Chesterfield County Marriage License
Marriage licenses in Chesterfield County are issued by the Circuit Court Clerk at 9500 Courthouse Road in Chesterfield. Both applicants must appear together, bring valid photo ID, and pay the $30 fee. The license is valid for 60 days anywhere in Virginia.
Chesterfield County Overview
Chesterfield County Circuit Court Clerk
The Clerk of the Circuit Court for Chesterfield 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 Chesterfield County clerk's office is at 9500 Courthouse Road in Chesterfield, the county seat, in the suburban region south of the independent city of Richmond.
Chesterfield County is one of Virginia's most populous counties and sees a high volume of marriage license applications each year. There is no residency requirement under Virginia law. Any couple can apply here regardless of their home address. Both people must appear together in person at the same time. The clerk processes applications the same day. Arrive with all required documents and both applicants present, and you can complete the process in a single visit.
Additional information about the marriage license process is available on the Chesterfield County website. The clerk's office is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Call (804) 748-1240 before your visit with questions.
| Office | Chesterfield County Circuit Court Clerk |
|---|---|
| Address | 9500 Courthouse Road Chesterfield, VA 23832 |
| Phone | (804) 748-1240 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. |
| Website | chesterfield.gov |
The clerk also handles minister authorizations. Out-of-state ministers who plan to perform ceremonies in Chesterfield County must apply to the clerk, post a $500 bond, and take an oath of office. Virginia-licensed ministers and judges are already authorized. If you plan to use an out-of-state officiant, start this process well ahead of your ceremony date.
Marriage License Requirements in Chesterfield County
Both parties must appear at the clerk's office together. Neither person can apply separately or send someone else. Each applicant 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. Call (804) 748-1240 if you have any question about your identification before visiting.
You must provide your Social Security number. You do not need the card, but the number must appear on the application form. 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 information ready when you go. If a parent's full name is unknown to you, ask the clerk how to handle that section of the form.
Both applicants must be at least 18. Virginia Code § 20-48 sets this as the hard minimum with no exceptions. Virginia's previous law allowing marriage at younger ages with parental consent has been fully repealed. Your photo ID is 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 the marriage license the same day you visit the office.
Marriage License Fees in Chesterfield 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) 748-1240 to confirm accepted payment methods, including any credit card fees, before your visit.
The license is valid for 60 days from the issue date. Virginia Code § 20-14.1 states that if no ceremony takes place within that window, the license expires. There is no extension and no refund. If your wedding is delayed past 60 days, you need to apply again and pay the fee a second time. The ceremony must also take place within Virginia. A Chesterfield County license cannot be used outside the Commonwealth.
After the ceremony, the officiant must sign the marriage certificate and return it to the Chesterfield clerk. The clerk records it and sends a copy to the Virginia Department of Health Office of Vital Records. Certified copies are available through the clerk for $2.50 each once the certificate is filed.
Chesterfield County Marriage Records and Certified Copies
Certified copies of Chesterfield County marriage records are available from two sources. The Circuit Court Clerk at 9500 Courthouse Road holds copies of all 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 details on eligibility and how to request records from Chesterfield County or any Virginia jurisdiction.
The Chesterfield County Circuit Court clerk at 9500 Courthouse Road issues marriage licenses and maintains official marriage records for the county.
Historical Chesterfield County Marriage Records
Virginia required statewide recording of marriages beginning in 1853. The Library of Virginia holds Chesterfield 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 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.
Chesterfield County was formed in 1749 from Henrico County and has extensive colonial-era records. Marriage bonds from before 1853 are held at the Library of Virginia. The Virginia Judicial System website provides contact details for the Chesterfield clerk's office for historical record requests.
Nearby Counties
These counties border Chesterfield. You may apply at any Virginia circuit court regardless of where you live.