Marriage Requirements in Virginia

In Virginia, there are rules and regulations that those who are thinking of getting married must abide by. These rules do not hinder those who want to get married but ensure that those who are getting married are doing it legally and in the easiest way possible.

Age requirements and consent

To apply for a marriage license, you will need identification and proof of age. In Virginia, if either the groom or bride is younger than 18, they must have the consent of a parent or guardian. The person giving consent can sign a notary note or accompany the couple to the local county clerk's office. The cost varies from county to county but is normally around $30. The license is good for 60 days.

Residency and Blood tests

Being a resident of Virginia is not required for getting married in Virginia. Blood tests also are not required. If you have been previously married, you must have received your final divorce decree. If your previous spouse is deceased, you must provide a death certificate.

Prohibited Marriages

Marriages between siblings, uncles and nieces or aunts and nephews are not allowed. Same sex marriages or marriage where one or both people have a mental capacity that prohibits marriage are also not allowed. Common law marriages are not recognized in the state of Virginia.

Witnesses and Officiates

Having witnesses is not required, but having an official officiate is. The officiate must have proof that he or she is authorized to marry people in Virginia. To be authorized, one must be a minister recognized by the state or an appointed member of the county who is authorized to do matrimonial ceremonies through the court systems.

Marriage certificate

Having preformed the marriage, the officiate must sign the marriage license, and the paper must be returned to the court house where it originated from within five days. Once the original court house office receives the signed licenses, it forwards the papers to the state Division of Vital Records. Soon after, the couple will receive the official marriage certificate. You also can obtain a certified copy of your marriage certificate through your local county office or through the Office of Vital Records. The certificate costs $12. The following information is needed to obtain the certificate: full name of groom, full maiden name of bride, name of the circuit court where you originally obtained your license and both the date and place where the marriage took place.

Your last name

Officially changing your last name after the wedding involves taking your marriage certificate to your local Social Security office and then to the Department of Motor Vehicles. You may need to take your marriage certificate to your bank or other offices where you do business to have your name changed on official records.

References

• Virginia Department of Health
• US Marriage Laws
• Smith Mountain Lake Weddings