In order to get married, you need to apply and receive a marriage license. This is the document in your state that allows you to officially tie the knot under the law. The rules for acquiring your marriage license varies from state to state, so you should check with your city's marriage bureau at your clerk of court's office to find out what your local rules are.
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.
When both couples come into the court to procure the marriage license they received the license at that time to present to the officiant performing the wedding ceremony. You will need to have a marriage celebrant if a civil wedding ceremony is being performed.
ID Requirement: You will need to present valid photo identification such as your driver's license, military ID, state ID, or passport.
Couples with the proper required identification can procure a marriage license any where in the Commonwealth and be married any where in the Commonwealth.
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
Residency
Requirement:
Couples procuring a marriage license in the
Commonwealth of Virginia do not have to be a resident.
Couples with the proper required identification can procure
a marriage license any where in the Commonwealth of Virginia
and be married any where in the Commonwealth.
•
No license issued to Out of State couples who are under the
age of sixteen.
Application Requirement: Both the bride and groom must appear in person at the time of applying.
Fees: To procure the marriage license is $30. Cash and credit cards accepted (MasterCard and Visa only; a service charge of four (4) percent of the amount paid will be collected on credit card payments). Civil Marriage Celebrants can not charge more than $50 for a ceremony and are allowed to charge an amount for travel which is dictated by the Code.
Waiting Period: No waiting period. The couple can have the wedding ceremony performed the same day that the license is procured.
Blood Tests: No blood test requirement.
Under 18: The minimum age for marriage in the Commonwealth 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 clergy 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 Civil Marriage Celebrants.
Proxy Marriages:
No.
Cousin Marriages:
Yes.
Common Law Marriages:
No.
Same Sex Marriages:
No.
Qualifications of Minister to Perform Marriages in Virginia:
- Clergy of any denomination within the Commonwealth of Virginia must be authorized by the Courts to perform religious wedding ceremonies in the Commonwealth of Virginia and be granted that authority before performing religious wedding ceremonies. Since each county may have specific policies and procedures, the clergy should check with that county. The clergy, minister or other person officiating at the marriage ceremony must complete and sign both forms of marriage license and forward both forms to the Clerk of the Court who issued the license within 5 days after the ceremony is performed.
- Clergy must have an active congregation.
- Congregation must be recognized as tax-exempt under 501(c)(3) of the United States Code.
- Civil Marriage Celebrants can not charge more than $50 for the ceremony. However, they are allowed to charge an amount for travel.
-
Celebrant must appear in person during
business hours, Monday through Friday, with the following:
- Proof of #1 and #2 above.
- Proof of ordination and identification.
- Payment of $29.00 by cash or credit card (Mastercard and Visa only; a service charge of four (4) percent of the amount paid will be collected on credit card payments).
- When #3 above has been completed the celebrant can perform a marriage ceremony anywhere in the Commonwealth of Virginia. The certification is valid for life.
Miscellaneous: You will need to have a witness when you sign the marriage application.
Valid:
License is valid for 60 days.
The license can only be used within the Commonwealth 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.
Norfolk County Clerk
Norfolk, VA
757. 664. 4380
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