Staunton Marriage License
Marriage licenses in the City of Staunton are issued by the Circuit Court Clerk at 6 E. Johnson Street. Both applicants must appear together, bring valid photo ID, and pay the $30 fee.
Staunton Overview
Staunton Circuit Court Clerk
The Clerk of the Circuit Court for the City of Staunton 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. Staunton is an independent city in the Shenandoah Valley of western Virginia, surrounded by Augusta County but legally separate from it. The clerk's office is at 6 E. Johnson Street, Staunton, VA 24401.
An important note about Staunton and Augusta County: the Augusta County courthouse is also located in Staunton. This means both the Staunton City clerk and the Augusta County clerk operate in the same city. They handle licenses for separate jurisdictions. A Staunton city license comes from the Staunton Circuit Court at 6 E. Johnson Street. An Augusta County license comes from the Augusta County Circuit Court, also in Staunton. 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 or mail-in applications are accepted. The clerk's office is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Call (540) 332-3875 with any questions before your visit.
| Office | Staunton Circuit Court Clerk |
|---|---|
| Address | 6 E. Johnson Street Staunton, VA 24401 |
| Phone | (540) 332-3875 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. |
| Virginia Courts | vacourts.gov |
Staunton is an independent city. Its circuit court operates completely separate from Augusta County's court. If you are an Augusta County resident and want a county license, you must apply at the Augusta County Circuit Court, not this office. But again, Virginia has no residency requirement, so you can apply in Staunton city, Augusta County, or anywhere else in the state. The ceremony just needs to take place in Virginia.
Out-of-state ministers who plan to officiate in Staunton must apply to the clerk for authorization, post a $500 bond, and take an oath. Virginia-licensed officiants and judges are already authorized. Contact the clerk early if your officiant is from outside Virginia.
Marriage License Requirements in Staunton
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 work. Expired IDs are not accepted. Call (540) 332-3875 before your visit if you have questions about which documents qualify.
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 this ready before your visit. If a parent's name is not known, 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 Staunton clerk's office.
Marriage License Fees in Staunton
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) 332-3875 to confirm payment methods before your visit.
The license is valid for 60 days from issue. 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, you must reapply and pay again. The ceremony must take place within Virginia. A Staunton license cannot be used in West Virginia or any other state.
After the ceremony, the officiant signs the marriage certificate and returns it to the Staunton 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.
Staunton Marriage Records and Certified Copies
Certified copies of Staunton marriage records come from two sources. The Circuit Court Clerk at 6 E. Johnson Street holds copies of licenses issued in Staunton. Copies cost $2.50 each. 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, records are public. Social Security numbers are always removed from copies regardless of the record's age.
The Virginia Department of Health maintains Staunton marriage records as part of the statewide vital records system.
Historical Staunton Marriage Records
Virginia began requiring statewide recording of marriages in 1853. Staunton was chartered as a city in 1871. Before that, the area was part of Augusta County. Marriage records from before Staunton's incorporation are held under Augusta 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. 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.
Because the Augusta County courthouse is located in Staunton, researchers looking for county marriage records should contact the Augusta County Circuit Court clerk. For Staunton city records, contact this clerk's office. The Virginia Judicial System website has current contact details for both.
Nearby Cities
These independent cities are near Staunton in the Shenandoah Valley and western Virginia. Each has its own circuit court clerk who can issue marriage licenses.
Nearby Counties
Augusta County surrounds Staunton, and the Augusta County courthouse is located in the city. The Augusta County clerk can also issue marriage licenses.