In Virginia there is no blood test or required waiting period. Although statewide the cost of the marriage license is a uniform $30, an exception of sorts is Prince William County, which adds a $2.50 charge for the standard mailing of the marriage certificate. Only cash is accepted, no personal checks or credit cards.
Legal age for marriage is 18, and no witnesses are required. However, a 16- or 17-year-old may get married if a parent is present. Virginia makes a special case allowing those who are 15 to marry if a doctor issues a Certificate of Pregnancy and a parent is present. When the 15-year-old has already given birth, only a parent’s presence is required.
Both bride and groom must have valid photo IDs and sign the license in person. Examples of valid IDs include driver’s licenses, passports and government-issued ID cards. A Social Security number is also required in Prince William County. The license is valid for the marriage ceremony immediately upon issuance; the marriage must be performed within 60 days. The license may be used for marriages anywhere in Virginia but not in Maryland or Washington, D.C. Marriage certificates will not be granted in the case of bigamous, same-sex or close intrafamily marriages. Unions where either partner lacks legal capacity to consent are also prohibited.
In the case of a previous marriage, applicants must attest to the date of divorce or death, but copies of divorce papers are not required.
ANY CLERGY MEMBER in good standing of a recognized religion is qualified to perform a marriage. In addition marriages may be conducted by court-designated civil marriage celebrants or those issued one-time civil authority by the court. Within five days of the wedding, the marriage certificate must be filed by the person presiding.
Post-marital name changes are handled by the Social Security office. A copy of the marriage certificate is required. Other records and IDs that may need to be changed or updated include bank and investment accounts, credit cards and insurance polices, wills and doctor records.
Sources: In Arlington, Deputy Clerk Aida Duncan; in Fairfax, public service manager Teri Lumsden; in Loudoun, at the Clerk’s Office, Sandy Baltimore.