Poquoson, Virginia Marriage License
Marriage licenses in the City of Poquoson are issued by the Circuit Court Clerk at 500 City Hall Avenue. Both applicants must appear together in person, bring valid photo ID, and pay the $30 fee.
Poquoson Overview
Poquoson Circuit Court Clerk
The Clerk of the Circuit Court for the City of Poquoson is the office that issues marriage licenses in this city. Under Virginia Code § 20-14, all Virginia marriage licenses must be issued by a circuit court clerk or deputy clerk. Poquoson is an independent city on the Virginia Peninsula in southeastern Virginia, surrounded by York County but legally separate from it. The clerk's office is at 500 City Hall Avenue, Poquoson, VA 23662.
Virginia has no residency requirement for marriage licenses. You don't need to live in Poquoson to apply here. Both applicants must appear together at the clerk's office in person. No proxy or mail-in applications are accepted. The clerk processes applications during regular business hours and issues the license the same day. Plan to arrive with all required documents ready.
Poquoson is a small independent city on a peninsula between the Poquoson and Back rivers. It is completely surrounded by York County, though it operates its own separate circuit court. The clerk's office at City Hall is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Call (757) 868-3003 with any questions before your visit.
| Office | Poquoson Circuit Court Clerk |
|---|---|
| Address | 500 City Hall Avenue Poquoson, VA 23662 |
| Phone | (757) 868-3003 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. |
| Virginia Courts | vacourts.gov |
Because Poquoson is an independent city, its circuit court is entirely separate from York County. Residents of York County who want a marriage license must visit the York County Circuit Court, not this office. If you are unsure where to apply, remember that Virginia law lets you get a license from any circuit court clerk in the state. You are not limited to the jurisdiction where you live or where the ceremony will be held.
Out-of-state ministers who plan to officiate ceremonies in Poquoson must contact the clerk to apply for authorization, post a $500 bond, and take an oath. Virginia-licensed ministers and judges don't need any additional approval. Contact the clerk ahead of time if your officiant is from another state.
Marriage License Requirements in Poquoson
Both applicants must come to the clerk's office at the same time. Each needs a valid, unexpired government-issued photo ID. A driver's license, U.S. passport, state ID card, or military ID all qualify. Expired IDs will not be accepted. Call (757) 868-3003 before your visit if you have questions about which documents work.
You must provide your Social Security number. The card itself is not required, but the number must appear on the application. Under Virginia Code § 20-16, the clerk requires the full legal names of both applicants' parents, including each mother's maiden name before marriage. Gather this information before your visit. If a parent's name is unknown, ask the clerk how to handle that.
Both applicants must be at least 18. Virginia Code § 20-48 sets 18 as the minimum with no exceptions. Virginia's former law allowing younger people to marry with parental consent has been repealed. Your photo ID proves your age. Bring a certified birth certificate if there is any question about your age.
No blood test is needed and there is no waiting period. You can apply and get the marriage license the same day you visit the Poquoson clerk's office.
Marriage License Fees in Poquoson
The marriage license fee is $30. Virginia Code § 20-15 sets this fee statewide. The $30 breaks down as $20 for the state license tax and $10 for the Virginia Department of Social Services domestic violence programs. The clerk collects payment when you apply. Call (757) 868-3003 to confirm accepted payment methods before your visit.
The license is valid for 60 days. Under Virginia Code § 20-14.1, if no ceremony takes place within 60 days, the license expires with no extension and no refund. If the wedding is delayed, you must reapply and pay again. The ceremony must take place within Virginia. A Poquoson license is not valid in any other state.
After the ceremony, the officiant must sign the marriage certificate and return it to the Poquoson clerk. The clerk records it and sends a copy to the Virginia Department of Health Office of Vital Records. Certified copies are then available through the clerk for $2.50 each.
Poquoson Marriage Records and Certified Copies
Certified copies of Poquoson marriage records are available from two sources. The Circuit Court Clerk at 500 City Hall Avenue holds copies of licenses issued in Poquoson. Copies cost $2.50 each. Request them in person or by mail. For mail requests, include both spouses' full names, the approximate marriage date, payment, and a self-addressed stamped envelope.
The VDH Office of Vital Records in Richmond holds all Virginia marriage records since 1853. Their fee is $12 per certificate. Submit requests online, by mail to P.O. Box 1000, Richmond, VA 23218, or in person at 8701 Park Central Drive. Phone: (804) 662-6200. For expedited service, use VitalChek at 1-877-572-6333.
Under Virginia Code § 32.1-271, certified copies are restricted to immediate family members for 25 years after the marriage. After that, records are public. Social Security numbers are always removed from copies regardless of the record's age.
The Virginia Department of Health maintains Poquoson marriage records as part of the statewide vital records system.
Historical Poquoson Marriage Records
Virginia began requiring statewide recording of marriages in 1853. Poquoson was incorporated as a city in 1975. Before that, the area was part of York County. Marriage records from before 1975 for this area are held under York County records at the Library of Virginia. Researchers can access microfilm through interlibrary loan at no cost.
FamilySearch has digitized many Virginia marriage registers and made them searchable for free. Virginia residents can also use Ancestry.com through the Library of Virginia's Finditva.com with a public library card. For records after 1935, contact VDH directly or search the Ancestry Virginia marriage index.
The Virginia Judicial System website has current contact information for the Poquoson clerk. For older records connected to York County, contact the York County Circuit Court clerk's office directly.
Nearby Cities
These independent cities are near Poquoson. Each has its own circuit court clerk who can issue marriage licenses.
Nearby Counties
York County surrounds Poquoson. The York County Circuit Court clerk can also issue marriage licenses.