What Are Virginia Marriage Records?

Marriage records in Virginia document the unions between couples and are maintained by various authorities across the state. The systematic recording of these records began on April 11, 1853, when the Virginia General Assembly required statewide documentation of births, marriages, and deaths.

Marriage records typically include marriage licenses and marriage certificates. Section 20-16 of the Code of Virginia outlines the issuance of marriage licenses and certificates.

A Virginia marriage license is a legal document allowing couples to marry. It is obtained before the wedding ceremony and indicates no legal impediments to the marriage. A marriage certificate, on the other hand, is an official document issued after the wedding ceremony. It confirms that the marriage has taken place and serves as proof of the legal union.

These documents can be used for various legal purposes, such as proving marital status or eligibility for benefits. Additionally, marriage records are valuable for genealogical research as they help individuals trace family histories and connections.

Are Marriage Certificates Public Records?

Marriage records in the state are considered public records and are governed by the Virginia Freedom of Information Act (FOI). However, access to these records may come with certain restrictions.

Chapter 7 Article 5 of the Code of Virginia indicates that applications for marriage licenses filed on or after July 1, 1997, and the associated marriage registers are not accessible for general public inspection if they contain unblocked Social Security numbers or control numbers.

Such documents can only be inspected under specific conditions:

• By order of the circuit court
• Through a lawful subpoena
• Upon request from law enforcement or a representative of the Division of Child Support Enforcement
• With written authorization from either applicant

How To Look Up Marriage Records in Virginia?

Official copies of marriage records in Virginia, dating from 1853 to the present, can be mainly obtained from the county circuit courts, such as those in Norfolk and Loudoun counties. Other primary custodians of these records include the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) Office of Vital Records and the Library of Virginia.

To obtain copies from any of these major agencies, one needs to provide the following:

• Completed request form, which varies by agency or county
• Date and location of marriage
• Names of both spouses
• Proof of relationship to the individuals named in the record (if applicable), especially for records less than 25 years old
• Valid identification (e.g., driver's license, state-issued ID card, passport)
• Applicable fees

Depending on the agency, copies of records can be requested in person, by mail, or online.

How To Search Marriage Certificates?

Virginia marriage certificates can be obtained as either certified or informational copies. A certified copy is typically required for legal purposes, such as changing a name or applying for benefits. It includes the official seal and signature of the issuing authority. Meanwhile, an informational copy provides similar information but lacks the official seal.

To obtain a certified copy of a Virginia marriage certificate, follow the options below:

In-Person

Obtain certified copies by visiting the VDH Division of Vital Records Office at 2001 Maywill Street, Richmond, VA 23230. Bring the necessary documents and fees, which range from $2.50 to $12.

Interested parties can also visit the circuit court clerks across the state to personally grab certified marriage certificates registered within its jurisdiction.

Lastly, individuals can acquire certified marriage certificates from the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicle (DMV) Customer Service Center, provided they bring along the completed Virginia Vital Records Application (DL 82) and the $14 search fee.

These offices are typically open during regular business hours from Mondays through Fridays.

Online

Interested parties can request a certified marriage certificate for themselves or an immediate family member remotely by visiting the VDH website and the VitalChek. To do so, they must complete the online request form, pay the required fees, and select their preferred document delivery method.

By Mail

Requests for certified marriage certificate copies can be mailed to the VDH Division of Vital Records Office, P.O. Box 1000, Richmond, VA 23218-1000, along with the copy of identification documents and a $12 fee via check or money order payable to the "Virginia Department of Health".

How To Search Marriage Licenses?

Marriage licenses in Virginia are typically maintained by the clerk of the circuit court of the locality where they were issued, such as those in Fairfax, Prince William, and Henrico counties. To obtain a copy, one must:

• Identify the circuit court clerk's office where the marriage license was issued.
• Gather the required information, such as the names of both spouses, the date of marriage, and the location of the marriage.
• Complete the appropriate request form from the relevant circuit court clerk's office.
• Present a government-issued photo ID.
• Submit the request either in person or by mail. If by mail, include a self-addressed stamped envelope and any required fees.

Regarding fees, obtaining a certified copy of a marriage license in Virginia is generally between $2.50 and $3.

For marriage licenses issued between the periods of July 1, 1997, to June 30, 2001, the state law requires written consent from both parties before copies can be released to anyone other than the bride or groom.

How To Search Marriage Records Online?

Beyond the online services provided by the Virginia Office of Vital Records, several other options are available to search for Virginia marriage records online. The following can help interested parties access the records online, including other available searchable data:

Library of Virginia

The Library of Virginia's Marriage Records Card Index Search enables users to search marriage records online by selecting a specific county and entering the names of the bride and groom in the keyword search. This feature allows users to find all matches of a surname or specific marriage details, including alternative spellings and related names.

FamilySearch

FamilySearch offers a collection of marriage records from county courthouses across Virginia, dating back from 1771 to 1989. These records include registers, indexes, licenses, bonds, and returns.

RecordsFinder

RecordsFinder is a commercial records retrieval service that allows individuals to search for marriage records across various states, including Virginia. While this service provides relevant information about marriages, certified copies are not available.

