How to Perform a Wedding in Virginia
Created and reviewed for accuracy by researchers at the Universal Life Church
Safe to say that if you’ve landed here on this page, you either have plans to get married in Virginia, or are being asked to officiate a wedding there. If so, congratulations! In the guide below, we’ll discuss in detail what is required to perform a legal marriage in the state of Virginia and what the available options are for couples and ministers.
- ULC Ordination Accepted: Not Generally
- Minister Registration Required: Yes
- Minister's Residency: Irrelevant
- Minister's Minimum Age: 18
- Marriage License Waiting Period: 0 Days
- Marriage License Valid For: 60 Days
- Marriage License Return Within: 5 Days
Local VA Wedding Guides
For more specific information about performing a wedding in certain parts of Virginia, choose a location above. If your area isn't listed, don't worry - just continue scrolling to review the helpful general information on this page.
1 How to Get Ordained as a Minister in Virginia
Getting ordained online via the Universal Life Church Ministries is the first step anyone seeking to officiate a ceremony should take. The ULC ordination process is free and the application only takes a couple minutes. Best of all? ULC ordinations are good for life! Get authorized to perform legal wedding ceremonies by following the link below:
2 Officiating a Wedding in Virginia
After getting ordained, next you’ll contact the circuit clerk’s office (the authority that handles marriages in Virginia). Explain that you’re an ordained minister with the Universal Life Church, and that you need to know what is required to preside over legal marriage ceremonies in their jurisdiction. Unfortunately, we are aware that many Virginia circuit courts will not recognize marriages performed by Universal Life Church ministers.
Select a circuit clerk
Select your Circuit Clerk to quickly generate the contact information for your local marriage authority.
The ULC is always working to secure the rights of our ministers everywhere, and are always interested in hearing about your experiences on the ground. If you do make contact with a Virginia government official in hopes of performing a wedding ceremony, we’d love to hear about your interaction (whether positive or negative). You can submit that using the box below.
Contact Us
3 Virginia Officiant Requirements
Once you’ve spoken with the circuit clerk’s office to learn what documents they require, you can browse our online store and place an order for those items. As we pointed out above, Virginia has a history of refusing to recognize ordinations issued by the Universal Life Church. While you may encounter a roadblock, many ULC Ministers do attempt the process. If that appeals to you, we’d recommend ordering an Ordination Package (as well as a Letter of Good Standing) to boost your chances of success.
We encourage our ministers to keep us in the loop and provide updates about their experiences working with circuit clerks. Rest assured that the Universal Life Church is exploring avenues to solidify the standing of its ordinations in Virginia. If you go through this process and encounter difficulties in performing a Virginia wedding as a ULC minister, we would invite you to share your story with us by emailing outreach@ulc.org.
4 How to Prepare for a wedding in Virginia
Virginia's Top Wedding Spot
Roanoke's Overhome Plantation, which has a ballroom and dedicated catering
If you do manage to get the green light to perform a legal wedding ceremony in Virginia, the next step is to prepare for the big day! A couple important notes about marriage licenses:
The couple needs to pick up this document themselves prior to the wedding day.
Virginia marriage licenses are valid for 60 days, and there is no waiting period observed.
The completed and signed license has to be returned within 5 days of the wedding.
Once the above details have been relayed to the couple, it’s time to think about the ceremony! Presiding over a wedding ceremony as the officiant is a thrilling experience – but it’s also a great responsibility that requires preparation and planning. The ULC supports its members through every step of this process with the resources and training materials available in the Wedding Training Center. More experienced officiants may have a grasp on the basics, which is why we also offer in-depth literature options in our online catalog, featuring wedding guides like this one.
5 Advice for Performing a Virginia Wedding
For ministers planning on officiating a wedding in Virginia, there are a few important points to remember. Unlike many states, October is the most popular month for weddings in Virginia due to the gorgeous fall foliage. If the couple is considering wedding venues in Virginia around this time, it’s a good idea to book well in advance, as slots fill up quickly. While the climate is fairly consistent throughout the state, for barn or outdoor wedding venues in Virginia, you'll want to be sure you dress appropriately. This means warmer clothes for winter or late autumn.
Alternatively, consider something breathable to beat the humidity if the couple is planning a summertime Virginia Beach wedding. How much should a minister charge for weddings in Virginia? There’s no one simple answer; factors such as travel time, the experience level of the officiant, and the amount of preparation required can all influence the cost of the minister’s service.
