Marriage License Fee in Virginia

Virginia law says every marriage in the state must be under a license and solemnized as provided by law, and the license is issued by the clerk or deputy clerk of a circuit court. The fee on this page refers to the cost collected by the circuit court clerk to issue and record the marriage license.

It does not include any ceremony fees charged by an officiant or any certified copies you may request after the marriage is recorded. The license fee is paid when the clerk issues the license, and the license is tied to the specific applicants listed on the application.

The Code of Virginia also states that marriage is lawful regardless of the sex, gender, or race of the parties. That means the same license process applies to all eligible couples, and circuit court clerks issue licenses on equal terms.

When you prepare your application, focus on the statewide eligibility rules and the clerk's process rather than on local customs or informal advice.

The Code of Virginia imposes a $20 license tax on each marriage license, and it directs the clerk to collect that tax when issuing the license. A separate statute in the circuit court clerk fee schedule sets a $10 fee for issuing a marriage license, attaching the certificate, administering or receiving the necessary oaths or affidavits, and indexing and recording.

Together, those statutory amounts total $30 for the license. County clerks collect the tax and fee at issuance, and the clerk accounts for the state tax as required by law.

State law directs that $10 of the $20 license tax be allocated to the Virginia Department of Social Services for services to victims of domestic violence. The clerk collects the full tax at issuance and accounts for it as with other state taxes.

This statutory allocation explains why the $20 tax is a statewide requirement collected by circuit court clerks.

If the clerk is unable to issue the license, a circuit court judge may issue it. The Virginia Court System provides a statewide directory of circuit courts, which is the best starting point for finding the correct clerk's office and contact information.

Because application hours and local procedures vary, use the clerk directory to confirm office hours, appointment rules, and payment methods before you visit. Virginia law also allows a circuit court judge to issue the license if the clerk is unable to do so, but applicants should contact the clerk's office first because the clerk is the primary issuing authority.

The same guidance notes that once granted, the license permits a marriage ceremony anywhere in the Commonwealth of Virginia. This means you can apply in one locality and marry in another, as long as the license is still valid.

Confirm this with the clerk who will issue your license if you plan to marry in a different locality. Roanoke County notes there is no residency requirement.

County clerk guidance states that both parties must appear in person to receive the license and must provide the required information under oath or affirmation. The clerk collects the information needed to complete the marriage license application and can ask for documentation to verify the statements made.

If you cannot appear in person, contact the clerk in advance because the standard rule is that both applicants appear together. Clerk guidance also warns that providing false information on the application can subject applicants to penalties for perjury, so review the information carefully before signing.

Clerk guidance notes that applicants may be asked to show photo identification to verify age and to provide documentation related to a previous marriage, such as the date and method of termination. If you were previously married, bring documentation that confirms the marriage has ended.

Having your documents ready helps the clerk complete the application and avoids repeat visits.

County clerk guidance adds that an emancipated minor may apply for a license but must provide a certified copy of the court order of emancipation.

If either applicant is under 18, confirm the current requirements with the circuit court clerk because the minimum age rule is strict and documentation is required.

The same guidance notes that common law marriages are not valid if entered into in Virginia or in jurisdictions that do not permit them.

These restrictions affect eligibility, so disclose any prior marriages or relationships that may be relevant when you apply.

A license is valid for 60 days from the date of issuance, and it expires if the marriage is not solemnized within that period. If the license expires, the applicants must apply for a new license and pay the fee again.

When planning a ceremony, apply close enough to the wedding date to stay within the 60-day window. The statute also clarifies that the applicants may apply for an additional license before or after an earlier license expires, but a new license is issued only if all the usual requirements are met and the fee is paid again.

Applying too early can force you to return and pay a second fee if the ceremony is scheduled outside the 60-day window. Applying too late can create scheduling pressure if you need time to gather documents or locate an officiant.

A good practice is to confirm your ceremony date first, then schedule a clerk visit within the 60-day period so the license is still valid on the wedding day. If unexpected delays arise, contact the clerk quickly to discuss whether you should reapply for a new license before the current one expires.

The statute describes the petition process and the bond requirement for individuals who are authorized to perform ceremonies. County clerk guidance also notes that the clerk's office does not perform marriage ceremonies, so couples should arrange for a qualified officiant before applying.

If you plan to use a civil celebrant, confirm that the person has an active court authorization and understands the requirement to complete and return the marriage certificates after the ceremony. The statute limits court-authorized celebrants to residents of the circuit where the judge sits, which is why the authorization is local even though the license is valid statewide.

After the ceremony, the officiant returns the completed certificates to the clerk. The clerk retains one copy and forwards the other to the State Registrar of Vital Records. The clerk also files and preserves the original license and certificate and indexes the names of the parties.

Certified copies from the clerk or the State Registrar serve as evidence of the marriage. The officiant's timely return of the certificates is what allows the clerk to record the marriage and make certified copies available. If you need a certified copy soon after the ceremony, ask the officiant how and when they will return the forms so you can plan your request.

Certified copies are used for name changes, benefit updates, and other legal purposes.

Ask the clerk about certified copy fees and ordering options if you will need proof of the marriage soon after the ceremony.

County clerk guidance notes that applicants must appear in person and can often apply without an appointment, but this varies by locality. The same guidance lists accepted payment methods, such as cash, checks, or debit and credit cards. Use the clerk directory to contact the issuing office directly and confirm the current schedule, payment options, and any local rules before you visit.

Roanoke County, for example, lists office hours of 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday (excluding holidays), and states that no appointment is necessary. Other clerks may require appointments or limit issuance to specific hours.

Applicants often arrive without proper identification or without documents showing that a prior marriage ended. Emancipated minors must bring a certified court order. Incomplete or inconsistent information can slow issuance because the clerk must administer the application under oath.

Finally, applying too early can lead to an expired license if the ceremony is scheduled beyond the 60-day validity period. Confirm requirements with the clerk and keep the ceremony within the 60-day window to avoid a repeat visit and a second fee.