James City County Marriage License
Marriage licenses in James City County are issued by the Circuit Court Clerk at 5201 Monticello Avenue in Williamsburg. Both applicants must appear in person together, bring valid photo ID, and pay the $30 fee.
James City County Overview
James City County Circuit Court Clerk
The Clerk of the Circuit Court for James City 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 James City County Circuit Court clerk's office is co-located with the City of Williamsburg at 5201 Monticello Avenue in Williamsburg, on the Virginia Peninsula in southeastern Virginia.
James City County and the City of Williamsburg share a courthouse facility, but each jurisdiction has its own separate circuit court clerk. If you are a Williamsburg city resident and want a license through the city, be sure to clarify which clerk you need. Virginia has no residency requirement for marriage licenses, so you can apply at either office regardless of where you live.
James City County was formed in 1634 as one of Virginia's original shires. Both applicants must appear at the clerk's office together. Applications are processed the same day. The office is open Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Call (757) 564-2242 with any questions before you visit.
| Office | James City County Circuit Court Clerk |
|---|---|
| Address | 5201 Monticello Avenue Williamsburg, VA 23188 |
| Phone | (757) 564-2242 |
| 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 James City 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 another state, contact the clerk well before your ceremony date to complete this process.
Marriage License Requirements in James City 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, or military ID all qualify. Expired IDs are not accepted. If you are unsure about a document, call (757) 564-2242 before making the trip.
You must provide your Social Security number on the application. The card is not required. 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 this information ready before you arrive. If a parent's name is unknown, the clerk can advise you on how to handle it.
Both applicants must be at least 18. Virginia Code § 20-48 sets this minimum with no exceptions. Virginia no longer allows younger applicants with parental consent. Your photo ID is the main proof of age. Bring a certified birth certificate as backup if there is any question about your age.
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.
Marriage License Fees in James 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 this when you apply. Call (757) 564-2242 to confirm accepted payment methods before your visit.
The license is valid for 60 days. Under Virginia Code § 20-14.1, if no ceremony occurs within that window, the license expires. 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. A James City County license cannot be used in another state.
After the ceremony, the officiant signs the marriage certificate and returns it to the James 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 from the clerk for $2.50 each.
James City County Marriage Records and Certified Copies
Certified copies of James City County marriage records are available from two sources. The Circuit Court Clerk at 5201 Monticello Avenue holds the county copies. Each copy costs $2.50. You can request in person or by mail. For mail requests, 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 processing, 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 explains who can request records and how to submit requests for James City County or any Virginia jurisdiction.
The Virginia Department of Health maintains James City County marriage records as part of the statewide vital records system.
Historical James City County Marriage Records
Virginia began requiring statewide recording of marriages in 1853. The Library of Virginia holds James City 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.
James City County was formed in 1634 as one of Virginia's original shires. Marriage bonds and pre-1853 records are held at the Library of Virginia. The Virginia Judicial System website has contact details for the James City County clerk's office for historical record inquiries.
Nearby Counties
These counties are near James City County. You may apply at any Virginia circuit court clerk regardless of where you live.
Nearby Cities
Williamsburg is an independent city co-located with James City County and shares the courthouse at 5201 Monticello Avenue. It has its own circuit court clerk.