Legal Requirements

Couples are responsible for obtaining a valid marriage license from the State of Virginia. There is no waiting period from the time the license is issued. Virginia does not require blood tests or other medical records. The license is good for 60 days. There is no residency requirement.

Both bride and groom must appear before a clerk of a county or municipality, and furnish required information under oath. If either or both the bride and groom live in-state, application for a Virginia marriage license must be obtained at either's hometown county or municipal office. If both the bride and groom are from out-of-state, the license may be obtained in any Virginia county or city. In either case, the ceremony may be performed elsewhere in the State.

• Bring identification (each person): Valid picture I.D. and a certified copy of a birth certificate must be presented.
• Bring cash for the license fee ($30).
• If divorced, there is no statutory waiting period before remarriage, unless specifically prohibited by a court. Clerks may require proof of age or termination of a previous marriage.
• The bride and groom must each be at least 18 years of age to apply for a marriage license without parental consent.
• License must be signed by the wedding officiate and filed with county clerk within 5 days of the marriage ceremony. You'll need copies to change your marital status with insurance companies, the Internal Revenue Service, financial institutions and Social Security.
• The marriage ceremony can be performed by a minister of any denomination or a Justice of the Peace.

The preceding legal information is provided as a guideline reference only. Check with the State, County and/or Municipality of your wedding site for more detailed and current information. Check with your home state about its requirements for a blood test, license, and other documents. A marriage license from your home state may not be valid for a ceremony performed in another state, territory or country. A marriage performed in another state may not be recognized by your home state, unless specific requirements are met.