How to Apply for a Marriage License in Virginia

By eHow Weddings Editor

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One of the most joyous occasions of your life will be the day you get married. With all of the excitement that comes with a wedding, it's important to make sure that you have a marriage license. Here's how to apply for a marriage license in Virginia.

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Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

Identification
Cash

Step1

Determine where and when you want to get married. If you want a religious or civil leader to officiate, be sure to check on his or her availability beforehand. Find an Office of the Clerk of Circuit Court near you by searching online or referring to a phone directory (see Resources below).

Step2

Go to the Office of the Clerk of Circuit Court, with your spouse-to-be and be ready to show your driver's license. If you have been divorced or have a previous spouse who is deceased, you must show relevant documentation.

Step3

Be of marriageable age in Virginia, which is 18 or over. If you are younger than that, you can be married with parental or guardian consent. A girl may be married with the consent of a parent if she is younger than 16 and pregnant. She may also get married if she was pregnant during the nine months preceding the marriage (with verification from a doctor), but she must get the marriage license in her town of residence.

Step4

Receive your license immediately after you apply but plan your wedding ceremony within 60 days of obtaining the license because it expires after that.

Tips & Warnings

Taking a blood test is not required, but is highly recommended. By law the clerk must recommend a blood test, and you can have it performed anonymously if you choose.
Residency is not required to be married in Virginia. In fact, you do not even have to be a citizen of the United States. Nor do you need witnesses at your wedding.
Marrying your cousin is permitted in Virginia.
Proxy marriages, same-sex marriages and common-law marriages are illegal in Virginia.