Virginia Marriage Code
Virginia Marriage Code
Marriage in Virginia is governed by Chapter 20 of Title 23 of the code of Virginia. Ordained ministers of the Universal Life Church have successfully solemnized thousands of weddings in the state. Below, you will find that we have reproduced a relevant excerpt of this code§ 20-23 When a minister of any religious denomination shall produce before the circuit court of any county or city in this Commonwealth, or before the judge of such court or before the clerk of such court at any time, proof of his ordination and of his being in regular communion with the religious society of which he is a reputed member, or proof that he holds a local minister's license and is serving as a regularly appointed pastor in his denomination, such court, or the judge thereof, or the clerk of such court at any time, may make an order authorizing such minister to celebrate the rites of matrimony in this Commonwealth. Any order made under this section may be rescinded at any time by the court or by the judge thereof. View the Virginia Statutes on the official state site.
⇓ Show the rest
Learn All About Marriage Law in Virginia
See the Full StatutesAre you Considering Becoming a Minister in Virginia?
See the Steps to VA OrdinationProceed to your Ordination Application
Become OrdainedAccomack County
23316 Courthouse AveAccomac, Virginia
23301
Phone: (757) 787-5776
Fax: (757) 787-1849
Accomack County website »
Albemarle County
501 E Jefferson StCharlottesville, Virginia
22902
Phone: (434) 972-4083
Albemarle County website »
Alleghany County
266 West Main StreetCovington, Virginia
24426
Phone: (540) 965-1730
Fax: (540) 965-1732
Alleghany County website »
Amelia County
Courthouse on Church StAmelia, Virginia
23002
Phone: (804) 561-2128
Fax: (804) 561-6364
Amelia County website »
Amherst County
113 Taylor StAmherst, Virginia
24521
Phone: (434) 946-9321
Fax: (434) 946-9323
Amherst County website »
Appomattox County
297 Court St, Suite BAppomattox, Virginia
24522
Phone: (434) 352-5275
Appomattox County website »
Arlington County
1425 N. Courthouse Road, Suite 6700Arlington, Virginia
Phone: (703) 228-7010
Arlington County website »
Augusta County
1 E. Johnson StreetStaunton, Virginia
24401
Phone: (540) 245-5320
Augusta County website »
Bath County
65 Courthouse Hill RoadWarm Springs, Virginia
24484
Phone: (540) 839-7226
Fax: (540) 839-7248
Bath County website »
Bedford County
123 East Main St, Suite 201Bedford, Virginia
24523
Phone: (540) 586-7632
Bedford County website »
Bland County
612 Main St. Suite 104Bland, Virginia
24315
Phone: (276) 688-4562
Fax: (276) 688-2438
Bland County website »
Botetourt County
1 W Main St Suite 120Fincastle, Virginia
Phone: (540) 473-8274
Fax: (540) 473-8209
Botetourt County website »
Brunswick County
216 North Main StreetLawrenceville, Virginia
23868
Phone: (434) 848-2215
Fax: (434) 848-4307
Brunswick County website »
Buchanan County
1012 Walnut StGrundy, Virginia
Phone: (276) 935-6567
Fax: (276) 935-7086
Buchanan County website »
Buckingham County
13061 W. James Anderson HwyBuckingham, Virginia
23921
Phone: (434) 969-4734
Fax: (434) 969-2043
Buckingham County website »
Campbell County
732 Village HighwayRustburg, Virginia
Phone: (434) 332-9517
Campbell County website »
Caroline County
100 Courthouse Ln.Bowling Green, Virginia
Phone: (804) 633-3499
Caroline County website »
Carroll County
605 Pine StHillsville, Virginia
24343
Phone: (276) 730-3070
Carroll County website »
Charles City County
10780 Courthouse RoadCharles City, Virginia
Phone: (804) 652-2105
Charles City County website »
Charlotte County
125 David Bruce AvenueCharlotte Court House, Virginia
Phone: (434) 542-5147
Charlotte County website »
Chesterfield County
9500 Courthouse RoadChesterfield, Virginia
23832
Phone: (804) 748-1241
Chesterfield County website »
City of Alexandria
520 King Street, Room 307Alexandria, Virginia
22314
Phone: (703) 746-4044
