Roanoke City Marriage License
Marriage licenses in the City of Roanoke are issued by the Circuit Court Clerk at 315 Church Avenue SW. Both applicants must appear together in person, bring valid photo ID, and pay the $30 fee.
Roanoke City Overview
City of Roanoke Circuit Court Clerk
The Clerk of the Circuit Court for the City of Roanoke is the office that issues marriage licenses in this city. Under Virginia Code § 20-14, all Virginia marriage licenses must come from a circuit court clerk or deputy clerk. The City of Roanoke is an independent city in the Blue Ridge Mountains of western Virginia, with its own circuit court entirely separate from Roanoke County. The clerk's office is at 315 Church Avenue SW, Roanoke, VA 24011.
It is worth clarifying: the City of Roanoke and Roanoke County are two separate jurisdictions. Roanoke County has its own circuit court and clerk's office, located in Salem. If you need a Roanoke County marriage license, you must go to that county's clerk. This page covers the City of Roanoke only. Both are located in the same valley, but they are legally distinct. Virginia law lets you apply at either, regardless of where you live.
Virginia has no residency requirement for marriage licenses. Any couple can apply here. Both applicants must appear together in person. No proxy or mail-in applications are accepted. The clerk's office on Church Avenue is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Call (540) 853-2942 with questions before your visit.
| Office | City of Roanoke Circuit Court Clerk |
|---|---|
| Address | 315 Church Avenue SW Roanoke, VA 24011 |
| Phone | (540) 853-2942 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. |
| Virginia Courts | vacourts.gov |
The City of Roanoke is the largest city in western Virginia. It is an independent city, so it maintains its own courts separate from Roanoke County. The City of Salem, also nearby, is another independent city with its own circuit court. You can apply for a marriage license in any of these jurisdictions: Roanoke City, Roanoke County, or Salem, regardless of where you live. The ceremony just has to take place in Virginia.
Out-of-state ministers who plan to officiate in Roanoke must apply to the clerk for authorization, post a $500 bond, and take an oath. Virginia-licensed officiants and judges are already authorized by state law. Contact the clerk early if your officiant is from outside Virginia.
Marriage License Requirements in Roanoke City
Both applicants must come to the clerk's office together. 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 (540) 853-2942 before your visit if you have questions about your documents.
You must provide your Social Security number. The card itself is not required, but the number must be 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 you arrive. 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 18 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 needed and there is no waiting period. You can apply and receive the marriage license the same day you visit the Roanoke clerk's office.
Marriage License Fees in Roanoke City
The marriage license fee is $30. Virginia Code § 20-15 sets this statewide. Of the $30, $20 is the state license tax and $10 goes to the Virginia Department of Social Services for domestic violence programs. The clerk collects this when you apply. Call (540) 853-2942 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 with no extension and no refund. If the wedding is delayed past the 60-day window, you must reapply and pay again. The ceremony must occur within Virginia. A Roanoke city license cannot be used in West Virginia, North Carolina, or any other state.
After the ceremony, the officiant signs the marriage certificate and returns it to the Roanoke city clerk. The clerk records it and forwards a copy to the Virginia Department of Health Office of Vital Records. Certified copies are then available from the clerk for $2.50 each.
Roanoke City Marriage Records and Certified Copies
Certified copies of City of Roanoke marriage records are available from two sources. The Circuit Court Clerk at 315 Church Avenue SW holds copies of licenses issued in the city. Copies cost $2.50 each. Request them 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 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 become public. Social Security numbers are always removed from copies regardless of the record's age.
The Roanoke City Circuit Court Clerk maintains marriage license records for the City of Roanoke.
Historical Roanoke City Marriage Records
Virginia began requiring statewide recording of marriages in 1853. Roanoke was incorporated as a city in 1884 and grew rapidly as a railroad hub. The Library of Virginia holds City of Roanoke marriage registers from the late 19th century onward on microfilm. Researchers can access these 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.
Before Roanoke became a city, the area was part of Roanoke County. Marriage records from that earlier period are held under Roanoke County records at the Library of Virginia. The Virginia Judicial System website has current contact details for the City of Roanoke clerk for historical record inquiries.
Nearby Cities
Salem is an independent city adjacent to Roanoke. It has its own circuit court clerk who can also issue marriage licenses.
Nearby Counties
Roanoke County surrounds the City of Roanoke. The Roanoke County Circuit Court clerk can also issue marriage licenses.