The first step is to check public records, as marriage records in California are accessible to the public. You can request a copy of the marriage certificate from the California Department of Public Health if the marriage was registered within the state.
Married people are legally committed to each other — they're joined in marriage, or wedded. Even though you may feel emotionally committed to your mate, you need to legally tie the know to be considered married. A married couple has made an official, legal agreement to be partners.
In order to legally recognize your union, you must have your wedding ceremony, sign the license, and file for a certified marriage record during this window.
Just having a marriage license doesn't mean someone is married, it just means they can legally move forward with getting married. If no marriage took place then you are not legally married.
You can apply for your marriage license in Virginia by either showing up in person at any county/city court clerk's office or going online. The following county court clerk's offices allow you to apply online and send you a confirmation email once you do: Arlington, Fairfax, Loudoun, and Prince William.
Couples may obtain a marriage license from any circuit court in Virginia. Once the license is issued, there is no waiting period and no blood test is required. The marriage license is valid for 60 calendar days and the marriage must take place in Virginia.
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.
Both parties must be present. Present current, valid government issued photo i.d. and $30.00 to Clerk. Fill out application using our in-office Marriage Kiosk.
Pursuant to §20-48 of the 1950 Virginia Code, as amended, the minimum age at which a person may marry is 18. To speed up the process of obtaining your marriage license, you may complete the Online Marriage License Pre-Application. Upon completion you will receive a confirmation document.
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.