How to Get a Marriage License in West Virginia

An important step in making your marriage legal is obtaining a marriage license. Following are guidelines on how to obtain a marriage license if you plan to wed in West Virginia.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Divorce decree, annulment paper or death certificate, if applicable
• Marriage license application
• Valid identification
• Cash

1. Apply for the marriage license together in person at any West Virginia county clerk's office. Residency in West Virginia is not required; however, residents must apply in the county in which they live.
2. Present proof of age and identity. A driver's license, military identification card or certified copies of birth certificates are acceptable forms of identification for this purpose.
   
3. Fill out the application and sign it in the presence of the county clerk. Applicants may also be asked to provide addresses, telephone numbers, social security numbers, states of birth, marriage officiator information and father's and mother's full names.
   
4. Pay the license fee and head to the altar. There is a mandatory 72-hour waiting period between the time the license is issued and the time the wedding can occur. The license is valid for 60 days after issuance.
5. Bring a certified document that ended a previous marriage, if divorced or widowed, such as a divorce decree, annulment paper or death certificate.

Who Can Help:

• Find West Virginia wedding vendors.
• Obtain a certified copy of a West Virginia marriage certificate.

Tips & Warnings

• Marriage license requirements often change. Verify all information with the local marriage license office or county clerk before making any wedding or travel arrangements.