City of Alexandria website »
City of Bristol
497 Cumberland Street, Room 210Bristol, Virginia
Phone: (276) 645-7321
City of Bristol website »
City of Buena Vista
2039 Sycamore AvenueBuena Vista, Virginia
24416
Phone: (540) 261-8627
Fax: (540) 261-8625
City of Buena Vista website »
City of Charlottesville
315 E High StCharlottesville, Virginia
Phone: (434) 970-3766
City of Charlottesville website »
City of Chesapeake
307 Albemarle Drive, Suite 300AChesapeake, Virginia
23322
Phone: (757) 382-3000
City of Chesapeake website »
City of Colonial Heights
201 James AvenueColonial Heights, Virginia
Phone: (804) 520-9364
City of Colonial Heights website »
City of Covington
1558 S. Greenlawn Ave.Covington, Virginia
24426
Phone: (540) 965-6302
Fax: (540) 965-6303
City of Covington website »
City of Danville
401 Patton St.Danville, Virginia
Phone: (434) 799-5168
Fax: (434) 799-6502
City of Danville website »
City of Emporia
337 South Main StreetEmporia, Virginia
23847
Phone: (434) 348-4215
City of Emporia website »
City of Fairfax
4110 Chain Bridge Road, Suite 116Fairfax, Virginia
22030
Phone: (703) 691-7320
City of Fairfax website »
City of Falls Church
400 N Washington St, Suite 101Falls Church, Virginia
22046
Phone: (703) 248-5080
Fax: (703) 248-5225
City of Falls Church website »
City of Franklin
207 W. 2nd AveFranklin, Virginia
23851
Phone: (757) 562-8564
City of Franklin website »
City of Fredericksburg
701 Princess Anne St Ste 100Fredericksburg, Virginia
Phone: (540) 372-1066
City of Fredericksburg website »
City of Galax
353 North Main Street, Suite 204Galax, Virginia
24333
Phone: (276) 236-8731
Fax: (276) 236-2754
City of Galax website »
City of Hampton
237 N. King StreetHampton, Virginia
23669
Phone: (757) 727-6105
Fax: (757) 728-3505
City of Hampton website »
City of Harrisonburg
409 South Main StreetHarrisonburg, Virginia
22801
Phone: (540) 432-7701
City of Harrisonburg website »
City of Hopewell
100 E. Broadway, Suite G05Hopewell, Virginia
23860
Phone: (804) 541-2311
Fax: (804) 541-2438
City of Hopewell website »
City of Lexington
20 South Randolph Street, Suite 200Lexington, Virginia
24450
Phone: (540) 463-3631
Fax: (540) 463-4213
City of Lexington website »
City of Lynchburg
900 Church StreetLynchburg, Virginia
24504
Phone: (434) 455-3990
Fax: (434) 847-1536
City of Lynchburg website »
City of Manassas
9027 Center St., #101Manassas, Virginia
Phone: (703) 257-8211
City of Manassas website »
City of Manassas Park
1 Park Center CtManassas Park, Virginia
20111
Phone: (703) 335-8808
Fax: (703) 335-0053
City of Manassas Park website »
City of Martinsville
55 West Church Street, Room 205Martinsville, Virginia
24114
Phone: (276) 403-5106
Fax: (276) 403-5232
City of Martinsville website »
City of Newport News
2400 Washington Ave., 9th FloorNewport News, Virginia
Phone: (757) 926-8634
Fax: (757) 926-8599
City of Newport News website »
City of Norfolk
150 St. Pauls Boulevard, 7th FloorNorfolk, Virginia
23510
Phone: (757) 664-4580
Fax: (757) 664-4290
City of Norfolk website »
City of Norton
206 East Main StWise, Virginia
24293
Phone: (276) 328-6111
Fax: (804) 732-5548
City of Norton website »
City of Petersburg
7 Courthouse AvenuePetersburg, Virginia
23803
Phone: (804) 733-2367
City of Petersburg website »
City of Poquoson
300 Ballard StreetYorktown, Virginia
23690
Phone: (757) 890-3350
Fax: (757) 890-3364
City of Poquoson website »
City of Portsmouth
801 Crawford StreetPortsmouth, Virginia
23704
Phone: (757) 393-8000
City of Portsmouth website »
City of Radford
619 Second StreetRadford, Virginia
24141
Phone: (540) 731-3609
Fax: (540) 731-3692
City of Radford website »
City of Richmond
400 North Ninth StreetRichmond, Virginia
Phone: (804) 646-6505
Fax: (804) 646-6562
City of Richmond website »
City of Roanoke
315 W. Church Ave. S.W.Roanoke, Virginia
Phone: (540) 853-2364
Fax: (540) 853-5826
City of Roanoke website »
City of Salem
2 East Calhoun StreetSalem, Virginia
24153
Phone: (540) 375-3067
