Virginia Wedding FAQ

To get married in Virginia, you must:

• Be at least 18 years old (16-17 with parental consent and court approval)
• Not be married to someone else
• Not be closely related to your intended spouse
• Obtain a valid marriage license from any Virginia circuit court clerk
• Have the ceremony performed by an authorized officiant

To obtain a marriage license:

• Both parties must appear in person at any Virginia circuit court clerk's office
• Bring valid government-issued photo ID (driver's license, passport, etc.)
• Provide your Social Security number
• Pay the license fee (typically $30)
• Complete the marriage license application
• The license is valid for 60 days from the date of issue

No, Virginia does not have a mandatory waiting period. You can get married immediately after obtaining your marriage license. However, the license is only valid for 60 days, so you must have your ceremony within that timeframe.

Virginia authorizes the following individuals to perform marriage ceremonies:

• Any licensed minister of any religious denomination
• Judges and justices (active or retired)
• Clerks of circuit courts in their jurisdiction
• Deputy clerks (when authorized by the court)
• Notaries public (when authorized by the court)
• Ministers temporarily in Virginia (with proper documentation)

No, Virginia does not require witnesses for a marriage ceremony. However, many couples choose to have witnesses present for personal or religious reasons. The officiant and both parties getting married must sign the marriage license after the ceremony.

Yes! Virginia welcomes couples from other states and countries. You don't need to be a Virginia resident to get married here. Simply follow the same process: obtain a marriage license from any Virginia circuit court clerk and have your ceremony performed by an authorized Virginia officiant.

The cost of a marriage license in Virginia is typically $30, though fees may vary slightly by jurisdiction. Some courts may charge additional fees for certified copies. Payment methods accepted vary by court, but most accept cash, check, or credit/debit cards. It's best to call ahead to confirm accepted payment methods.

You'll need to bring:

• Valid government-issued photo ID (driver's license, state ID, passport, military ID)
• Social Security number (card not required, just know the number)
• If previously married: certified copy of divorce decree or death certificate of former spouse
• Birth certificate (may be required in some jurisdictions for age verification)
• Cash, check, or card for payment

Virginia allows you to get married almost anywhere within the state, including:

• Beaches, parks, and outdoor venues
• Churches and religious facilities
• Wedding venues and reception halls
• Private homes and backyards
• Hotels and resorts
• Historic sites and landmarks

Just ensure your chosen location allows weddings and that your officiant can legally perform ceremonies in Virginia.

To change your name after marriage in Virginia:

• Use your certified marriage certificate as legal proof of your name change
• Update your Social Security card first at the Social Security Administration
• Then update your driver's license at the DMV within 30 days
• Update your passport, voter registration, bank accounts, insurance, and employer records
• Consider getting multiple certified copies of your marriage certificate for various agencies

Name changes are not automatic - you must proactively update each document and account.