Radford Marriage License
Marriage licenses in the City of Radford are issued by the Circuit Court Clerk at 50 W. Main Street. Both applicants must appear together in person, bring valid photo ID, and pay the $30 fee.
Radford Overview
Radford Circuit Court Clerk
The Clerk of the Circuit Court for the City of Radford is the office that issues marriage licenses here. Under Virginia Code § 20-14, all Virginia marriage licenses must come from a circuit court clerk or deputy clerk. Radford is an independent city in the New River Valley of western Virginia, surrounded by Montgomery County but legally separate from it. The clerk's office is at 50 W. Main Street, Radford, VA 24141.
Virginia has no residency requirement for marriage licenses. You do not need to live in Radford to apply here. Both applicants must appear in person together. No proxy or mail-in applications are permitted. The clerk handles applications the same day during regular business hours. Arrive with all required documents ready.
Radford is home to Radford University and sits along the New River in western Virginia. The city has its own circuit court entirely separate from Montgomery County. The clerk's office on W. Main Street is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Call (540) 731-3606 with any questions before your visit.
| Office | Radford Circuit Court Clerk |
|---|---|
| Address | 50 W. Main Street Radford, VA 24141 |
| Phone | (540) 731-3606 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. |
| Virginia Courts | vacourts.gov |
Radford is an independent city, so its circuit court is separate from Montgomery County. Montgomery County residents must go to the Montgomery County Circuit Court for their county's licenses. But you can apply in Radford regardless of where you live. Virginia law lets any couple apply at any circuit court clerk in the state. There is no rule requiring you to use the court nearest to your home or ceremony location.
Out-of-state ministers who plan to officiate ceremonies in Radford must apply to the clerk for authorization, post a $500 bond, and take an oath. Virginia-licensed ministers and judges are already authorized by state law. If your officiant is from outside Virginia, contact the clerk ahead of time.
Marriage License Requirements in Radford
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 work. Expired IDs will not be accepted. Call (540) 731-3606 before your visit if you have questions about your documents.
You must provide your Social Security number. The physical card is not needed, but the number must appear on the application. Under Virginia Code § 20-16, the clerk also requires the full legal names of both applicants' parents, including each mother's maiden name. Have this ready before your visit. If a parent's name is unknown, ask the clerk how to handle it.
Both applicants must be at least 18. Virginia Code § 20-48 sets this as the minimum with no exceptions. Virginia's former law allowing younger applicants with parental consent has been repealed. Your photo ID proves your age. Bring a certified birth certificate if age is in question.
No blood test is required and there is no waiting period. You can apply and receive the marriage license the same day you visit the Radford clerk's office.
Marriage License Fees in Radford
The marriage license fee is $30. Virginia Code § 20-15 sets this 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 this when you apply. Call (540) 731-3606 to confirm accepted payment methods before your visit.
The license is valid for 60 days. Under Virginia Code § 20-14.1, if no ceremony occurs within 60 days, the license expires. No extension is available and no refund is issued. If the wedding is delayed, you must reapply and pay again. The ceremony must occur within Virginia. A Radford license cannot be used in West Virginia, Tennessee, or any other state.
After the ceremony, the officiant signs the marriage certificate and returns it to the Radford clerk. The clerk records it and sends a copy to the Virginia Department of Health Office of Vital Records. Certified copies are then available from the clerk for $2.50 each.
Radford Marriage Records and Certified Copies
Certified copies of Radford marriage records come from two sources. The Circuit Court Clerk at 50 W. Main Street holds copies of licenses issued in Radford. Copies cost $2.50 each. You can request in person or by mail. For mail requests, include both spouses' 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 faster 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, the records are public. Social Security numbers are always redacted regardless of the record's age.
The Virginia Department of Health maintains Radford marriage records as part of the statewide vital records system.
Historical Radford Marriage Records
Virginia began requiring statewide recording of marriages in 1853. Radford was chartered as an independent city in 1892. Before that, the area was part of Montgomery County. Early marriage records for this area are held under Montgomery 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 freely searchable online. Virginia residents can also access Ancestry.com through the Library of Virginia's Finditva.com service with a public library card. For records after 1935, contact VDH or search the Ancestry Virginia marriage index.
The Virginia Judicial System website provides current contact details for the Radford clerk for historical record inquiries. For records tied to Montgomery County, contact the Montgomery County Circuit Court clerk's office directly.
Nearby Counties
Montgomery County surrounds Radford. The Montgomery County Circuit Court clerk can also issue marriage licenses.