Marriage license Laws in the state of Virginia, here is what you need to bring with you, and what you need to know about the Virginia marriage laws before filling out the Virginia marriage license form.

You'll typically need to apply for your marriage license at least one month before your wedding ceremony. You'll traditionally need to send in your birth certificates, tax information, and other official documents. You don't, however, want to apply for your marriage license too early. In some states, the licenses do expire, if you don't get married within a few months.

When you apply for your license, you'll not only need a proof of identification and age, but you'll need to apply for the certificate together, will need to provide any information about previous marriages, and will need to pay a nominal fee. You will also need to have a witness when you sign the application, so plan on bringing your maid of honor or best man with you. The bride will need to know what her married name will be before she signs the marriage certificate. You'll have to write that name on the application.

And, believe it or not, just because you have your marriage license sent to you in the mail does not mean you are officially married. You need to have a justice of the peace or a religious clergyman sign the document. On your wedding day, you'll give your chaplain your marriage license, then after the ceremony, he'll sign it and send it to the proper government agency for validation.

ID Requirement: Valid picture ID and a certified copy of a Birth Certificate must be presented.

A license for marriage in Virginia is issued by the clerk, or his deputy, of the circuit of the county or independent city of which either the bride or groom is a resident; or if neither the bride nor groom is a resident of Virginia, the license may be obtained in any county or city. In either case the ceremony may be performed elsewhere in the State. Applicants must, under oath, furnish information, required to complete the marriage record. These items are material matters, and the applicant may be subject to prosecution for perjury for violation of the portion of the statues which requires this information.

If Previously Married: If divorced there is no statutory waiting period before remarriage after the divorce is granted, unless remarriage is specifically prohibited by a court. In some cases, clerks may require documentary proof of age or termination of a previous marriage. Most of the offices of the clerks are closed on Saturday

Application Requirement: Both the bride and groom must appear in person at the time of applying.

Fees: $30 - The justice of the peace is by donation only. He or she may be permitted to charge up to $30 for each couple getting married.

Waiting Period: No waiting period.

Blood Tests: No blood test requirement.

Under 18: The minimum age for marriage in the State of Virginia is sixteen years for both bride and groom; however, if either party is under eighteen, consent to the marriage must be given by the father, mother, or legal guardian. This may be done personally by the parent or legal guardian before the person issuing the license, or by a written consent properly sworn to before a notary public. Special provisions are made in Virginia law to allow marriage for underage parties when the female is pregnant and for situations in which underage applicants have no parent or legal guardian.

Marriage Ceremony: A minister of any denomination. The minister must produce proof with the religious society. Also, persons appointed by the court may perform the ceremonies. These such persons are called a Justice of the Peace.

The officiator signs and completes the Marriage Register and both forms are returned to the clerk within five days. Then forwarded to the State Division of Vital Records. The couple receives a marriage certificate.

Prohibited Marriages:
•  A marriage entered prior to the dissolution of an earlier marriage of one of the parties.

• A marriage between an ancestor and descendant; or between a brother/sister, uncle/niece, and aunt/nephew, whether the relationship is by half-blood, whole blood, or adoption.

• When either of the parties lacks capacity to consent to the marriage because of mental incapacity or infirmity.

• A marriage between two persons of the same sex.

• "Common law" marriages are not valid if entered into Virginia or any other jurisdiction which does not permit them for its residents.

Officiants: Ordained ministers residing in this state may perform marriages. Non-resident ordained ministers may perform marriages with the permission of the probate court of the district within which the marriage is to take place. Ministers must complete the marriage license and certificate of marriage and return it to the clerk's office from which it was issued within ten days from the date of the marriage.

Miscellaneous: There is no statutory requirement that witnesses be present at the marriage ceremony.

Valid: License is valid for 60 days.
The license can only be used within the State of Virginia.

Please Note: State and county marriage license requirements often change. The above information is for guidance only and should not be regarded as legal advice.

It is important that you verify all information with your local marriage license office or county clerk before making any wedding or travel plans.

Virginia County Clerk's Office