King and Queen County Marriage License
Marriage licenses in King and Queen County are issued by the Circuit Court Clerk at 242 Allen Circle in King and Queen Court House. Both applicants must appear in person together, bring valid photo ID, and pay the $30 fee.
King and Queen County Overview
King and Queen County Circuit Court Clerk
The Clerk of the Circuit Court for King and Queen 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 King and Queen County clerk's office is at 242 Allen Circle in King and Queen Court House, the county seat, on the Middle Peninsula of Virginia east of Richmond.
Virginia has no residency requirement for a marriage license. You can apply in King and Queen County no matter where you live. Both applicants must appear at the clerk's office together in person. No proxy applications are accepted. The clerk processes applications the same day. Plan to bring both people and all documents in one visit.
King and Queen County was formed in 1691 from New Kent County. The county seat, known as King and Queen Court House, is an unincorporated community. The courthouse area is small and rural. Call ahead at (804) 785-5985 to confirm hours or any closures before you drive there. The office is open Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
| Office | King and Queen County Circuit Court Clerk |
|---|---|
| Address | 242 Allen Circle King and Queen Court House, VA 23085 |
| Phone | (804) 785-5985 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. |
| Virginia Courts | vacourts.gov |
Out-of-state ministers who plan to officiate at a wedding in King and Queen 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 start that process.
Marriage License Requirements in King and Queen 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 are not accepted. If you are unsure about a document, call (804) 785-5985 before making the trip to the courthouse.
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 to you, the clerk can help you note that on the form.
Both applicants must be at least 18 years old. Virginia Code § 20-48 sets this minimum with no exceptions. Virginia no longer allows younger applicants even 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 it.
Note: No blood test is required and there is no waiting period. You can apply and receive the marriage license on the same day you visit.
Marriage License Fees in King and Queen 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 (804) 785-5985 to confirm accepted payment methods before your visit.
The license is valid for 60 days. Under Virginia Code § 20-14.1, 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 must reapply and pay again. The ceremony must also take place in Virginia. A King and Queen County license cannot be used in another state.
Once the ceremony is complete, the officiant signs the marriage certificate and returns it to the King and Queen County clerk. The clerk records it and forwards a copy to the Virginia Department of Health Office of Vital Records. Certified copies are then available from the clerk for $2.50 each.
King and Queen County Marriage Records and Certified Copies
Certified copies of King and Queen County marriage records are available from two sources. The Circuit Court Clerk at 242 Allen 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 expedited 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 removed from copies regardless of the record's age.
The VDH FAQ page covers eligibility and how to request records from King and Queen County or any Virginia jurisdiction.
The Virginia Department of Health maintains King and Queen County marriage records as part of the statewide vital records system.
Historical King and Queen County Marriage Records
Virginia required statewide recording of marriages beginning in 1853. The Library of Virginia holds King and Queen 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 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.
King and Queen County was formed in 1691 from New Kent County. Marriage bonds and pre-1853 records are held at the Library of Virginia. The Virginia Judicial System website has contact information for the King and Queen County clerk's office for historical record inquiries.
Nearby Counties
These counties are near King and Queen County. You may apply at any Virginia circuit court clerk regardless of where you live.