Notary Publics: Can They Officiate Virginia Weddings?

A notary public can officiate a wedding in some US states, but can they do so in Virginia? In short, yes—but there are some important things to keep in mind. In this paragraph, we'll outline the requirements for a notary public to legally officiate a wedding in Virginia, including registration, residency, and the all-important marriage license.

Virginia requires all marriage officiants to register with the government before officiating weddings

In the US, notary publics are licensed professionals who verify signatures and identities on documents. While a notary public can also perform wedding ceremonies in some states, the rules vary depending on the state.

In Virginia, marriage officiants are required to register with the government before officiating weddings. This means that a notary public must be registered as a wedding officiant to legally marry a couple in Virginia.

Virginia's Requirements for Marriage Officiants

To become a wedding officiant in Virginia, an individual must follow specific procedures and meet certain qualifications. Here is a step-by-step guide:

• Registration Office: Officiants need to register with a County Clerk's office, which is typically the same office that issues marriage licenses. The application fee and registration requirements may vary across counties.
• Registration Difficulty and Cost: Registering as a wedding officiant in Virginia is considered difficult, and the approximate cost is $50.
• Processing Time: The processing time for officiant registration depends on the county.
• Ministerial Registration: This type of registration is done at the county level, so it is essential to contact the specific county's Clerk's office to understand their registration procedure and requirements.
• Alternative to Officiant Registration: If registering as a wedding officiant is challenging, an individual can still conduct the wedding ceremony. However, they will not be able to sign the marriage license, as the Virginia government only has authority over this legal document.
• Out-of-State Ministers: For ministers from out of state, registration must be done in the county where the marriage ceremony will take place. They need to submit specific documents, including an Out-of-State Minister Petition, a copy of their certificate of ordination, and proof of their position as a minister within a religious organization on official church letterhead.
• Local Clergy Members: Local clergy members can receive authorization by applying in the county where their house of worship or religious body is located. This process requires a fee and specific documentation.
• Civil Celebrants: A civil celebrant is a non-religious marriage officiant, and Virginia requires them to be residents of the state. They must apply in their county of residence and submit a petition, letters of reference, and a bond.
• Permanent Civil Celebrants: Individuals can also apply to become permanent civil celebrants by submitting a letter to their county clerk expressing their interest and providing contact information.
• Returning the Marriage License: After the wedding ceremony, the officiant is responsible for returning the signed marriage license to the county clerk's office within five days.

Other Important Considerations

• Marriage License: To get married in Virginia, couples must obtain a marriage license, which has a validity period of 60 days. There is no waiting period, blood test, or residency requirement.
• Officiant Qualifications: Virginia has specific rules regarding who can officiate a wedding. Certain officials, such as federal judges, members of the Virginia General Assembly, and the Governor of Virginia, can officiate without authorization.
• Witnesses: Virginia does not require witnesses to legalize a marriage.
• Legal Age of Marriage: The minimum age for marriage in Virginia is 18 years old, with exceptions for emancipated minors who provide the necessary court order.
• Online Ordinations: Virginia does not recognize online ordinations, so officiants must ensure their credentials meet the state's requirements.
• Penalties for Unauthorized Officiants: Knowingly performing a marriage ceremony without proper authorization in Virginia can result in legal consequences, including up to a year in jail and a $500 penalty.

In summary, while a notary public can be a wedding officiant in Virginia, they must follow the state's registration process and comply with all requirements to legally solemnize a marriage.

Virginia does not require any witnesses to make a marriage legal

Virginia is a beautiful place to get married, with its rich history and stunning scenery. If you're planning a wedding in Virginia, it's important to be aware of the legal requirements and regulations surrounding the process.

One important thing to note is that Virginia does not require any witnesses to make a marriage legal. This means that you can have a private, intimate ceremony with just you, your partner, and your officiant. Of course, you may choose to include witnesses and other guests if you wish, but their presence is not a legal requirement.

When it comes to the officiant, Virginia has strict requirements. The state does not recognize online ordinations, so your officiant must be legally authorized to perform the ceremony. This could be a qualified minister of any denomination, any judge, anyone appointed by the court, or a marriage commissioner at the courthouse.

To obtain a marriage license in Virginia, both parties must be at least 18 years old and present valid photo identification. The process typically takes around 20 minutes and costs $30. The license is valid for 60 days, and there is no waiting period, blood test, or residency requirement.

