Richmond, Virginia Marriage License
Marriage licenses in the City of Richmond are issued by the Circuit Court Clerk at 400 N. 9th Street. Both applicants must appear together in person, bring valid photo ID, and pay the $30 fee.
Richmond City Overview
Richmond City Circuit Court Clerk
The Clerk of the Circuit Court for the City of Richmond is the office that issues marriage licenses in Virginia's capital city. Under Virginia Code § 20-14, all Virginia marriage licenses must come from a circuit court clerk or deputy clerk. The City of Richmond is an independent city, meaning it operates its own circuit court entirely separate from Henrico County and Chesterfield County, which border it. The clerk's office is at 400 N. 9th Street, Richmond, VA 23219.
An important note: the City of Richmond is a different jurisdiction from Richmond County, which is a rural county near Warsaw in the Northern Neck region. If you are looking for Richmond County records, those are handled by the Richmond County Circuit Court in Warsaw, not this office. This page covers the City of Richmond only.
Virginia has no residency requirement for marriage licenses. You don't need to live in Richmond to apply here. Both applicants must appear in person together. No proxy or mail-in applications are allowed. The clerk's office is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Call (804) 646-6505 with questions before your visit.
| Office | City of Richmond Circuit Court Clerk |
|---|---|
| Address | 400 N. 9th Street Richmond, VA 23219 |
| Phone | (804) 646-6505 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. |
| Virginia Courts | vacourts.gov |
Because Richmond is an independent city, its circuit court is separate from both Henrico County and Chesterfield County. If you live in Henrico or Chesterfield and want a license from those jurisdictions, you must go to those counties' circuit court clerks. But Virginia law lets any couple apply at any clerk's office in the state. You are free to apply in Richmond regardless of where you live or where your ceremony will be held.
Out-of-state ministers who plan to officiate in Richmond must apply to the clerk for authorization, post a $500 bond, and take an oath. Virginia-licensed officiants and judges are already authorized by law. Contact the clerk well ahead of time if your officiant is from another state.
Marriage License Requirements in Richmond
Both applicants must visit the clerk's office together. Each person 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 are not accepted. Call (804) 646-6505 before your visit if you have any questions about your documents.
You must provide your Social Security number. The physical card is not required, 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 all of this ready before you go. If a parent's name is unknown, ask the clerk for guidance.
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 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.
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 Richmond clerk's office.
Marriage License Fees in Richmond
The marriage license fee is $30. Virginia Code § 20-15 sets this fee statewide. Of the $30, $20 is the state license tax and $10 goes to the Virginia Department of Social Services for domestic violence services. The clerk collects this when you apply. Call (804) 646-6505 to confirm accepted payment methods ahead of time.
The license is valid for 60 days from issue. Under Virginia Code § 20-14.1, if the ceremony does not happen within 60 days, the license expires. No extension is available and no refund is given. If the wedding is delayed beyond 60 days, you must reapply and pay the full fee. The ceremony must occur within Virginia. A Richmond city license cannot be used in any other state.
After the ceremony, the officiant signs the marriage certificate and returns it to the Richmond 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.
Richmond Marriage Records and Certified Copies
Certified copies of City of Richmond marriage records are available from two sources. The Circuit Court Clerk at 400 N. 9th Street holds copies of licenses issued in Richmond. 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, also located in Richmond at 8701 Park Central Drive, 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. 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 become public. Social Security numbers are always redacted regardless of the record's age.
The Virginia Department of Health maintains City of Richmond marriage records as part of the statewide vital records system.
Historical Richmond Marriage Records
Virginia began requiring statewide recording of marriages in 1853. Richmond has one of the longest city marriage record histories in Virginia. The Library of Virginia, located in Richmond, holds city marriage registers from 1853 onward on microfilm. Researchers can access these on-site or request microfilm through interlibrary loan at no cost.
FamilySearch has digitized many Virginia marriage registers and made them searchable for free. Virginia residents can also access Ancestry.com through the Library of Virginia's Finditva.com service using a public library card. For records after 1935, contact VDH or search the Ancestry Virginia marriage index.
Because Richmond is the state capital, many statewide genealogical resources are housed locally. The Library of Virginia and the VDH Vital Records office are both within the city. The Virginia Judicial System website has current contact details for the Richmond clerk for historical record inquiries.
Nearby Cities
These independent cities are close to Richmond. Each has its own circuit court clerk who can issue marriage licenses.
Nearby Counties
These counties border the City of Richmond. Each county has its own circuit court clerk who can also issue marriage licenses.