What Do You Need to Get Married in Virginia?
Getting married is one of the most important and memorable events in a person’s life. It is a beautiful occasion where two people come together in love and commitment, promising to spend the rest of their lives together. The process of planning and preparing for a wedding can be overwhelming, but understanding the legal requirements for marriage in Virginia will help make this special day even more meaningful.
In the Commonwealth of Virginia, a marriage is defined as a civil contract between two people, regardless of their gender, who are willing and capable of entering into that contract. The provisions of this contract are contained in state law, and all marriages must comply with these provisions to be considered legally binding.
Where to Get Married in Virginia
Once you have decided to get married, you will need to choose a location for your wedding ceremony. You can choose to have your wedding in a religious institution, such as a church or synagogue, or you can have a civil ceremony at a courthouse or other public venue. If you choose to have a religious ceremony, you will need to contact the officiant at the religious institution to learn about their requirements. If you choose to have a civil ceremony, the ceremony can be performed by a judge, magistrate, or other authorized person.
Requirements for Getting Married in Virginia
To get married in Virginia, you must meet the following requirements:
- You must be at least 18 years old.
- You must not be currently married to anyone else.
- You and your partner must both consent to the marriage.
- You and your partner must be mentally capable of understanding the nature and consequences of the marriage.
If you are under the age of 18 or if you have been previously married, you may still be able to get married in Virginia with the consent of your parents or guardians. In addition to meeting the requirements above, you will also need to obtain a marriage license from the clerk of the circuit court in the county or city where the ceremony will take place. The marriage license will be valid for 60 days from the date it is issued.
What to Bring to the Clerk’s Office
When you go to the clerk’s office to obtain a marriage license, you will need to bring the following:
- Proof of your identity, such as a driver’s license or passport.
- Proof of your age, such as a birth certificate.
- The fee for the marriage license.
The clerk will issue you a marriage license after you have provided the required information and paid the fee. You will need to present the marriage license to the officiant who will perform your wedding ceremony.
After the Ceremony
After your wedding ceremony, the officiant who performed the ceremony will return the marriage license to the clerk’s office. The clerk will record the marriage and issue you a marriage certificate. The marriage certificate is a legal document that proves that you are married. You will need to keep the marriage certificate in a safe place.
Tips for Planning Your Wedding
Planning a wedding can be a lot of work, but it is also a lot of fun. Here are a few tips to help you plan your perfect wedding:
- Start planning early. The sooner you start planning, the more time you will have to find the perfect vendors and get the best deals.
- Set a budget. Before you start planning, set a budget for your wedding. This will help you make decisions about how much you can spend on each aspect of your wedding.
- Create a guest list. Once you have a budget, you can start creating a guest list. This will help you determine the size of your wedding and the venue you will need.
- Book your vendors. Once you have a guest list, you can start booking your vendors. This includes the venue, the caterer, the photographer, the videographer, and the florist.
- Relax and enjoy the process. Planning a wedding can be stressful, but it is also a lot of fun. Take some time to relax and enjoy the process of planning your perfect day.
FAQ
Q: What is the legal age to get married in Virginia?
A: The legal age to get married in Virginia is 18 years old. However, minors between the ages of 16 and 18 may marry with the consent of their parents or guardians.
Q: Can I get married in Virginia if I am not a U.S. citizen?
A: Yes, you can get married in Virginia if you are not a U.S. citizen. However, you will need to provide proof of your identity and legal status in the United States.
Q: How long is a marriage license valid for in Virginia?
A: A marriage license is valid for 60 days from the date it is issued.
Q: What should I do if I lose my marriage certificate?
A: If you lose your marriage certificate, you can request a replacement from the clerk of the circuit court in the county or city where the marriage was recorded.
Conclusion
Getting married is a major decision, and it is important to understand the legal requirements for marriage in Virginia. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can ensure that your marriage is valid and that you are protected by the law.
Are you interested in learning more about the legal requirements for marriage in Virginia? If so, I encourage you to do some additional research on the website of the Virginia Department of Vital Records.
