How To Obtain a Marriage License in Virginia

Are you ready to have your wedding in Virginia? We’re so excited for you! Alongside your many wedding plans, you’ll also want to apply for and get your marriage license in Virginia. To do that, you should know what you’re required to bring and when to bring them. That’s why we thought we should write this article. To give you an idea of what you need to get a license and when you’re going to need them.

For a start, we would advise that you complete all legalities concerning your marriage in Virginia at least a month before your wedding. Every county has its requirements too, so please ensure that you confirm with the local office where you’re applying before you get started. You can apply at any county clerk’s office for your license and use it for your wedding anywhere in Virginia. Now, here’s a breakdown:

How to Apply for Your License

You can apply for your marriage license in Virginia by either showing up in person at any county/city court clerk’s office or going online. The following county court clerk’s offices allow you to apply online and send you a confirmation email once you do: Arlington, Fairfax, Loudoun, and Prince William. Please note that the counties of Fauquier and Alexandria don’t yet to accept online applications. 

These conditions may change due to the pandemic, so make sure you check the website of the county you are planning to request your license. Something very important to know is that a marriage license obtained in any Circuit Court in any county in Virginia is valid for a ceremony performed anywhere in the state.

For Your In-Person Application and When You Go to Pick Up Your License

Both parties intending to get married must be present to apply in person and when you go to pick up your marriage license. You must both also have a government-issued ID with you like your driver’s license or your passport. If you’re a divorcee, you’ll have to tender the month and year of your divorce and the jurisdiction where the divorce was decreed. In Arlington County, you’ll be required to show your divorce papers. They are the only ones that do that at the moment. You do not need a blood test for your license. The state of Virginia requires that you pay a license fee, which is currently between $30-$33 (depending on the county). However, you should check the website to verify the current amount before you show up.

How Long Is the License Valid?

Once received, your license is valid for up to 60 days from the day it was issued. You can even get your license and get married the same day as there is no waiting period in Virginia. Most of the offices are open Monday to Friday from around 8:30 am to 5:00 pm, but please confirm online for the opening hours of the specific office you’re headed to. You should also note that most of these offices take cash only so check before leaving too.

Does My Officiant Need to Be Licensed to Perform My Wedding?

The answer is yes. The officiant at your wedding must be licensed to perform weddings by a court in Virginia. Online ordinations are not valid in Virginia, either.

How About Filing It?

If you’re in Arlington, Fairfax, and Prince William, you are allowed to take your marriage license back in person within five business days of your wedding. Alexandria and Loudoun require that your officiant be the one to mail your license back. 

So that’s about it when it comes to obtaining your marriage license in Virginia. For more information, you can check the individual circuit courts by clicking the one you want below:

Fauquier County

Fairfax County

City of Alexandria

Loudoun County

Arlington County

Prince William County

COVID-19 updates

• In Fauquier County, you need to send an email to request the license and the license will be sent to you by mail. The application form must be notarized.

• Fairfax County is only doing virtual appointments, so you will need internet connection and a computer, smartphone or tablet. The license will be sent by mail.

• In Loudoun County, you can apply for an in-office or virtual appointment. You must be resident of Loudoun County to apply though.

• In Arlington County, in-person marriage license applications are by appointment only. At this time, the Clerk’s office is not offering virtual marriage license appointments. Arlington emits marriage licenses for all couples, including same sex.

• In Prince William County, you require an appointment which can be made online or calling. All appointments are in person.

Have you started planning your wedding in Virginia yet? Not to worry, I’ve got you covered here at V&V Wedding Planning and Coordination. Wedding Planning is my specialty, so let me take the stress off you and your partner.

If you are ready to plan a Warrenton wedding in this beautiful venue, we’d love to hear from you. Send us a message on our contact page or send us an email at hola@VVweddingplanning.com! We can’t wait to hear about your wedding! 🤗💕

And don’t forget to pin your favorite photos from this shoot to Pinterest!

Just hover over any photo and use the red “save” button to add your faves to your wedding photos or photography Pinterest boards!

Just hover over any photo and use the red “save” button to add your faves to your wedding photos or photography Pinterest boards!