Albemarle County Marriage License
Marriage licenses in Albemarle County are issued by the Circuit Court Clerk at 501 E. Jefferson Street in Charlottesville. The Clerk serves residents throughout the county and keeps official marriage records on file going back to 1853. Both applicants must appear together, bring a valid photo ID, and provide Social Security numbers along with their parents' full names. The fee is $30. Your license is good for 60 days and must be used for a ceremony inside Virginia. This guide covers where to go, what to bring, how to get certified copies, and how to search Albemarle County marriage records.
Albemarle County Overview
Albemarle County Circuit Court Clerk
The Clerk of the Circuit Court for Albemarle County handles all marriage license applications and maintains the official marriage record archive for the county. The office is located in Charlottesville, which serves as the county seat. Under Virginia Code § 20-14, the circuit court clerk is the only authorized issuing authority for marriage licenses in Virginia. Albemarle County's clerk office has served the region for more than two centuries and holds records going back to the county's early history.
You do not need to be an Albemarle County resident to apply here. Virginia law allows couples to obtain a marriage license from any circuit court in the state, regardless of where they live or where the wedding will take place. The only requirement is that both people show up at the same time, in person. You cannot send a representative. The clerk processes applications the same day.
| Office | Albemarle County Circuit Court Clerk |
|---|---|
| Address | 501 E. Jefferson Street Charlottesville, VA 22902 |
| Phone | (434) 972-4083 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. |
| Website | albemarle.org |
The clerk also handles minister authorizations. If your officiant is not already registered with a Virginia court, they may need to obtain authorization before the ceremony. Out-of-state ministers must apply to the circuit court in the jurisdiction where the wedding will take place, post a $500 bond, and execute an oath of office. Allow several days for this process.
Marriage License Requirements in Albemarle County
Both parties must come to the clerk's office together. There is no way to complete the process remotely or through an agent. Bring a valid, unexpired government-issued photo ID. A driver's license, U.S. passport, or military identification card all work. A state-issued ID card is also acceptable. If your ID is expired, the clerk will not accept it. Call ahead if you have questions about specific ID formats.
You will need your Social Security number. The card itself is not required, just the number. Under Virginia Code § 20-16, the clerk is required to collect this information along with the full names of both applicants' parents, including the mother's maiden name before marriage. Have this information ready before you visit to keep the process smooth and fast. If you do not know a parent's full name, try to get it before you go.
The minimum age is 18. Virginia Code § 20-48 sets this as an absolute floor with no exceptions. Virginia removed all prior provisions that allowed younger applicants with parental consent. Both people must be at least 18 at the time of application. Your photo ID serves as proof of age. Bring a certified birth certificate if there is any uncertainty about your age.
Note: No blood test is required and there is no waiting period for a Virginia marriage license.
Marriage License Fees in Albemarle County
The marriage license fee in Albemarle County is $30. Virginia Code § 20-15 sets this statewide. The clerk collects the fee at the time of application. Most courts in Virginia accept cash and major credit cards. Call (434) 972-4083 to confirm accepted payment methods at the Albemarle County office before you go.
The license is valid for 60 days from the issue date. Virginia Code § 20-14.1 is clear on this. If the ceremony does not happen within 60 days, the license expires and you must apply again. There is no extension option. The ceremony must also take place within the Commonwealth of Virginia. An Albemarle County license cannot be used for an out-of-state wedding.
After the ceremony, the officiant must complete the marriage certificate portion and return it to the clerk's office. The clerk records the license and sends a copy to the Virginia Department of Health Office of Vital Records, where it becomes part of the statewide marriage registry. From that point, certified copies are available through the clerk for $2.50 each.
Albemarle County Marriage Records and Certified Copies
Two offices can provide certified copies of an Albemarle County marriage record. The Circuit Court Clerk at 501 E. Jefferson Street has copies of licenses issued by that office. Certified copies cost $2.50 each. You can request them in person or by mail. For mail requests, include the names of both spouses and the approximate date of the marriage along with a self-addressed stamped envelope.
The VDH Office of Vital Records in Richmond also has copies and charges $12 per certificate. Their records cover all Virginia marriages from 1853 to the present. You can request online through their portal, by mail to P.O. Box 1000, Richmond, VA 23218, or in person at 8701 Park Central Drive, Richmond. Phone: (804) 662-6200. For expedited service, use VitalChek or call 1-877-572-6333.
Under Virginia Code § 32.1-271, certified copies are only available to immediate family members during the 25-year restricted period following the marriage. After 25 years, the record becomes public and anyone may request it. Social Security numbers are always redacted from copies provided to the public, regardless of the record's age.
The VDH FAQ page covers ID requirements, processing times, and how to request records from their office.
The FAQ confirms that VDH does not issue new marriage licenses. Those come from the circuit court clerk. VDH only handles certified copies of completed records.
Historical Albemarle County Marriage Records
Virginia began requiring systematic registration of marriages in 1853. The Library of Virginia holds Albemarle County marriage registers from 1853 to 1935 on microfilm. These registers list the date and place of the marriage, both parties' names, ages, birthplaces, parents' names, occupations, and the name of the officiant. Researchers can borrow microfilm through interlibrary loan.
FamilySearch has digitized Virginia county marriage registers from 1853 to 1935 and made them available online at no charge. Virginia residents can access Ancestry.com free through the Library of Virginia's Finditva.com service using a public library card number. For records after 1935, contact VDH or search Ancestry's Virginia marriage index, which covers marriages since 1936.
The Virginia Judicial System website provides contact information for all circuit courts if you need to reach the Albemarle County Clerk for historical record inquiries.
The Library of Virginia holds Albemarle County marriage registers and can assist researchers with genealogical inquiries through their reference services.
Nearby Cities
Charlottesville is an independent city surrounded by Albemarle County. Residents of Charlottesville obtain marriage licenses through their own circuit court, not through the Albemarle County Clerk. Waynesboro is also nearby.
Nearby Counties
These counties border Albemarle. If you are unsure which court to use, check your address. You may apply at any Virginia circuit court regardless of where you live.