Questions
Getting married or eloping in Virginia is an easy process. There are no blood tests, waiting periods, or residency requirements. No witnesses or rings are necessary — although they can be nice to have! For the most part, if you and your fiancé are at least 18 years old and have valid picture ID’s, you can go to the Office of the Clerk of the Circuit Court in most counties or cities in Virginia and get your marriage license. Some clerk’s offices require additional documentation, especially if you’ve been married before, so call ahead to find out.
The guide below provides answers to many frequently-asked questions couples have about getting married in Virginia. If you don’t see your question, please contact me, Susan Winkeler, or your clerk’s office directly. I was appointed as an authorized marriage commissioner by the City of Winchester Circuit Court, so license requirements may be slightly different for your location. It’s always good to double check with your local clerk’s office.
State and county marriage license requirements often change. The information below is for guidance only and should not be regarded as legal advice.
Requirements for Getting Married in Virginia
How old do we have to be to get married in Virginia? You must be at least 18 years of age. If you’re under 18, you must have written, notarized consent from a parent or legal guardian.
What kinds of identification do we need? You need to a valid picture ID, such as a driver’s license, state-issued ID card, military ID card, or passport (U.S. or foreign).
Do we need to bring any other documents with us? Possibly. If you were previously married, some clerk’s offices may require documents showing the marriage was dissolved by death or divorce. Call the issuing Clerk’s office to find out which documents you may need.
Can just one of us get the marriage license? No, you must both appear in person to receive your marriage license. Each of you must furnish the required information under oath or affirmation. Falsifying any information on a marriage license could subject you to prosecution for perjury. Don’t lie under oath!
Do we get our marriage license before we get married? Yes, you must have your license before your wedding ceremony. Your wedding officiant with sign and complete the required information on the license after the ceremony, then return both copies to the issuing clerk.
Can we use a Virginia marriage license to get married in another state? No, if you have a Virginia marriage license, your ceremony must take place in the Commonwealth of Virginia to be legal.
Are same-sex marriages legal in Virginia? Yes, individuals of the same sex may get legally married.
What’s Not Required
Do we have to live in Virginia to get married there? No, there are no residency requirements. You can live in another state — or country — and still obtain a license and get married in Virginia. Winchester is an especially popular destination for couples from Maryland, Ohio, Pennsylvania and West Virginia.
Do we have to get blood tests? No blood tests are necessary.
Is there a waiting period in Virginia? No, you may get married or elope on the same day you get your marriage license.
Do we have to bring witnesses? No witnesses are needed.
Do we have to exchange rings in Virginia? No, rings are not required.
Do we have to get married in the same city or county where we get our license? No, you may get married anywhere in Virginia.
Virginia Marriage License
Where do we get a marriage license in Virginia? You can get a marriage license at the Office of the Clerk of the Circuit Court in any county or city in Virginia. Both you and your fiance must appear in person when you apply for your license. Business hours may differ, so call the issuing clerk’s office to find out.
How much does a marriage license cost? A Virginia marriage license costs $30.00. Many clerk’s offices require you to pay the fee in cash. Call the issuing clerk’s office in advance to confirm payment methods.
How long is a marriage license valid? A marriage license is valid for 60 days. If you don’t get married or elope during the sixty-day period, the marriage license expires and you and your fiancé must apply for a new one.
After you get to the courthouse, long does it take to get the marriage license? It takes approximately 20 – 30 minutes for the clerk to issue your marriage license.
How do we get certified copies of our marriage documents? You need to contact the issuing clerk’s office or VDH, Office of Vital Records and Health Statistics, PO Box 1000, Richmond, VA, 23218-1000 (Phone 804-662-6200).