Guide To Courthouse Wedding Requirements In Virginia

what is needed for a courthouse wedding in va

Getting married in a courthouse in Virginia is a straightforward process. There are no residency requirements, and couples can obtain a marriage license from any circuit court in the state. The license costs \$30 and is valid for 60 days. To obtain the license, both applicants must appear together in person and provide a valid photo ID, such as a driver's license, passport, or military ID, and their Social Security number. Once the license is obtained, the couple can be legally married by a licensed officiant.

Characteristics Values
Marriage license cost $30
ID required Official ID (driver's license, passport, etc.)
Courthouse location Any circuit courthouse in the Commonwealth of Virginia
Officiant/Marriage commissioner Licensed by the court
Minimum age 16 years old
Under 18 Consent from a parent or legal guardian
People present Only the couple and the marriage commissioner
Witnesses Not required
License validity 60 days
License issuance Immediate
Blood tests Not required
Divorced individuals No statutory waiting period
Final decree Signed by a judge
Both applicants Must appear in person
Online Marriage License Pre-Application Available

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Marriage license: $30 fee, official ID, and no blood test or residency requirements

To get married in a Virginia courthouse, you'll need to obtain a marriage license. This can be done at any circuit courthouse in the Commonwealth of Virginia. The process is simple and straightforward.

First, you'll need to present official IDs, such as a driver's license, passport, or military identification card. Both applicants must be present and provide proof of age with valid, non-expired government-issued photo identification.

There is no need for a blood test or any residency requirements in Virginia. The marriage license costs $30 and can be paid in cash or by credit card (Visa or MasterCard), although there is a 4% processing fee for credit card transactions.

To expedite the process, you can complete an Online Marriage License Pre-Application. After submitting the application, you have 60 days to visit the courthouse and obtain your license. The marriage license is then valid for 60 days and must be used for a ceremony performed within Virginia.

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Marriage commissioner: Licensed by the court to perform the ceremony

Once you have obtained your marriage license, you will need to find a marriage commissioner or officiant who is licensed by the court to perform the ceremony. The marriage commissioner will be responsible for completing the necessary paperwork and filing it with the courthouse to make the marriage legal.

A marriage commissioner is a person who is licensed by the court to perform marriage ceremonies. They are often appointed by the court and are authorized to perform civil ceremonies. In Virginia, marriage commissioners can be found in many circuit courts, and they are typically available during regular court hours, which are usually Monday to Friday from 9 am to 5 pm.

To find a marriage commissioner, you can contact your local circuit court or search for a list of authorized marriage commissioners on the court's website. Some courts may also offer a waiting area for couples who want a quick wedding, where the marriage commissioner can perform the ceremony right away.

When booking a marriage commissioner, it is important to provide them with the necessary information, such as the date and time of the ceremony, the location, and the names of the couple. The marriage commissioner may also require a copy of the marriage license and other relevant documents, such as proof of age and identification.

It is worth noting that, in Virginia, there are no residency requirements for marriage. This means that couples from any state or country can get married in Virginia as long as they have valid IDs and a marriage license obtained from a Virginia courthouse. The cost of a marriage license is typically $30, and it is valid for 60 days from the date of issuance.

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If you are 16 years old and looking to get married in a Virginia courthouse, you will need parental consent. This is because, in Virginia, the minimum age for marriage is 16 years old, but for those under 18, consent must be given in person by a parent or legal guardian.

To obtain a marriage license, both applicants must appear in person at the courthouse. Along with your partner, you will need to bring the following:

  • Online Marriage License Pre-Application confirmation document, if you used the Online Pre-Application
  • $30 in cash or by card (there is a 4% surcharge on card transactions)
  • A valid photo ID (driver's license, passport, or military identification card)
  • Social security number (you do not need to bring your social security card)
  • The full names of your parents, including any middle names, as they appear on your birth certificate

It is recommended that you allow 15-20 minutes for the paperwork to be completed.

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Valid photo ID: Driver's license, passport, or military ID

To get married at a courthouse in Virginia, you will need to present a valid photo ID, such as a driver's license, passport, or military ID. Both applicants must appear together in person and provide their IDs. These IDs can be from any state or country, as there are no residency requirements to obtain a marriage license in Virginia.

In addition to a valid photo ID, you will also need to bring the following to the courthouse:

  • Online Marriage License Pre-Application confirmation document, if you used the Online Pre-Application
  • $30 in cash or by credit card (Visa or Mastercard only, with a 4% processing fee)
  • Social Security number for each applicant (you do not need to bring the Social Security card)
  • Full names of each applicant's parents (including full middle names) as they appear on their birth certificates

It is recommended that you complete the Online Marriage License Pre-Application to speed up the process of obtaining your marriage license. After submitting the application, you will have sixty days to visit the courthouse to obtain your license. The marriage license is valid for 60 calendar days, and the marriage must take place in Virginia.

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Social security number: Required for each applicant

To get married at a courthouse in Virginia, you must provide your social security number. This is a mandatory requirement for each applicant, although you do not need to bring your physical social security card.

The social security number is required to administer the oath and complete the licensing process. It is a necessary part of the application process and is used for identification and security purposes. While you may omit your social security number on the form for security reasons, you must still provide it to the courthouse staff when applying for your marriage license.

It is important to note that both applicants must appear in person at the courthouse to obtain the marriage license. In the event that one spouse cannot be present, an affidavit form can be printed, completed, and signed before a Notary Public. The other spouse must then bring this notarized form with them when applying for the license.

To expedite the process, many courthouses in Virginia offer an online pre-application that can be completed in advance. This allows couples to provide the necessary information, including their social security numbers, before arriving at the courthouse. This pre-application is valid for 72 hours, after which the applicants have 60 days to visit the courthouse and obtain their marriage license.

Frequently asked questions

You will need to bring a valid photo ID (driver's license, passport, or military identification card), your Social Security number, and the full names of each applicant's parents (including full middle names) as they appear on their birth certificates. If you have completed the Online Marriage License Pre-Application, bring the confirmation document.

A marriage license in Virginia costs \$30. If you pay by credit card, there is an additional 4% processing fee.

Yes, both parties must appear together in person. If both parties cannot be present, a Marriage Affidavit form must be completed and signed before a Notary Public.

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