How to Get Married in Virginia: Marriage License and Officiant Requirements for 2026

Getting legally married in Virginia requires two essential things: a valid Virginia marriage license and a ceremony performed in Virginia by someone who is legally authorized to officiate. You may obtain the license from the clerk of any Virginia circuit court, even if you do not live in Virginia. The license costs $30, may be used immediately and expires 60 days after it is issued. Virginia does not require ceremony witnesses.

That is the short answer. Here is how to move from “We’re engaged!” to “We’re legally married” without letting paperwork steal the joy from your day.

Virginia Marriage Requirements at a Glance

Court hours, appointment rules, identification requirements and payment methods may differ. Always confirm the current procedure with the circuit court where you plan to obtain your license.

Step 1: Obtain a Virginia Marriage License

Virginia law requires every marriage in the Commonwealth to be performed under a marriage license. A clerk or deputy clerk of a circuit court may issue that license, and couples may apply through any Virginia city or county circuit court—not only the court closest to their home or wedding venue.

This flexibility is helpful for couples traveling to Virginia for a destination wedding, elopement or intimate ceremony. There is no Virginia residency requirement.

What should you bring?

Both applicants should plan to appear together and bring valid government-issued photo identification, such as a driver’s license, passport or state identification card. Some courts allow couples to begin an application online, but an online pre-application is not necessarily the same as receiving the license.

Before visiting, check the chosen clerk’s website or call the office to confirm:

• Whether an appointment is required
• Which forms of identification are accepted
• Current office hours
• Accepted forms of payment
• Whether an online pre-application is available

Virginia’s minimum marriage age is 18. As of 2026, the law does not provide an exception allowing a minor to marry.

How much does a Virginia marriage license cost?

The marriage license fee is $30. A clerk’s office may accept cash, card or another payment method, and a convenience fee may apply to card payments. Confirm payment details before arriving—because discovering that the clerk accepts cash only is not the romantic surprise anyone ordered.

Step 2: Use the License Within 60 Days

There is no waiting period after a Virginia marriage license is issued. You may marry the same day if your plans, court schedule and officiant allow it.

The license is valid for 60 days from its date of issue. The ceremony must take place before that period ends. If the license expires before the ceremony, the couple must obtain another license.

The marriage ceremony must also occur within Virginia. A Virginia license does not authorize a ceremony performed in another state.

The practical sweet spot is usually to obtain the license a few days or weeks before the ceremony: early enough to avoid last-minute stress, but not so early that the 60-day clock becomes a concern.

Step 3: Choose a Legally Authorized Virginia Officiant

A beautiful ceremony is important, but legal authority matters too. The person who conducts your ceremony must be authorized to perform marriages in Virginia.

Depending on the circumstances, authorized officiants may include:

• Ministers authorized under Virginia law
• Court-authorized marriage commissioners or civil celebrants
• Certain judges, retired judges and other officials identified by Virginia law
• A person specifically authorized through a Virginia circuit-court process

Before hiring an officiant, ask one direct question: Are you currently authorized to perform marriages in the Commonwealth of Virginia?

Kathleen Ayers is a court-authorized marriage commissioner through Orange County and may perform ceremonies throughout Virginia. She has officiated more than 500 ceremonies and has worked in the wedding industry since 2003.

Can a Friend or Family Member Officiate Your Virginia Wedding?

Possibly—but do not wait until rehearsal night to investigate it.

Under Virginia Code § 20-25, a person may apply through a circuit court clerk and pay the applicable fees to seek authorization to perform marriages in Virginia. The clerk may require a bond of up to $500, and authorization is not automatic.

Virginia also has a separate authorization process for ministers. A quick online ordination does not, by itself, guarantee that someone is legally authorized to officiate in Virginia. If a friend or relative hopes to perform your ceremony, have that person contact the appropriate circuit court well in advance and obtain confirmation of authorization before you build the wedding around that plan.

For couples who want a loved one to participate without carrying the legal responsibility, there is an easier option: invite that person to give a reading, share a blessing or help tell your love story while a court-authorized officiant performs the legal ceremony.

