Salem, Virginia Marriage License
Marriage licenses in the City of Salem are issued by the Circuit Court Clerk at 30 E. Calhoun Street. Both applicants must appear together in person, bring valid photo ID, and pay the $30 fee.
Salem Overview
Salem Circuit Court Clerk
The Clerk of the Circuit Court for the City of Salem 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. Salem is an independent city in the Roanoke Valley of western Virginia, surrounded by Roanoke County but legally separate from it. The clerk's office is at 30 E. Calhoun Street, Salem, VA 24153.
A useful note: the Roanoke County courthouse is also located in Salem. This means both the Salem City clerk and the Roanoke County clerk operate in Salem. They are two different offices handling licenses for two different jurisdictions. If you want a Salem city license, you go to the Salem Circuit Court at 30 E. Calhoun Street. If you want a Roanoke County license, you go to the Roanoke County Circuit Court, also in Salem. Virginia law lets you apply at either office regardless of where you live.
Virginia has no residency requirement for marriage licenses. Both applicants must appear in person together. No proxy applications are accepted. The clerk's office is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Call (540) 375-3010 with questions before your visit.
| Office | Salem Circuit Court Clerk |
|---|---|
| Address | 30 E. Calhoun Street Salem, VA 24153 |
| Phone | (540) 375-3010 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. |
| Virginia Courts | vacourts.gov |
Salem is an independent city, so its circuit court functions separately from Roanoke County. You can apply for a license at the Salem city clerk, the Roanoke County clerk (also in Salem), or even the City of Roanoke clerk just a few miles away. All are valid options under Virginia law. The license will be valid for ceremonies anywhere in Virginia regardless of which office issues it.
Out-of-state ministers who plan to officiate in Salem must apply to the clerk, post a $500 bond, and take an oath. Virginia-licensed officiants and judges are already authorized. Contact the clerk well ahead of the ceremony if your officiant is from outside Virginia.
Marriage License Requirements in Salem
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 are not accepted. Call (540) 375-3010 before your visit if you have questions about your documents.
You must provide your Social Security number. The physical card is not required, but the number must be on the application. Under Virginia Code § 20-16, the clerk also needs the full legal names of both applicants' parents, including each mother's maiden name. Have this information ready before you go. If a parent's name is not known, ask the clerk how to proceed.
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 establishes proof of 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 Salem clerk's office.
Marriage License Fees in Salem
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 services. The clerk collects this when you apply. Call (540) 375-3010 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 beyond 60 days, you must reapply and pay again. The ceremony must occur within Virginia. A Salem 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 Salem 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.
Salem Marriage Records and Certified Copies
Certified copies of Salem marriage records are available from two sources. The Circuit Court Clerk at 30 E. Calhoun Street holds copies of licenses issued in Salem. 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 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, they become public records. Social Security numbers are always redacted regardless of the record's age.
The Virginia Department of Health maintains Salem marriage records as part of the statewide vital records system.
Historical Salem Marriage Records
Virginia began requiring statewide recording of marriages in 1853. Salem was incorporated as a town in 1836 and became an independent city in 1968. Before city status, Salem was part of Roanoke County, and marriage records from that period are held under Roanoke 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 directly or search the Ancestry Virginia marriage index.
The Virginia Judicial System website provides current contact details for the Salem clerk for historical record inquiries.
Nearby Cities
The City of Roanoke is adjacent to Salem. It has its own circuit court clerk who can also issue marriage licenses.
Nearby Counties
Roanoke County surrounds Salem, and the Roanoke County courthouse is located in Salem. The Roanoke County clerk can also issue marriage licenses.