There is no waiting period required between application and issuance of the license so you can have the ceremony immediately after receiving the license if you would like. Unused licenses do expire after day 60 (day of issuance is day 1) and MUST be returned to our office unused.
What is required for a valid marriage in Virginia? A marriage license is required before the ceremony is per- formed. The license is issued upon application with the Clerk of the Circuit Court of any city or county in Virginia, and there is not a residency requirement.
Certified copies of your marriage license may be obtained in person or by mail from the circuit court clerk's office that issued the marriage license. IN-PERSON COPIES: You or someone on your behalf may come to the Clerk's Office to request copies: Hours: am-pm, Monday-Friday.
How long does it take? The whole marriage licence application process can take as little as 20 minutes! But plan a little extra to park and to take your time filling out the forms. Some Circuit Court Clerk's Offices even have the application online for you to fill out ahead of time to make this process even faster.
"It typically takes 3-6 days from filing your application to getting your license approved. In general, a couple should apply about one week before their ceremony," recommends Micaela Beltran, Co-Founder and CEO of Courtly, which helps couples get their marriage licenses online.
Marriage License Return The minister or other marriage officiant must complete the marriage license form and return copies A and B to the Clerk's Office within 5 days after the ceremony. Upon receipt, the Clerk's Office will mail a certified copy of the marriage license to the couple.
There is NO common law marriage in Virginia. The theory there, which I assume you already know, is that, if you and your partner have lived together long enough (usually somewhere in the neighborhood of seven to ten years), the law will eventually deem you married just by virtue of your continued cohabitation.
Requirements: Both parties must appear together and present a government issued picture i.d. such as a driver's license is required in this office. Social security number or Virginia Department of Motor Vehicle control number is required. No blood test is required to marry in the Commonwealth of Virginia.
Virginia is a very popular destination for elopements because there is no waiting period after obtaining a marriage license – engaged couples can apply for and pick up their Virginia marriage license at the courthouse and get married the same day. This makes Virginia an ideal place to get married quickly and easily.