Do You Need Witnesses to Get Married in Virginia?

No. Virginia does not require witnesses to attend or sign for the marriage ceremony.

You may still invite witnesses, friends and family if that feels meaningful. But a private ceremony with only the couple and officiant can also be legally valid, making Virginia especially friendly to elopements and very small weddings.

What Happens After the Ceremony?

After the ceremony, the authorized officiant completes the required portions of the marriage documents and returns them according to the issuing court’s instructions. Couples should make sure the officiant understands this responsibility and submits the paperwork promptly.

The marriage license is the document that authorizes the ceremony. A certified marriage record is the document you may later need for a name change, insurance, benefits and other legal or administrative purposes. Ask the issuing clerk how and when to order certified copies.

Your 2026 Virginia Wedding Checklist

• Choose a wedding date and a location within Virginia.
• Confirm that both partners are at least 18.
• Select a Virginia circuit court and review its current procedures.
• Gather acceptable photo identification.
• Apply together and pay the $30 license fee.
• Note the license’s exact 60-day expiration date.
• Hire an officiant who is legally authorized in Virginia.
• Tell your officiant what kind of ceremony feels true to you.
• Bring the marriage documents to the ceremony.
• Confirm that the officiant will complete and return the paperwork.
• Order certified copies from the appropriate clerk when available.

A Legal Ceremony Can Still Feel Deeply Personal

Meeting Virginia’s legal requirements does not mean your ceremony must sound cold or generic. A civil ceremony may be warm, romantic, spiritual, secular, traditional, lighthearted or completely personalized.

Kathleen Ayers works with couples to create ceremonies that reflect their relationship, values and personalities. Your ceremony may include personal vows, meaningful readings, family participation, a unity ritual or simply a few sincere words before you say “I do.” The legal part may be straightforward; the heart of the ceremony belongs to you.

Frequently Asked Questions About Getting Married in Virginia

Can nonresidents get married in Virginia?

Yes. You do not have to live in Virginia to obtain a Virginia marriage license or marry in the Commonwealth.

Can we get a marriage license from any Virginia circuit court?

Yes. Virginia law allows a circuit court clerk or deputy clerk in any Virginia county or city to issue the license. Check the chosen office’s procedures before visiting.

Is there a waiting period in Virginia?

No. A Virginia marriage license may be used immediately after it is issued.

How long is a Virginia marriage license valid?

It is valid for 60 days from the issue date. The ceremony must occur in Virginia within that period.

How much is a Virginia marriage license in 2026?

The license fee is $30. Payment methods and possible card-processing fees vary by clerk’s office.

Do we need a blood test?

No. Virginia does not require a blood test to obtain a marriage license.

Do we need witnesses at our ceremony?

No. Virginia does not require ceremony witnesses.

Can we marry at the courthouse?

Obtaining a license from the circuit court does not necessarily mean the court will conduct your ceremony. Ask the clerk what ceremony services, if any, are offered locally. You may instead arrange a ceremony with a court-authorized marriage commissioner.

Can our friend become ordained online and marry us?

Do not assume an online credential is sufficient. Virginia has legal authorization requirements for ministers and other officiants. Your friend should contact a Virginia circuit court early and receive confirmation of authorization before performing the ceremony.

Can Kathleen Ayers officiate outside Orange County?

Yes. Kathleen is a court-authorized Virginia marriage commissioner and may perform ceremonies throughout the Commonwealth.

Ready to Plan Your Virginia Wedding Ceremony?

The paperwork makes your marriage legal. The ceremony makes the moment yours.

Whether you are planning a simple civil ceremony, a romantic elopement, a large wedding or a personalized celebration with family and friends, Kathleen Ayers can help you create a ceremony that feels natural, meaningful and true to your relationship.

Kathleen has officiated more than 500 wedding ceremonies and has served couples in the wedding industry since 2003. To ask about your date, call (540) 395-6488 or contact Virginia Wedding Vows.

This article provides general educational information and is not legal advice. Laws and court procedures can change. Confirm current requirements with the Virginia circuit court issuing your marriage license.