Fax: (540) 375-4039
City of Salem website »
City of Staunton
113 E Beverley StStaunton, Virginia
24401
Phone: (540) 332-3874
Fax: (540) 332-3970
City of Staunton website »
City of Suffolk
150 N. Main StreetSuffolk, Virginia
Phone: (757) 514-7800
City of Suffolk website »
City of Virginia Beach
2425 Nimmo Parkway Bldg. 10-B 3rd FloorVirginia Beach, Virginia
Phone: (757) 385-8926
City of Virginia Beach website »
City of Waynesboro
250 S. Wayne Ave. Suite 202Waynesboro, Virginia
Phone: (540) 942-6616
City of Waynesboro website »
City of Williamsburg
5201 Monticello Avenue, Suite 6Williamsburg, Virginia
Phone: (757) 564-2242
City of Williamsburg website »
City of Winchester
5 North Kent StreetWinchester, Virginia
22601
Phone: (540) 667-5770
Fax: (540) 667-6638
City of Winchester website »
Clarke County
102 N. Church StreetBerryville, Virginia
22611
Phone: (540) 955-5116
Fax: (540) 955-0284
Clarke County website »
Craig County
182 Main St, Room 5New Castle, Virginia
24127
Phone: (540) 864-6141
Craig County website »
Culpeper County
135 W. Cameron StreetCulpeper, Virginia
22701
Phone: (540) 727-3438
Fax: (540) 727-3475
Culpeper County website »
Cumberland County
1 Courthouse CircleCumberland, Virginia
23040
Phone: (804) 492-4442
Fax: (804) 492-4876
Cumberland County website »
Dickenson County
293 Clintwood Main StreetClintwood, Virginia
Phone: (276) 926-1616
Fax: (276) 926-6465
Dickenson County website »
Dinwiddie County
14008 Boydton Plank RoadDinwiddie, Virginia
Phone: (804) 469-4540
Fax: (804) 469-5386
Dinwiddie County website »
Essex County
305 Prince StreetTappahannock, Virginia
22560
Phone: (804) 443-3541
Fax: (804) 445-1216
Essex County website »
Fairfax County
4110 Chain Bridge RoadFairfax, Virginia
Phone: (703) 691-7320
Fairfax County Marriage Laws »
Fauquier County
29 Ashby StreetWarrenton, Virginia
20186
Phone: (540) 422-8100
Fauquier County website »
Floyd County
100 East Main Street, Room 200Floyd, Virginia
24091
Phone: (540) 745-9330
Fax: (540) 745-9303
Floyd County website »
Fluvanna County
72 Main Street, Suite APalmyra, Virginia
22963
Phone: (434) 591-1970
Fax: (434) 591-1971
Fluvanna County website »
Franklin County
275 South Main StreetRocky Mount, Virginia
24151
Phone: (540) 483-3065
Franklin County website »
Frederick County
5 North Kent StreetWinchester, Virginia
Phone: (540) 667-8623
Fax: (540) 545-8711
Frederick County website »
Giles County
120 N Main StPearisburg, Virginia
24134
Phone: (540) 921-1722
Fax: (540) 921-3825
Giles County website »
Gloucester County
6467 Main StreetGloucester, Virginia
23061
Phone: (804) 693-4042
Fax: (804) 693-2186
Gloucester County website »
Goochland County
2938 River Road WestGoochland, Virginia
23063
Phone: (804) 556-5353
Fax: (804) 556-4962
Goochland County website »
Grayson County
129 Davis St, 3rd floorIndependence, Virginia
24348
Phone: (276) 773-2231
Fax: (276) 773-3338
Grayson County website »
Greene County
22 Court StreetStanardsville, Virginia
22973
Phone: (434) 985-5208
Fax: (434) 985-6723
Greene County website »
Greensville County
337 South Main StreetEmporia, Virginia
23847
Phone: (434) 348-4215
Fax: (434) 348-4020
Greensville County website »
Halifax County
Courthouse SquareHalifax, Virginia
Phone: (434) 476-6211
Fax: (434) 476-2890
Halifax County website »
Hanover County
7530 County Complex RoadHanover, Virginia
Phone: (804) 365-6120
Hanover County website »
Henrico County
4301 E. Parham Road, Room 240Henrico, Virginia
23228
Phone: (804) 501-4202
Henrico County website »
Henry County
3160 Kings Mountain Rd, Suite BMartinsville, Virginia
24112
Phone: (276) 634-4880
Henry County website »
Highland County
165 W Main SMonterey, Virginia
24465
Phone: (540) 468-2347
Fax: (540) 468-2047
Highland County website »
Isle of Wight County
17000 Josiah Parker CircleIsle of Wight, Virginia
23397
Phone: (757) 365-6233
Isle of Wight County website »
James City County
5201 Monticello Avenue suite 6Williamsburg, Virginia
