Caroline County Marriage License
Marriage licenses in Caroline County are issued by the Circuit Court Clerk at 118 Courthouse Lane in Bowling Green. Both parties must appear together, bring valid photo ID, and pay the $30 fee. The license is valid for 60 days anywhere in Virginia.
Caroline County Overview
Caroline County Circuit Court Clerk
The Clerk of the Circuit Court for Caroline County is the only office authorized to issue marriage licenses in the county. Under Virginia Code § 20-14, all Virginia marriage licenses must come from a circuit court clerk or deputy clerk. The Caroline County clerk's office is at 118 Courthouse Lane in Bowling Green, the county seat, in eastern Virginia between Richmond and Fredericksburg.
Virginia law does not require residency in Caroline County to apply here. Any couple can use this office regardless of where they live. Both people must appear in person at the same time. No representative can apply on their behalf. The clerk processes applications the same day, so a single visit is all it takes as long as both applicants bring the necessary documents.
Caroline County sits along the I-95 corridor between Richmond and the Fredericksburg area. The clerk's office at the Bowling Green courthouse handles marriage licenses, certified copy requests, and minister authorizations. The office is open Monday through Friday. Call (804) 633-5800 with any questions before your visit.
| Office | Caroline County Circuit Court Clerk |
|---|---|
| Address | 118 Courthouse Lane Bowling Green, VA 22427 |
| Phone | (804) 633-5800 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. |
| Virginia Courts | vacourts.gov |
Out-of-state ministers who plan to officiate at ceremonies in Caroline County must apply to the clerk for authorization. They must post a $500 bond and take an oath of office. Virginia-licensed ministers and judges are already authorized and need no additional approval. Contact the clerk well ahead of your ceremony date if your officiant is from out of state.
Marriage License Requirements in Caroline County
Both parties must go to the clerk's office at the same time. There is no remote option and no one can apply on behalf of another person. Each applicant must bring 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 are not accepted. Call (804) 633-5800 if you have questions about a specific document before your trip to Bowling Green.
You must know and 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 before marriage. Get this information together before you go. If a parent's name is unknown to you, speak with the clerk about how to complete that part of the form.
Both applicants must be at least 18. Virginia Code § 20-48 sets this as a firm minimum with no exceptions. Virginia's earlier law allowing younger applicants with parental consent has been fully repealed. Your photo ID establishes your age. Bring a certified birth certificate if there is any question.
Note: No blood test is required 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 Caroline County
The marriage license fee is $30. Virginia Code § 20-15 sets this statewide. The fee breaks down as a $20 state license tax and $10 directed to the Virginia Department of Social Services for domestic violence services. The clerk collects this fee when you apply. Call (804) 633-5800 to confirm accepted payment methods before your visit.
The license is valid for 60 days. Virginia Code § 20-14.1 states that if no ceremony occurs within that period, the license expires. There is no way to extend it and no refund is given. If your wedding is delayed past 60 days, you will need to reapply and pay the fee again. The ceremony must also take place within Virginia. A Caroline County license cannot be used in another state.
After the ceremony, the officiant must sign the marriage certificate and return it to the Caroline clerk. The clerk records it and sends a copy to the Virginia Department of Health Office of Vital Records. Certified copies are then available through the clerk for $2.50 each.
Caroline County Marriage Records and Certified Copies
Certified copies of Caroline County marriage records are available from two sources. The Circuit Court Clerk at 118 Courthouse Lane holds copies of all licenses issued by that office. Copies cost $2.50 each. You can request 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 holds all Virginia marriage records since 1853. Their fee is $12 per certificate. Requests can be submitted 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 become public. Social Security numbers are always redacted from copies regardless of the record's age.
The VDH FAQ page covers eligibility, acceptable ID forms, and how to request records from Caroline County or any Virginia jurisdiction.
The Virginia Department of Health maintains Caroline County marriage records as part of the statewide vital records system.
Historical Caroline County Marriage Records
Virginia began requiring statewide recording of marriages in 1853. The Library of Virginia holds Caroline County marriage registers from 1853 to 1935 on microfilm. These registers list 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 searchable online for free. Virginia residents can also access Ancestry.com at no charge through the Library of Virginia's Finditva.com service using a public library card. For records after 1935, contact VDH or search the Ancestry Virginia marriage index.
Caroline County was formed in 1727. Marriage bonds from before 1853 are held at the Library of Virginia. The Virginia Judicial System website provides contact details for the Caroline clerk's office for historical record requests.
Nearby Cities
Fredericksburg is an independent city north of Caroline County. Fredericksburg residents use the Fredericksburg circuit court for marriage licenses.
Nearby Counties
These counties border Caroline. You may apply at any Virginia circuit court regardless of where you live.