One of the slightly less fun parts of getting married is all the paperwork. The marriage license is arguably the most important part of the wedding…because it's the thing that makes you legally married!!! So if you are about to have your wedding in Virginia, this blog is for you! Keep reading to make sure you have all the correct information regarding obtaining, signing, and submitting your marriage license.

We are pulling information specifically from Henrico County and Loudon County, but most Virginia counties follow these same rules. However, CHECK FOR YOURSELF!

To start, your officiant must be authorized to perform the rite of marriage within the Commonwealth of Virginia by a Circuit Court for a VA county or city before the ceremony occurs. Just because someone is a minister or Civil Celebrant in another state does not mean they are qualified to perform one in Virginia automatically.

They must sign BOTH copies of the marriage license and return both copies to that Circuit Court within 5 days after the ceremony. The date must be the actual date of marriage, not the date it was issued or a future date. It must be dated within 60 days of being issued. If for some reason the marriage license is not used within 60 days of being issued, you will still need to return it to the Clerk’s office.

Here’s some clarification on what some of the sections of the license mean:

OFFICIANT CERTIFICATION - complete each section.

• SIGNATURE OF OFFICIANT - your signature

• TITLE OF OFFICIANT- your officiant title o Example: "Reverend"/ "Priest" / "Civil Celebrant"

Note: "Mr", "Mrs" etc. are not acceptable titles.

• AUTHORIZING CIRCUIT COURT - name of the city or county Circuit Court that authorized you to perform marriages and year of authorization

• NAME OF OFFICIANT - your name

• ADDRESS OF OFFICIANT - your current mailing address

Once you are legally married and your license is returned, there are other steps you will need to handle. Check out our blog on changing your name after getting married! Additionally, check all financial statements, address changes, voter registration, health insurance through employers, and estate planning, to name a few.

Remember to contact your specific Clerk’s office to ensure you are following all the right steps and not missing anything! Congratulations!