Charlotte County Marriage License
Marriage licenses in Charlotte County are issued by the Circuit Court Clerk at 125 David Bruce Avenue in Charlotte Court House. Both parties must appear together, bring valid photo ID, and pay the $30 fee. The license is valid for 60 days anywhere in Virginia.
Charlotte County Overview
Charlotte County Circuit Court Clerk
The Clerk of the Circuit Court for Charlotte 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 Charlotte County clerk's office is at 125 David Bruce Avenue in Charlotte Court House, the county seat, in south-central Virginia near the North Carolina border.
Virginia law does not require residency in Charlotte County to apply here. Any couple can get a license at this office regardless of where they live. Both people must appear in person at the same time. No one can apply on behalf of a partner. The clerk processes applications the same day, so you can come in and leave with the license during one visit as long as you bring the correct documents.
The clerk's office is open Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Call (434) 542-5147 before your visit if you have questions about the process or required documents.
| Office | Charlotte County Circuit Court Clerk |
|---|---|
| Address | 125 David Bruce Avenue Charlotte Court House, VA 23923 |
| Phone | (434) 542-5147 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. |
| Virginia Courts | vacourts.gov |
Out-of-state ministers who plan to officiate at ceremonies in Charlotte 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 local approval. If your officiant comes from another state, start this process well before the ceremony date.
Marriage License Requirements in Charlotte County
Both applicants must go to the clerk's office together. This cannot be done separately. 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 are not accepted. Call (434) 542-5147 if you have a question about a specific type of identification before making the trip to Charlotte Court House.
You must provide your Social Security number. The card is not required, 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 this information ready when you arrive. 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 prior law allowing marriage at younger ages with parental consent has been fully repealed. Your photo ID establishes your age. Bring a certified birth certificate if there is any question.
Note: Virginia requires no blood test and has no waiting period. You can apply and receive the marriage license the same day you visit the office.
Marriage License Fees in Charlotte 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 this fee when you apply. Call (434) 542-5147 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 extension and no refund. If your wedding is delayed past 60 days, you must apply again and pay a second time. The ceremony must also take place within Virginia. A Charlotte County license cannot be used outside the Commonwealth.
After the ceremony, the officiant must sign the marriage certificate and return it to the Charlotte 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.
Charlotte County Marriage Records and Certified Copies
Certified copies of Charlotte County marriage records are available from two sources. The Circuit Court Clerk at 125 David Bruce Avenue 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 from 1853 forward. 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. Expedited service is available through 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 requirements and how to request marriage records from Charlotte County or any Virginia jurisdiction.
The Virginia Department of Health maintains Charlotte County marriage records as part of the statewide vital records system.
Historical Charlotte County Marriage Records
Virginia began requiring statewide recording of marriages in 1853. The Library of Virginia holds Charlotte County marriage registers from 1853 to 1935 on microfilm. These registers include 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 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.
Charlotte County was formed in 1765 from Lunenburg County. Marriage bonds from before 1853 are held at the Library of Virginia. The Virginia Judicial System website provides contact details for the Charlotte clerk's office for historical record requests.
Nearby Counties
These counties border Charlotte. You may apply at any Virginia circuit court regardless of where you live.