Isle of Wight County Marriage License
Marriage licenses in Isle of Wight County are issued by the Circuit Court Clerk at 17090 Monument Circle in Isle of Wight. Both applicants must appear in person together, bring valid photo ID, and pay the $30 fee.
Isle of Wight County Overview
Isle of Wight County Circuit Court Clerk
The Clerk of the Circuit Court for Isle of Wight 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 Isle of Wight County clerk's office is at 17090 Monument Circle in the county seat of Isle of Wight, in southeastern Virginia on the south side of the James River.
Virginia has no residency requirement for a marriage license. You can apply in Isle of Wight County regardless of where you live. Both applicants must come to the clerk's office together. No proxy applications are allowed. The clerk processes applications the same day. Bring both people and all required documents in a single visit.
Isle of Wight County was formed in 1634 as one of Virginia's original shires, making it one of the oldest counties in the country. The county sits along the south bank of the James River and borders the independent city of Suffolk, which has its own circuit court clerk separate from the county. The clerk's office is open Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Call (757) 365-6278 with any questions before your visit.
| Office | Isle of Wight County Circuit Court Clerk |
|---|---|
| Address | 17090 Monument Circle Isle of Wight, VA 23397 |
| Phone | (757) 365-6278 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. |
| Virginia Courts | vacourts.gov |
Out-of-state ministers who plan to perform a wedding in Isle of Wight County must get authorization from the circuit court clerk first. They must post a $500 bond and take an oath of office. Virginia-licensed officiants are already authorized. If your officiant is from outside Virginia, contact the clerk well before your ceremony date to complete the authorization process.
Marriage License Requirements in Isle of Wight County
Both applicants must go to the clerk's office at the same time. Each person needs a valid, unexpired government-issued photo ID. A driver's license, U.S. passport, state ID card, or military ID all work. Expired IDs will not be accepted. If you have questions about whether a specific document qualifies, call (757) 365-6278 before making the trip.
You must provide your Social Security number on the application. You do not need to bring the card. Under Virginia Code § 20-16, the clerk also needs the full legal names of both applicants' parents, including each mother's maiden name before marriage. Have all of this ready before you arrive. If a parent's name is unknown, the clerk can help you note that on the form.
Both applicants must be at least 18. Virginia Code § 20-48 sets 18 as a firm minimum with no exceptions. Virginia no longer permits younger applicants even with parental consent. Your photo ID is the main proof of age. A certified birth certificate can serve as backup if there is any question about it.
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 clerk's office.
Marriage License Fees in Isle of Wight 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 when you apply. Call (757) 365-6278 to confirm accepted payment methods before your visit.
The license is valid for 60 days. Under Virginia Code § 20-14.1, the license expires if no ceremony takes place within that period. There is no extension and no refund. If your wedding is delayed past 60 days, you must reapply and pay again. The ceremony must also take place within Virginia. An Isle of Wight County license is not valid in another state.
After the ceremony, the officiant signs the marriage certificate and returns it to the Isle of Wight 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 from the clerk for $2.50 each.
Isle of Wight County Marriage Records and Certified Copies
Certified copies of Isle of Wight County marriage records are available from two sources. The Circuit Court Clerk at 17090 Monument Circle holds the county's copies. Each copy costs $2.50. You can request in person or by mail. For a mail request, include both spouses' names, the marriage date, and a self-addressed stamped envelope with your payment.
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 faster 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 and how to request records from Isle of Wight County or any Virginia jurisdiction.
The Virginia Department of Health maintains Isle of Wight County marriage records as part of the statewide vital records system.
Historical Isle of Wight County Marriage Records
Virginia began requiring statewide recording of marriages in 1853. The Library of Virginia holds Isle of Wight County marriage registers from 1853 to 1935 on microfilm. These registers include the date and place of marriage, both parties' names, ages, birthplaces, parents' names, occupations, and the officiant. Researchers can borrow microfilm through interlibrary loan at no charge.
FamilySearch has digitized Virginia county marriage registers from 1853 to 1935 and made them free to search online. 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.
Isle of Wight County was formed in 1634, one of the original Virginia shires, giving it among the longest record histories in the state. Marriage bonds and pre-1853 documents are at the Library of Virginia. The Virginia Judicial System website has contact information for the Isle of Wight clerk's office for historical record inquiries.
Nearby Counties
These counties are near Isle of Wight. You may apply at any Virginia circuit court clerk regardless of where you live.