While certified copies of marriage records cannot be obtained directly through these online methods, users can find relevant information such as:

• The names of the spouses
• The date and location of the marriage
• The names of the officiant
• Additional details, such as parents' names or occupations

As for the fees, many resources are free, but commercial services typically charge a subscription fee or a search fee, with additional costs for accessing detailed reports.

When Can You Access Confidential Marriage Records?

A confidential marriage is a legal union where only the couple and the officiant are present during the ceremony. This type of marriage is generally not documented in public records. Couples typically choose a confidential marriage for privacy, security, and legal protection.

In Virginia, confidential marriages are not permitted in the same manner as in some other states. Chapter 7 Article 5 Section 32.1-267 of the Virginia Code mandates that all marriages be publicly recorded, which means there are no options for confidential marriage licenses to keep the marriage details private.

Since Virginia does not allow confidential marriages, there are no specific records of such marriages to access. However, if a couple wishes to keep their marriage records private, they would need to obtain a court order to restrict access. Access to these restricted records also requires a court order.

How Do You Apply for a Marriage License?

To apply for a marriage license in Virginia, individuals must meet specific requirements and follow established procedures. Here is a detailed overview based on the state's regulations and supported by government sources:

In-Person Requirement

To apply for a marriage license in Virginia, both parties must visit the clerk's office in the relevant county or city. Proxy marriages are not allowed in the state, meaning both parties need to be physically present to apply for and receive the marriage license.

Identification Requirements

Both parties must present valid, unexpired government-issued photo identification, such as a driver's license, passport, or DMV-issued ID card. Photocopies or digital images of IDs are not accepted; only original documents are valid.

Age Requirements

The minimum age requirement for obtaining a marriage license is 18 for both individuals. Those under 18 may be allowed to marry with parental consent and judicial approval, but they must provide a certified copy of the emancipation order, if applicable.

Residency Requirement

Virginia does not have residency requirements for marriage licenses. Couples from out of state are welcome to apply for a marriage license at any circuit court within Virginia.

License Validity

A marriage license remains valid for 60 days from the date it is issued, according to Virginia Code Section 20-14.1. Couples must hold their ceremony within this timeframe. Otherwise, the license will expire.

Waiting Periods

In Virginia, there is no waiting period between applying for and receiving a marriage license. Couples can proceed with their marriage ceremony as soon as they obtain the license.

Officiants and Witnesses

The marriage ceremony must be officiated by an individual authorized by a circuit court in Virginia. Witnesses are not required in the Virginia marriage ceremony.

Blood Test Requirement

Obtaining a marriage license in Virginia does not require a blood test. The requirement for blood tests has been eliminated in all counties and cities across the state.

Fee Requirements

The typical cost for a marriage license is around $30. Applicants can pay using cash, credit cards, personal checks, and money orders. If they opt to pay by credit card, they should be aware that processing fees apply, depending on the county.

How Do I Correct a Mistake on My Marriage Certificate?

Mistakes can occasionally occur on marriage certificates, whether due to clerical errors or miscommunication during the application process. In Virginia, individuals have the opportunity to correct these errors to reflect the true details of their union.

Common mistakes that may occur on a marriage license include:

• Errors in the names of parents or witnesses
• Incorrect dates (e.g., date of marriage or birthdates)
• Misspellings of names
• Wrong locations of the marriage ceremony

To correct an error on a marriage certificate, Virginia residents must:

File a Petition

A petition must be filed with the circuit court where the marriage license was issued.

Prepare for a Hearing

After filing a petition, the case must be scheduled for a hearing, usually held on the Friday Motions Docket at 9:00 a.m. The petitioner must make sure that all documents are complete and correctly filed.

Provide Evidence

At the hearing, petitioners must provide evidence supporting their correction request. This can include original documents or other proof that verifies the correct information.

Obtain a Court Order

If the court finds sufficient evidence, it will issue an order to amend the marriage certificate as outlined in Virginia Code Section 20-16.1.

Submit Amended Record for Updating

Once the correction is made, a certified copy of the amended marriage record must be forwarded to the VDH's Division of Vital Records for official updating.

Are Marriage Records Under the Virginia Address Confidentiality Program (ACP) Accessible?

The Virginia Address Confidentiality Program (ACP) is specifically designed to protect individuals who are victims of domestic violence, stalking, sexual assault, human trafficking, or child abduction.

Marriage records that reflect the physical address of a participant enrolled in the program are generally not accessible to the public. Instead, their substitute ACP address is used in place of their physical address on any publicly accessible marriage records.

The actual physical address of ACP participants is kept confidential and is only available to designated staff within the Office of the Attorney General and law enforcement for safety purposes. This initiative aims to strengthen the safety and privacy of survivors and is governed by Virginia Code Section 2.2-515.2.

Virginia Marriage Statistics Trends

National marriage statistics indicate that 53% of U.S. adults are married, a decrease from 58% in 1995, while the percentage of adults cohabiting has increased to 7%. Marriage rates vary based on race and education, with higher rates among white and Asian adults and those with higher education levels.

The state of Virginia has a slightly varying trend compared to the U.S., as shown in the following table:

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