So, if you're planning a wedding in Virginia, rest assured that you don't need witnesses for the marriage to be legally valid. Just be sure to familiarize yourself with the other legal requirements to ensure your special day goes smoothly.

Virginia does not require a waiting period before a couple can get married

A notary public can officiate a wedding in Virginia, but only if they are licensed to do so. In addition, Virginia only recognizes marriage certificates from notaries in Florida, Maine, Nevada, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Montana.

If you are considering getting married in Virginia, it is important to note that the state does not require a waiting period before a couple can get married. This means that there are no mandatory days that must pass between the issuance of a marriage license and the wedding ceremony. In other words, you can obtain your marriage license and get married on the same day.

However, it is crucial to keep in mind that the clerk's office typically has limited hours, and most require you to arrive at least 30 minutes before closing time. Therefore, it is essential to plan your time accordingly to ensure that you can obtain the license and have your ceremony on the same day.

Additionally, marriage licenses in Virginia are only valid for a specific period, usually 60 days from the date of issuance. This means that the wedding must take place within this timeframe. If the couple does not get married within the validity period, the license expires, and they will need to reapply and obtain a new license.

To obtain a marriage license in Virginia, both parties must appear in person at the Office of the Clerk of the Circuit Court. Both individuals must be at least 18 years old and present valid, non-expired government-issued photo identification, such as a driver's license, passport, or DMV-issued ID card. There is a $30 fee for the marriage license, which can be paid in cash, check, money order, or credit card, although credit card transactions may include a surcharge.

It is worth noting that Virginia does not require a blood test or witnesses for the marriage ceremony. Additionally, there are no residency requirements, and couples do not need to be residents of the county or the state to obtain their marriage license.

Once the couple has obtained their marriage license and fulfilled the necessary requirements, they can proceed with their wedding plans without any mandatory waiting period in Virginia.

A marriage license in Virginia expires after 60 days

In Virginia, a marriage license is valid for 60 days from the date of issue. This means that the marriage ceremony must be performed within this timeframe. If the license expires, you will need to reapply and pay the fee again.

The process of obtaining a marriage license in Virginia is straightforward. The couple must go together to the Clerk's Office with valid photo identification and the full names of each applicant's parents, as well as the mothers' maiden names. The cost of a marriage license in Virginia is typically $30, although some offices may charge additional fees for credit card payments. It is important to note that both parties must be at least 18 years old or have an emancipation order.

Once the marriage license is obtained, the couple has 60 days to use it before it expires. This timeframe allows for flexibility in planning the wedding date. However, if the license is not used within this period, it will expire, and the couple will need to start the process again, including paying the fee again. Therefore, it is advisable to obtain the marriage license about a month and a half before the desired wedding date to ensure it doesn't expire.

The 60-day validity period of a marriage license in Virginia provides a reasonable amount of time for couples to plan their wedding and ensure that all necessary arrangements are made. By setting an expiration date, it also encourages couples to not delay their wedding plans indefinitely and provides a sense of urgency to finalise their marriage within a reasonable timeframe.

In summary, the 60-day expiration of a marriage license in Virginia is an important consideration for couples planning their wedding. It offers a balance between providing sufficient time for preparations and ensuring that legal documents remain up to date. Couples should be mindful of this timeframe to avoid any last-minute complications and ensure a smooth and stress-free wedding experience.

Illegally performing a marriage ceremony in Virginia is a crime

Virginia law requires all marriage officiants to register with the government before officiating weddings. This includes notary publics. In Virginia, only the following people can officiate a wedding without prior authorisation:

• Active, senior, or retired federal judges who are residents
• Active, senior, or retired federal justices who are residents
• Current members of the Virginia General Assembly
• The Governor of Virginia
• The Lieutenant Governor of Virginia
• The Attorney General of Virginia

Anyone else who performs a marriage ceremony without lawful authority can be jailed for up to a year and fined up to $500.

To become authorised to officiate a wedding in Virginia, you must petition the circuit court. This requires a $500 bond and proof of your position, such as a license, certificate of ordination, or documentation from your religious organisation.

Virginia does not recognise online ordinations, so anyone with an online ordination will not be able to officiate a wedding in Virginia.

Frequently asked questions