Deborah Chan
A marriage license is a document obtained by the couple before the marriage. In the state of Virginia, a marriage license is valid for 60 days from the date of issuance. The cost of a marriage license in Virginia is $30, and it can be obtained at any circuit courthouse in the state. Interestingly, you do not need to be a resident of Virginia to obtain a marriage license there, and same-sex marriages are allowed and recognized in the state.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Validity | 60 days |
| Blood Test | Not required |
| Residency | Not required |
| Witnesses | Not required |
| Cost | $30 |
| Minimum Age | 18 |
| Previous Marriage | No need to bring a divorce decree or death certificate |
| Same-Sex Marriage | Allowed |
| Waiting Period | None |
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What You'll Learn
Marriage license requirements in Virginia
A marriage license in Virginia is valid for 60 days from the date of issue. The marriage must take place in Virginia and both applicants must be at least 18 years old.
To obtain a marriage license in Virginia, the following requirements must be met:
- Both applicants must appear together in person at any circuit courthouse in Virginia.
- Each applicant must provide a valid photo ID (driver's license, passport, military ID, or another form of government-issued identification). The ID must not be expired.
- Each applicant must provide their Social Security number.
- The full names of each applicant's parents, including middle names, as they appear on the birth certificates. If a parent's maiden name differs from their current name, the applicant must provide that as well.
- The $30 fee, payable by cash, Visa, or Mastercard (with a 4% processing fee for credit card transactions).
There are no residency requirements for obtaining a marriage license in Virginia, and there is no waiting period or blood test requirement. Couples can obtain their marriage license and get married on the same day.
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Where to get a marriage license
In the US, marriage licenses are issued by local county clerk's offices or other designated offices within the jurisdiction where you plan to get married. Both spouses typically need to apply in person and provide identification, such as a driver's license or passport, and other required documents, such as proof of residency and possibly a birth certificate. Some states may also require additional documentation, like proof of divorce or the death of a previous spouse. It's important to research the specific requirements and procedures of your state, as they can vary.
In Canada, marriage licenses are obtained through similar processes. For example, in Toronto, Ontario, you must book an appointment to pick up your marriage license, and both applicants need to be present with the required identification and documents. If you have been divorced, you must provide official proof of divorce, such as the original or a court-certified copy of the divorce decree.
In the UK, the term used is ''giving notice' to get married, rather than a marriage license. This process can vary, but it typically involves providing notice of your intention to marry to a superintendent registrar or an authorised marriage celebrant. While the Church of England may require banns to be read, some couples will need to apply for the Superintendent Registrar's Marriage Schedule (SRMS). This is particularly relevant if one of the spouses-to-be is not a UK or Irish national.
In Australia, the process involves submitting a Notice of Intended Marriage form to an authorised marriage celebrant at least one month and no more than 18 months before the wedding. This form can be completed even if you are overseas and planning to get married in Australia. The authorised marriage celebrant will provide a certificate of marriage on the wedding day and then submit the marriage paperwork to the relevant state or territory's registry of births, deaths, and marriages.
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The cost of a marriage license
In Wisconsin, there is a mandatory 6-day waiting period before a marriage license can be used, which is the longest wait time in the country. Virginia, on the other hand, has no waiting period, allowing couples to obtain their license and get married on the same day. This flexibility makes Virginia an attractive option for couples looking to elope or get married quickly.
When applying for a marriage license, there are several requirements that must be met. Both parties must be present, and a government-issued ID, such as a driver's license or state ID, is required to prove that the applicants are at least 18 years old. In Virginia, the minimum age to marry is 18, and proof of emancipation is required for emancipated minors. Additionally, the couple's parents' full names, including middle and maiden names, are needed. It is worth noting that previous marriage information may not be required, but this can vary depending on the court.
The marriage license is typically signed by the officiant after the wedding ceremony, and they have a limited time frame, usually a few days, to return the signed license to the circuit court. Once the court receives the license, they will mail a certified copy to the couple and retain another copy for their records. It is important to be mindful of the deadlines and requirements specific to each state to ensure a smooth and stress-free process for obtaining a marriage license.
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Validity of a marriage license
The validity of a marriage license is an important aspect of wedding planning. While the requirements and procedures for obtaining a marriage license vary from state to state in the United States, here is a general overview of the validity and related aspects of a marriage license, with a specific focus on the state of Virginia as an example.
In Virginia, a marriage license is a document obtained by the couple before the marriage. The license is issued by the Clerk's Office of any Virginia Circuit Court, and the location of the wedding within Virginia is irrelevant to the licensing. It is important to note that marriage licenses are not transferable between states, so if you are planning a wedding in another state or country, you will need to follow the legal requirements of that specific locality.
The marriage license serves as an application to be married, and once it is signed at the wedding by the officiant and returned to the county clerk, a marriage certificate is issued. This certificate serves as proof that the union is legally official. In Virginia, there is no waiting period after obtaining the license, and couples can get married on the same day. Additionally, there is no requirement for witnesses to be present at the marriage ceremony.
In terms of validity, a Virginia marriage license is typically valid for a period of 60 days from the date of issuance. If the license is not used within this timeframe, it will expire, and the couple will need to reapply and pay the fee again. The cost of a marriage license in Virginia is usually $30, and it can be obtained by anyone in the world, regardless of residency.
To obtain a marriage license in Virginia, both parties must be at least 18 years old and present valid photo identification, such as a driver's license, passport, or military identification. Additionally, they must provide their social security numbers and the full names of their parents as they appear on their birth certificates. It is important to note that only unmarried people can be granted marriage licenses in Virginia, and same-sex marriages are recognized and allowed in the state.
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Documents required for a marriage license
A marriage license is a document obtained by the couple before the marriage. After the license is signed at the wedding and returned to the county clerk, a marriage certificate is issued. This certificate proves that the union is legally official.
The procedures for obtaining and using this document vary from state to state, and even within states, so it is important to be clear on the ins and outs well ahead of the ceremony. For example, in Virginia, you can obtain a marriage license at any circuit courthouse in the Commonwealth of Virginia, and it is valid for 60 days. However, marriage licenses are not transferable from state to state.
- Proof of age: A government-issued ID, such as a driver's license or state ID, is required to prove your age.
- Your parents' full names: You will need to provide their middle and maiden names as they appear on their birth certificates, but you do not need to bring the birth certificates themselves.
- Money: The cost of a marriage license is typically around $30, and it is recommended to check the types of payment accepted in advance. Some counties, like Fairfax County, only accept cash for in-person applications.
- Proof of unmarried status: Only unmarried people can be granted marriage licenses. If you have been married previously, you may not need to bring a divorce decree or death certificate, but you will likely need to swear that you are no longer married.
- Presence of both parties: In most places, both members of the couple must be present to obtain the marriage license.
It is important to note that marriage license requirements can vary, so it is always a good idea to check with your local authorities to ensure you have all the necessary documents.
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Frequently asked questions
A wedding license in Virginia is valid for 60 days from the date of issuance.
No, there is no waiting period. You can get married as soon as the license is issued.
No, a Virginia wedding license is only valid for use within the state of Virginia. Marriage licenses are not transferable from state to state.
