Williamsburg Marriage License
Marriage licenses in the City of Williamsburg are issued by the Circuit Court Clerk at 5201 Monticello Avenue. Both applicants must appear together, bring valid photo ID, and pay the $30 fee.
Williamsburg Overview
Williamsburg Circuit Court Clerk
The Clerk of the Circuit Court for the City of Williamsburg 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. Williamsburg is an independent city on the Virginia Peninsula in southeastern Virginia, surrounded by James City County. The clerk's office is at 5201 Monticello Avenue, Williamsburg, VA 23188.
An important practical note: the Williamsburg Circuit Court clerk is co-located with the James City County Circuit Court clerk at the same address, 5201 Monticello Avenue. Both offices serve from the same building. If you want a Williamsburg city license, you go to the Williamsburg clerk's side. If you want a James City County license, you go to the James City County clerk. Virginia law lets you apply at either office, or at any other circuit court in Virginia, 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 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Call (757) 564-2242 with questions before your visit.
| Office | Williamsburg Circuit Court Clerk |
|---|---|
| Address | 5201 Monticello Avenue Williamsburg, VA 23188 |
| Phone | (757) 564-2242 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. |
| Virginia Courts | vacourts.gov |
Williamsburg is one of Virginia's smallest independent cities by area. Its circuit court is separate from James City County's court even though they share a building. Nearby cities like Newport News, Hampton, and Poquoson also have their own independent courts on the Virginia Peninsula. You can apply for a license at any of these locations regardless of where you live. The ceremony just has to take place in Virginia.
Out-of-state ministers who plan to officiate in Williamsburg 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 Williamsburg
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 (757) 564-2242 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 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 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 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 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 Williamsburg clerk's office.
Marriage License Fees in Williamsburg
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 (757) 564-2242 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 given. If the wedding is delayed past 60 days, you must reapply and pay again. The ceremony must occur within Virginia. A Williamsburg license cannot be used in any other state.
After the ceremony, the officiant signs the marriage certificate and returns it to the Williamsburg 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.
Williamsburg Marriage Records and Certified Copies
Certified copies of Williamsburg marriage records are available from two sources. The Circuit Court Clerk at 5201 Monticello Avenue holds copies of licenses issued in Williamsburg. 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 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 are public. Social Security numbers are always removed from copies regardless of the record's age.
The Virginia Department of Health maintains Williamsburg marriage records as part of the statewide vital records system.
Historical Williamsburg Marriage Records
Virginia began requiring statewide recording of marriages in 1853. Williamsburg served as the colonial capital of Virginia from 1699 to 1780, giving it one of the oldest records of any Virginia city. The Library of Virginia holds Williamsburg and James City County marriage registers from 1853 onward on microfilm. Researchers can access these 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 using a public library card. For records after 1935, contact VDH directly or search the Ancestry Virginia marriage index.
Because the Williamsburg and James City County clerks share a building, researchers may find it useful to contact both if looking for older records from the area. The Virginia Judicial System website has current contact details for both clerk offices.
Nearby Cities
These independent cities are near Williamsburg on the Virginia Peninsula. Each has its own circuit court clerk who can issue marriage licenses.
Nearby Counties
These counties border Williamsburg. Each has its own circuit court clerk who can also issue marriage licenses.