Marriage License

Issuing Licenses

Marriage licenses are issued by:

  • King William County Circuit Court Clerk’s Office
    351 Courthouse Lane, Suite 130
    King William, VA 23086
    Hours: 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
    Monday through Friday

Be sure to try to arrive by 4 p.m. In Virginia, you can be married by a qualified minister, judge or civil marriage celebrant who has been authorized by the court to perform weddings. View the Virginia Code Section 20-27 as it governs what civil marriage celebrants may charge for performing a wedding.

Once you receive your license, you may marry immediately anywhere in Virginia. If you choose to wait, it’s important to remember that the marriage must take place within 60 days of obtaining your marriage license. 

Age Requirement

The minimum age at which persons may marry shall be 18, unless a minor has been emancipated by court order. Upon application for a marriage license, an emancipated minor shall provide a certified copy of the order of emancipation. For additional information view the Virginia Code Section 20-48. 

How to Apply

Both persons who are to be married must appear in person at the Circuit Court Clerk’s office.

The office is open from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. If you plan to fill out the marriage license applicant information forms at the clerk’s office, try to arrive by 4 p.m. 

Things to Bring with You

  • Cash, check or credit/debit card to cover payment for the marriage license and any certified copies. A $2.00 convenience fee will be applied for using a credit or debit card.
  • Driver’s License or other photo proof of identification.

Questions?

If you have questions about obtaining a marriage license, please contact us at 804-769-4936. You may also be interested in reading the pamphlet “Marriage in Virginia,” which is published by the Virginia State Bar.

Requesting a Certified Copy of Your Marriage License

You may request certified copies of your marriage license at the time it is issued or at any point after you are married.  The cost for each certified copy is $2.50.  The clerk’s office accepts requests for certified copies by mail or in person.  If you request certified copies when you apply for your license, they will be mailed to you as soon as the person who marries you returns the completed marriage certificate to the clerk’s office.