Wedding Officiant

Why are the rates broken down like that? It’s the law! Any person authorized under § 20-25 to celebrate the rites of marriage shall be permitted to charge the parties a fee for the ceremony not to exceed $75 for each ceremony. Such person and parties may negotiate payment for any additional services agreed to by the celebrant and the parties. Additionally, such person shall be permitted to charge the parties travel expenses to and from the marriage site. If conveyance is by public transportation, reimbursement shall be at the actual cost thereof. If conveyance is by private transportation, reimbursement shall be at the rate specified in the current general appropriations act of the Commonwealth. In either event, the actual cost of the ceremony together with travel expenses shall be given to the parties at least three days prior to the marriage ceremony.

By Appointments and even often providing same day service. Quickly and very reasonably priced.
Rates are as follows:
up to 5 people or less attending $75.00 plus $25.00 admin fee
6-12 people attending $75.00 plus $75.00 admin fee
13 or more attending $75.00 plus $125.00 admin fee

Me Traveling to you is optional but not required if you’re within a 20-mile radius within my address it’s additional fee of $50.00

Same Day Service is generally not an issue; however, you’ll need to call ahead to arrange the time.

The First Look ✨

• To get married in Virginia, you will need to obtain a marriage license. You can fill out a pre-application online and then make a virtual or in person appointment to receive your license.
• There is no blood test, residency, or waiting period required for a Virginia marriage license. The marriage license expires after 60 days and costs $30.
• You’ll need to make sure your officiant is legally authorized to perform your ceremony. Virginia does not require any witnesses.

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Registering the Marriage License

After the ceremony, your officiant should return the completed marriage license to the clerk’s office within five days. Once the county has your completed marriage license, you can order certified copies for $2.50 each.

These certified copies will be necessary for any instance that requires proof of marriage, including when visiting the DMV, Social Security, Immigration, and when receiving shared benefits.

Special Marriage Timing Considerations in Virginia

Ready to dive further into the world of Virginia marriage laws? Timing is everything, especially when it comes to weddings. Consequently, you’ll want to start the marriage application process as soon as possible.

By that, we mean exactly what you’re doing now. Familiarize yourself with Virginia’s marriage laws, and make sure you have everything you need to actually file an application for a marriage license. Also look for your officiant sooner rather than later, so you can ensure they are authorized on your big day.

Since Virginia marriage licenses are only valid for 60 days, you’ll want to actually apply and obtain the license within one to two months of your wedding day. Because there is no waiting period, you don’t have to worry about applying too close to your ceremony, however, it’s always better to get things done on the earlier side in case of bureaucratic red tape and slow downs. Just don’t apply for the marriage license more than 60 days before your ceremony.

Finally, before you disappear into newlywed bliss, make sure that your officiant will return the marriage license within five days after the ceremony.

Frequently Asked Questions About Getting Married in Virginia

Now that you’re starting to understand the legal process behind marriage in Virginia, you probably have quite a few questions and clarifications. We’ve got a rundown of the top FAQs about Virginia marriage laws.

Does Virginia Recognize Common Law Marriage?

No, Virginia marriage laws do not recognize common law marriages. A common law marriage is an agreement between two adults who consider themselves to be married and hold themselves to that agreement without any formal ceremony or license. However, Virginia will recognize common law marriages if:

1. The common law marriage was entered into in a state where they are valid and
2. The couple would have been eligible to marry under Virginia Law.

What If My Marriage License Expires Before I Use It?

Unused and expired licenses need to be returned to the Circuit Court.

Where Can I Get a Marriage License in Virginia?

You can obtain a marriage license from the Office of the Clerk of Circuit Court in any city or county in Virginia. These offices are generally open Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m to 4:00 p.m., except on holidays.

Who Can’t Get Married in Virginia?

Virginia prohibits the following categories of marriage:

• A marriage if either of the partners were married and are not yet legally divorced.
• A marriage between an ancestor and descendant, brother and sister, uncle and niece, and aunt and nephew—regardless of if the relationship is by half blood, whole blood, or adoption.
• A marriage where either partner lacks the mental or physical capacity to consent to the union.
• Common law marriages entered into in Virginia or other jurisdictions that do not permit them for residents.

What if I Need a Translator?

If either you or your partner requires a translator, you will need to bring your own to receive your marriage license. Virginia does not allow partners to translate for each other.

How Can I Obtain Certified Copies of My Marriage Record?

Certified copies of marriage records are available in person or by mail from the Circuit Court Clerk’s office that issued the marriage license. Each copy is $2.50. You can also secure copies from the Virginia Division of Vital Records in Richmond.

The DMV also provides copies, however, there may be a delay of several months after your wedding before the DMV’s records update. You must provide the full names of both spouses, as well as the date and place of marriage to receive these copies.

Are Marriage Applications Public Records?

Yes, both marriage applications and marriage certificates are public records that are available at the office of the Clerk of Circuit Court in the county where they were filed.

Does My Maiden Name Automatically Change After Marriage?

No, your maiden name will not automatically change after marriage. You must go through the process to change your name after marriage.

How Can I Change My Maiden Name or Hyphenate My Surname?

Virginia provides detailed instructions for how to change your name in all the appropriate places:

• Social Security: You can change your name with the Social Security office in office or by mail by providing a completed copy of Social Security Administration Form SS-5 and a certified copy of your marriage record.
• Driver’s License: To change your name on your driver’s license, visit the DMV with your driver’s license, Social Security card, and a certified copy of your marriage license.
• Voter Registration: Contact the Registrar’s Office to notify them of your name change.
• Personal Property: Contact the Commission of the Revenue’s Office within 30 days to notify them.
• Address Changes: For address changes, you should notify the Registrar’s Office, the Commissioner of the Revenue’s Office, the U.S. Postal Service, and the Internal Revenue Service using IRS form 8822.

What If I Have Been Previously Married?

If you’ve been previously married, you will need to get legally divorced or widowed before you can get married again in Virginia. To obtain your marriage license, make sure you bring:

• The date of your divorce or
• The date of your spouse’s death
• A certified copy of the divorce decree or
• A certified copy of the death certificate

How Do I Obtain a Certified Copy of My Divorce Decree?

You can obtain a certified copy of your divorce certificates from the Thomas Jefferson Health District health departments or Virginia Department of Health, Division of Vital Records in Richmond.

Only immediate family can obtain a certified copy and make sure to bring a valid ID. The fee for each copy is $12 and payable by cash, check, money orders, VISA, or MasterCard.

How Do I Obtain a Certified Copy of a Death Certificate?

Any local Vital Records department in the state of Virginia can produce certified copies of a death certificate.

What Can Void a Marriage in Virginia?

Reasons that can void a marriage in Virginia include:

• Impotency
• Felony conviction
• Religious orders
• If one partner is already the parent of someone else’s child

All of these details should be disclosed before marriage to avoid nullifying the marriage later.

Do I Need a Prenuptial Agreement?

Prenuptial or premarital agreements are completed before marriage while marital or postnuptial agreements are completed after marriage. A prenup is a legally binding, voluntary contract that involves full disclosure and outlines the duties and obligations of each spouse as well as their rights to property and alimony in the event of a divorce.

Prenuptial agreements are recommended for subsequent marriages if one spouse has children and obligations from a previous marriage. In this case, the prenuptial contract can ensure the children will share in their parent’s estate and nullify certain legal rights the law provides to their spouse.

Couples who marry later in life also enter into these contracts to avoid the legal entanglements involved in marriage. Consult a lawyer if you believe a prenuptial agreement would benefit your family.