Botetourt County Marriage License
Marriage licenses in Botetourt County are issued by the Circuit Court Clerk at 75 E. Back Street in Fincastle. Both applicants must appear together, bring valid photo ID, and pay the $30 fee. The license is valid for 60 days anywhere in Virginia.
Botetourt County Overview
Botetourt County Circuit Court Clerk
The Clerk of the Circuit Court for Botetourt County handles all marriage license applications and maintains the official marriage record archive for the county. Under Virginia Code § 20-14, every marriage license in Virginia must be issued by a circuit court clerk or deputy clerk. The Botetourt County clerk's office is at 75 E. Back Street in Fincastle, the county seat, in the Roanoke Valley region of western Virginia.
You do not need to live in Botetourt County to apply here. Virginia law does not require residency for marriage license applications. Any couple can come to this office regardless of where they live. Both people must show up at the same time in person. You cannot apply by mail or through an agent. The clerk processes applications the same day, so you can arrive, apply, and leave with the license during a single visit.
Botetourt County is located north of the independent city of Roanoke. The clerk's office is in the historic courthouse at Fincastle, which dates back many years and continues to serve as the center of county government. The office is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Call (540) 473-8277 with any questions before your visit.
| Office | Botetourt County Circuit Court Clerk |
|---|---|
| Address | 75 E. Back Street Fincastle, VA 24090 |
| Phone | (540) 473-8277 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. |
| Virginia Courts | vacourts.gov |
The clerk also handles minister authorizations. Out-of-state ministers who plan to officiate in Botetourt County must apply to the clerk, post a $500 bond, and take an oath of office. This process can take several days. If your officiant is from out of state, start the authorization process well before the ceremony date.
Marriage License Requirements in Botetourt County
Both applicants must go to the clerk's office at the same time. This is required and cannot be waived. Each person needs a valid, unexpired government-issued photo ID. Acceptable forms include a driver's license, U.S. passport, state-issued ID card, or military ID. Expired IDs will not be accepted. If you have a question about a specific form of ID, call (540) 473-8277 before making the trip to Fincastle.
You will need your Social Security number. The card is not required, but you must know the number and give it on the application. Under Virginia Code § 20-16, the clerk also collects the full legal names of both applicants' parents, including each mother's maiden name before marriage. Have all of this information ready before you arrive. If a parent's full name is unknown, speak with the clerk when you get there.
Both applicants must be at least 18. Virginia Code § 20-48 sets this as an absolute minimum with no exceptions. Virginia previously allowed younger people to marry with parental consent, but those provisions have been fully repealed. Your photo ID establishes proof of age. Bring a certified birth certificate if there is any uncertainty.
Note: Virginia does not require a blood test and there is no waiting period. You can apply and receive your marriage license the same day you visit the office.
Marriage License Fees in Botetourt County
The marriage license fee is $30. Virginia Code § 20-15 sets this statewide. The $30 includes a $20 state license tax and $10 directed to the Virginia Department of Social Services for domestic violence services. The clerk collects the fee when you apply. Call (540) 473-8277 to confirm what payment forms are accepted at the Botetourt County office before you visit.
The license is valid for 60 days. Virginia Code § 20-14.1 states that if no ceremony takes place within that period, the license expires with no extension option. The fee is not refunded if the license expires. If your wedding is delayed past 60 days, you will need to apply again and pay the $30 fee a second time. The ceremony must also happen within Virginia. This license is not valid in another state.
After the ceremony, the officiant must sign and return the marriage certificate to the Botetourt clerk. The clerk records it and sends a copy to the Virginia Department of Health Office of Vital Records in Richmond. Certified copies are available through the clerk for $2.50 each after the certificate is filed.
Botetourt County Marriage Records and Certified Copies
Certified copies of Botetourt County marriage records can be obtained from two sources. The Circuit Court Clerk at 75 E. Back Street holds copies of all licenses issued by that office. Copies cost $2.50 each. You can request them in person or by mail. For mail requests, include both spouses' names, the approximate marriage date, and a self-addressed stamped envelope.
The VDH Office of Vital Records in Richmond also maintains copies of all Virginia marriage records since 1853. Their fee is $12 per certificate. You can 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. Expedited service is available through VitalChek at 1-877-572-6333.
Under Virginia Code § 32.1-271, records are restricted to immediate family members for 25 years after the marriage. After that point, records become public. Social Security numbers are redacted from all copies provided to the public regardless of the record's age.
The Botetourt County Circuit Court's marriage record archive is accessible to researchers making in-person or mail requests. Reach the clerk's office at (540) 473-8277 for guidance on submitting a record request.
The Botetourt County Circuit Court in Fincastle issues marriage licenses and maintains official county marriage records going back to 1853.
Historical Botetourt County Marriage Records
Virginia required systematic recording of marriages beginning in 1853. The Library of Virginia holds Botetourt County marriage registers from 1853 to 1935 on microfilm. These registers document the date and place of marriage, both parties' full names, ages, birthplaces, parents' names, occupations, and the officiant's name. Researchers can borrow microfilm through interlibrary loan at no cost.
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 for free through the Library of Virginia's Finditva.com service using a public library card number. For records after 1935, contact VDH or search the Ancestry Virginia marriage index.
Botetourt County was formed in 1769 and was once a vast county covering much of western Virginia. Many present-day Virginia counties were carved out of Botetourt over the years. Marriage bonds from before 1853 are at the Library of Virginia. The Virginia Judicial System website provides contact information for the Botetourt clerk's office for historical record requests.
Nearby Cities
Roanoke and Salem are independent cities south of Botetourt County. Each has its own circuit court clerk for marriage licenses.
Nearby Counties
These counties border Botetourt. You may apply at any Virginia circuit court regardless of where you live.