Marriage Information

Who Can Perform Marriages

• Those requesting authorization to perform wedding ceremonies in Virginia may apply in-person at the Clerk of the Circuit Court’s Office, Mon.-Fri. 8 a.m.-4 p.m. or submit the required documentation by mail to: Clerk of the Circuit Court, 1425 N. Courthouse Road, Suite 6700, Arlington, VA 22201.

• The processing time ranges from two weeks to six weeks.
• The clergy, minister or other person officiating the marriage ceremony must complete and sign both forms of the marriage license and forward to the Clerk of the Court that issued the license within five days after the ceremony is performed. 
• A commemorative certificate of marriage may be prepared by the officiant and given to the newly wedded couple upon request.

For all other questions regarding authorizations to perform marriages, please contact the marriage clerk at 703-228-4373 or the Civil Division at 703-228-7010

Religious

Clergy affiliated with a church in the Commonwealth of Virginia and clergy affiliated with a church outside the Commonwealth of Virginia who wish to perform a wedding ceremony in Virginia, must receive authorization through a Virginia Circuit Court prior to performing the ceremony. This is pursuant to §20-23 and §20-26 of the Code of Virginia.  For the Petition to Perform Religious Marriage Ceremonies form, click here .

Required Documentation:

• Completed Petition and Order
• Proof of ordination or a local minister's license (Online ordinations are not recognized pursuant to Cramer v. Commonwealth)
• Proof of regular communion or other proof pursuant to VA Code § 20-23
• Photo identification
• Payment of $31 by cash or credit card (if you pay by credit card, you must also pay a 4 % service charge of the total amount paid)

One-Time Civil Celebrant

Individuals that wish to perform a one-time civil ceremony in Virginia must obtain prior court authorization.

To apply through the Arlington Circuit Court the individual must be:

• A resident of Arlington County or the City of Falls Church.
• Must be 18 years or age or older
• Must never have been convicted of a felony

Required Documentation

• Notarized petition.  Typed petitions are preferred to avoid errors that may delay the authorization.
• Order. Typed order is preferred.  Endorsement of the proposed order by the petitioner is required.
• Filing fee-$61.00.  The filing fee must be paid by certified check, or money order payable to Clerk of the Circuit Court or Credit card

• Please see attached instructions for more information. 

Clergy, Minister & Celebrant Qualifications

Clergy or ministers requesting authorization to perform wedding ceremonies in Virginia may apply in-person at the Clerk of the Circuit Court’s Office, Mon.-Fri. 8.15 a.m.-3.30 p.m. or submit the following required documentation by mail to: Clerk of the Circuit Court, 1425 N. Courthouse Road, Suite 6700, Arlington, VA 22201. Applicants must provide:

• Completed Petition and Order
• Proof of ordination or a local minister's license (Online ordinations are not recognized pursuant to Cramer v. Commonwealth)
• Proof of regular communion or other proof pursuant to VA Code § 20-23
• Photo identification
• Payment of $31 by cash or credit card (Visa, MasterCard or Discover only; if you pay by credit card, you must also pay a 4 percent service charge of the total amount paid)

Individuals that wish to perform a one-time civil ceremony in Virginia must obtain prior court authorization. To apply through the Arlington Circuit Court, the individual must be a resident of Arlington County or the City of Falls Church. Please see attached instructions(PDF, 5MB) for more information. The processing time ranges from two weeks to six weeks

For all other questions regarding authorizations to perform marriages, please contact the marriage clerk at 703-228-4373 or the Civil Division at 703-228-7010

Civil Celebrants

The following Civil celebrants are available to officiate marriage ceremonies. Please contact the celebrant directly with questions regarding scheduling or availability. The celebrant may charge up to $75 for a ceremony pursuant to VA Code § 20-27.

Marriage License Correction-Civil Action

A court order is necessary to correct any mistake on a marriage license.  The case must be set for a hearing on the 10:00 a.m. (with Judge) Friday Motions Docket.

Required Documents

1.Original Petition (notarized) plus two (2) copies.
2.Original Order granting the correction, to be signed by a Judge.
3.Friday Motions Docket Praecipe (10:00 a.m. with Judge)
4.A certified copy of the Marriage License to be corrected.
5.Any supporting documentation to show why the petition should be granted.
6.A self-addressed stamped envelope, to receive a certified copy of the court order.
7. There is a filing fee of $91.00 made payable by cash, check or credit card (with 4% convenience fee)
8. Instruction packet to correct Marriage License. Instruction packet(PDF, 631KB)

Guidelines and Requirements

1. Petition, Order and Friday Motions Docket Praecipe should be filled together at the Civil intake Counter on the sixth floor of the courthouse, 1425 N. Courthouse Road Suite 6700 Arlington, Virginia.
2. The Marriage License must have been issued by the Arlington Circuit Court
3. All filings must be signed by each married individual.