Marriage Information

Who Can Perform Marriages

The clergy, minister or other person performing the marriage must be authorized by a Circuit Court of the Commonwealth to celebrate the rites of matrimony.

The clergy, minister or other person officiating the marriage ceremony must complete and sign both forms of the marriage license and forward to the Clerk of the Court that issued the license within five days after the ceremony is performed. For the Petition to Perform Religious Marriage Ceremonies form, click here(PDF, 3MB) .

A commemorative certificate of marriage may be prepared by the officiant and given to the newly wedded couple upon request.

Clergy, Minister & Celebrant Qualifications

Clergy or ministers requesting authorization to perform wedding ceremonies in Virginia may apply in-person at the Clerk of the Circuit Court’s Office, Mon.-Fri. 8.15 a.m.-3.30 p.m. or submit the following required documentation by mail to: Clerk of the Circuit Court, 1425 N. Courthouse Road, Suite 6700, Arlington, VA 22201. Applicants must provide:

• Completed Petition and Order
• Proof of ordination or a local minister's license (Online ordinations are not recognized pursuant to Cramer v. Commonwealth)
• Proof of regular communion or other proof pursuant to VA Code § 20-23
• Photo identification
• Payment of $31 by cash or credit card (Visa, MasterCard or Discover only; if you pay by credit card, you must also pay a 4 percent service charge of the total amount paid)

Individuals that wish to perform a one-time civil ceremony in Virginia must obtain prior court authorization. To apply through the Arlington Circuit Court, the individual must be a resident of Arlington County or the City of Falls Church. Please see attached instructions(PDF, 5MB) for more information. The processing time ranges from two weeks to six weeks

For all other questions regarding authorizations to perform marriages, please contact the marriage clerk at 703-228-3113 or the Civil Division at 703-228-7010

Civil Celebrants

The following Civil celebrants are available to officiate marriage ceremonies. Please contact the celebrant directly with questions regarding scheduling or availability. The celebrant may charge up to $75 for a ceremony pursuant to VA Code § 20-27.