Charles City County Marriage License
Marriage licenses in Charles City County are issued by the Circuit Court Clerk at 10701 Courthouse Road in Charles City. Both applicants must appear together, bring valid photo ID, and pay the $30 fee. The license is valid for 60 days anywhere in Virginia.
Charles City County Overview
Charles City County Circuit Court Clerk
The Clerk of the Circuit Court for Charles City County is the only office authorized to issue marriage licenses in this jurisdiction. Under Virginia Code § 20-14, all Virginia marriage licenses must come from a circuit court clerk or deputy clerk. The Charles City County clerk's office is at 10701 Courthouse Road in Charles City, which serves as both the county seat and the name of the small unincorporated community where the courthouse is located.
Charles City County is one of the oldest counties in Virginia, established in 1634. It sits between Richmond and Williamsburg along the James River. There is no residency requirement under Virginia law. Any couple can apply here regardless of where they live. Both people must appear together in person. The clerk issues licenses the same day, so you can complete the process during a single visit.
The clerk's office is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Call (804) 829-9241 before your visit with any questions. The office handles new license applications, certified copy requests, minister authorizations, and historical record inquiries.
| Office | Charles City County Circuit Court Clerk |
|---|---|
| Address | 10701 Courthouse Road Charles City, VA 23030 |
| Phone | (804) 829-9241 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. |
| Virginia Courts | vacourts.gov |
The clerk also handles minister authorizations for ceremonies in Charles City County. Out-of-state ministers must apply to the clerk, post a $500 bond, and take an oath of office before they may perform a ceremony. Virginia-licensed ministers and judges are already authorized. If your officiant is from out of state, begin this process several days before the ceremony.
Marriage License Requirements in Charles City County
Both applicants must go to the clerk's office at the same time. One person cannot go alone and apply for both. Each person must bring a valid, unexpired government-issued photo ID. Acceptable documents include a driver's license, U.S. passport, state-issued ID card, or military ID. Expired IDs will not be accepted. Call (804) 829-9241 if you have questions about a specific document before making the trip.
You must provide your Social Security number. The physical card is not needed, but the number must be 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. Have all of this ready when you visit. If a parent's name is unknown to you, ask the clerk how to handle that portion 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 previous law allowing younger applicants with parental consent has been fully repealed. Your photo ID serves as proof of age. Bring a certified birth certificate if there is any uncertainty.
Note: No blood test is required and there is no waiting period. You can apply and receive your marriage license during a single visit to the clerk's office.
Marriage License Fees in Charles City 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 (804) 829-9241 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 takes place within that window, the license expires with no extension option. The fee is not refunded. If your wedding is delayed past 60 days, you must reapply and pay again. The ceremony must also take place within Virginia. A Charles City County license cannot be used for a wedding in another state.
After the ceremony, the officiant must sign the marriage certificate and return it to the Charles City County 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.
Charles City County Marriage Records and Certified Copies
Certified copies of Charles City County marriage records are available from two sources. The Circuit Court Clerk at 10701 Courthouse Road holds copies of licenses issued there. 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, contact 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 has full details on eligibility and how to request records from Charles City County or any Virginia jurisdiction.
The Virginia Department of Health maintains Charles City County marriage records as part of the statewide vital records system.
Historical Charles City County Marriage Records
Virginia began requiring statewide recording of marriages in 1853. The Library of Virginia holds Charles City County marriage registers from 1853 to 1935 on microfilm. Charles City County's records extend even further back, as the county was established in 1634, making it one of the oldest counties in the United States. Marriage bonds and early church records from the colonial era are also held at the Library of Virginia.
FamilySearch has digitized Virginia county marriage registers from 1853 to 1935 and made them available online for free. Virginia residents can 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.
The Virginia Judicial System website provides contact details for the Charles City County clerk's office for researchers with historical record questions.
Nearby Counties
These counties border Charles City. You may apply at any Virginia circuit court regardless of where you live.