Getting Married in Virginia During COVID – An Updated Guide
Yes, you can get a marriage license in Virginia during the coronavirus pandemic! This updated guide walks you through the requirements.
During “normal” times, anyone from anywhere can get a marriage license and have their wedding in Virginia. While that is still possible, due to the restrictions and changes implemented by state and local governments over the past year due to COVID-19, there are some things to keep in mind when you decide to get married in Virginia.
Getting Your Marriage License During COVID
Note that before going to the courthouse to get your marriage license, be sure that you have money to pay for the marriage license application (usually $30) and that both of you have a valid government photo ID (such as a driver’s license or passport). A birth certificate (written in English) can also be used as a form of identification.
If you are a Virginia resident, getting married will still work very similar to past years.
When it comes to getting your marriage license as a Virginia resident during COVID-19, you can either get your marriage license from your local Circuit Court, or the Winchester / Frederick County courthouse in my area. Several courthouses are only doing virtual appointments, so you will have to book an appointment slot with them to get your marriage license. Other courthouse are still doing walk-in appointments.
The Frederick County / Winchester City courthouse is only issuing marriage licenses to couples in which one of them is a resident of Virginia and that have a pre-scheduled appointment with a marriage commissioner such as myself. Upon booking a date and time with me you will receive an email receipt showing your appointment confirmation. The courthouse may ask you to present this receipt as proof of your booking.
Getting Your Marriage License Curing COVID – Out of State Residents
If are from out of state, you still have options.
Option 1 – Virtual Marriage License Appointment with Fairfax County: Try scheduling an online appointment with the Fairfax County Circuit Court online as they are issuing marriage licenses to couples from any state. They are issuing marriage licenses via online Zoom / Virtual appointments with the court clerk, upon which they then mail you your marriage license: https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/circuit/marriage/marriage-license-information. The only downside is they currently have a big waiting list…so I am unsure how soon you can schedule something with them.
Option 2 – Obtain a Marriage License from Warren County: Try calling the Warren County Circuit Court in Front Royal (located approximately 40 minutes south of Winchester) and see if they will issue you a marriage license in-person. I have had couples from out of state get their marriage license from there over the past few months. You can find their contact information here: https://www.warrencountyva.net/index.php?option=com_workforce&view=department&id=3&Itemid=70
Other Requirements for Marriages During COVID
Masks / Face Coverings: Masks / face coverings are required to enter the Frederick County / Winchester City courthouse when obtaining your marriage license. Please be sure you bring one with you and keep it on upon entering the building. Once we meet outside of the courthouse for your ceremony, you may remove your masks / face coverings to exchange your vows.
Guests: While guests / witnesses are not required for your wedding, some have asked if they can have a few family / friends attend. Only a maximum of 7 guests may attend any weddings that I perform to comply with the Governor’s order prohibiting gatherings of more than 10 people.
Courthouse Weddings Conducted Outside: For couples whom I marry at the courthouse, I will not be meeting couples inside the court lobby. You will need to meet me outside of the building. The courthouse has two entrances (one off of Kent Street, and another off of Cameron Street). I will meet you outside the courthouse on the CAMERON STREET side by the statue in the courtyard / parking lot area once you have obtained your marriage license.
Contact Me With Questions and to Book Your Marriage
Getting married during COVID is absolutely possible, and I am here to answer any additional questions you may have.
I encourage you to fill out my form and contact me to book an appointment to get married in Virginia. I offer quick courthouse wedding options along with scenic places for elopements / small weddings along with photo and video packages.
