How to Get Married at the Winchester, VA Courthouse
If you are looking for a quick, easy and affordable way to get married…having a short civil ceremony at the court house in Winchester is one of your best options. But before you make your way to Winchester for a visit to the court house, there are a few things you should know to ensure that you can get married when you make your trip.
Find a Marriage Commissioner / Wedding Officiant
The Winchester Court House has no residing judge (or Justice of the Peace) that is dedicated to performing weddings. If you want to get married right after getting your marriage license, you need to find an available marriage commissioner / wedding officiant that can meet you at the court house to do the job. I happen to be a court-appointed marriage commissioner who is able to perform your quick ceremony right at the courthouse (or other nearby scenic location). If you are reading this and looking to get married today, contact me and I’ll be happy to give you more information.
Have an ID to Get Your Marriage License
One of the great aspects about getting married in Virginia is that all you need to get your marriage license is an official ID from anywhere (Driver’s License, Passport, etc). It costs $30 for your marriage license and both of you need to be present with your official ID. If both of you have this, then you are good to go! It does not take long to get your license, but I suggest allowing 15-20 minutes for them to do the paperwork.
Also, I cannot say this enough but be sure your ID is current and not expired! I have known several couples who have shown up at the court house to obtain their marriage license, only to realize that their ID expired a few days prior (in which they had to obtain a new ID before getting their marriage license).
Check the Court House Hours
The Winchester Court House (5 North Kent Street, Winchester, Virginia 22601) is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. However, the court does indeed close for certain major and government holidays. I highly encourage you to check the court’s website for their current operating hours. Sadly I have heard stories of couples who have traveled from out of state to get married, only to realize the court was closed on that date.
No Cell Phones Allowed in the Court
Upon entering the Winchester Judicial Center (court house), you will need to pass through a metal detector and security checkpoint. Once through, no phones or mobile devices are allowed unless authorized, so you will be asked to place your phone in a secure locker. I mention this in case you planned on calling or texting someone from the court house. You will be unable to do so unless you exit the court house building (upon which you will have to re-enter going through security again).
Getting Married at the Courthouse is Easy
If you keep all of the above points in mind, getting married at the court house in Winchester, VA is a very quick, easy and pleasant experience…not to mention cheap and affordable!