Phone: (757) 564-2242
Fax: (757) 564-2329
James City County website »
King and Queen County
234 Allen's CircleKing and Queen C.H., Virginia
23085
Phone: (804) 785-5984
Fax: (804) 785-5698
King and Queen County website »
King George County
9483 Kings Highway, Suite 3King George, Virginia
22485
Phone: (540) 775-3322
Fax: (540) 775-5466
King George County website »
King William County
351 Courthouse Lane, Suite 130King William, Virginia
23086
Phone: (804) 769-4936
Fax: (804) 769-4985
King William County website »
Lancaster County
8265 Mary Ball RoadLancaster, Virginia
22503
Phone: (804) 462-5611
Fax: (804) 462-9978
Lancaster County website »
Lee County
5 Main StreetJonesville, Virginia
24263
Phone: (276) 346-7763
Fax: (276) 346-3440
Lee County website »
Loudoun County
18 East Market St.Leesburg, Virginia
20176
Phone: (703) 771-5647
Loudoun County Marriage Laws »
Louisa County
100 West Main StreetLouisa, Virginia
23093
Phone: (540) 967-5312
Fax: (540) 967-2705
Louisa County website »
Lunenburg County
11435 Courthouse RoadLunenburg, Virginia
23952
Phone: (434) 696-2132
Fax: (434) 696-3931
Lunenburg County website »
Mathews County
10622 Buckley Hall RdMathews, Virginia
23109
Phone: (804) 725-2550
Fax: (804) 725-7456
Mathews County website »
Mecklenburg County
393 Washington StBoydton, Virginia
23917
Phone: (434) 738-6191
Fax: (434) 738-6861
Mecklenburg County website »
Middlesex County
73 Bowden StSaluda, Virginia
23149
Phone: (804) 758-5317
Fax: (804) 758-8637
Middlesex County website »
Montgomery County
755 Roanoke StreetChristiansburg, Virginia
24073
Phone: (540) 382-5760
Fax: (540) 382-6937
Montgomery County website »
Nelson County
84 Courthouse SquareLovingston, Virginia
Phone: (434) 263-7020
Nelson County website »
New Kent County
12001 Courthouse CircleNew Kent, Virginia
Phone: (804) 966-9530
New Kent County website »
Northampton County
5229 The HornesEastville, Virginia
23347
Phone: (757) 678-0465
Fax: (757) 678-5410
Northampton County website »
Northumberland County
220 Judicial PlHeathsville, Virginia
22473
Phone: (804) 580-3700
Fax: (804) 580-2261
Northumberland County website »
Nottoway County
328 W Courthouse RdNottoway, Virginia
23955
Phone: (434) 645-9043
Fax: (434) 645-2201
Nottoway County website »
Orange County
110 N Madison Road, Suite 300Orange, Virginia
Phone: (540) 672-4030
Fax: (540) 672-2939
Orange County website »
Page County
Page Circuit Court<br>116 S Court Street, Suite ALuray, Virginia
22835
Phone: (540) 743-4142
Page County website »
Patrick County
101 West Blue Ridge StreetStuart, Virginia
24171
Phone: (276) 694-7213
Fax: (276) 694-6943
Patrick County website »
Pittsylvania County
One North Main StreetChatham, Virginia
24531
Phone: (434) 432-7887
Fax: (434) 432-7913
Pittsylvania County website »
Powhatan County
3880 Old Buckingham Road, Suite CPowhatan, Virginia
Phone: (804) 598-5660
Fax: (804) 598-5608
Powhatan County website »
Prince Edward County
111 South Street, 1st FloorFarmville, Virginia
23901
Phone: (434) 392-5145
Fax: (434) 392-3913
Prince Edward County website »
Prince George County
6601 Courts DrivePrince George, Virginia
23875
Phone: (804) 733-2640
Prince George County website »
Prince William County
9311 Lee Avenue, 3rd FloorManassas, Virginia
90110
Phone: (703) 792-6015
Prince William County Marriage Laws »
Pulaski County
45 Third Street NW, Suite 101Pulaski, Virginia
24301
Phone: (540) 980-7825
Fax: (540) 980-7835
Pulaski County website »
Rappahannock County
238 Gay StWashington, Virginia
22747
Phone: (540) 675-5350
Fax: (540) 675-5351
Rappahannock County website »
Richmond County
101 Court CircleWarsaw, Virginia
22572
Phone: (804) 333-3781
Fax: (804) 333-5396
Richmond County website »
Roanoke County
305 E. Main St.Salem, Virginia
Phone: (540) 387-6205
Fax: (540) 387-6145
Roanoke County website »
Rockbridge County
20 S Randolph St, Suite 101Lexington, Virginia
24450
Phone: (540) 463-2232
Fax: (540) 463-3850
Rockbridge County website »
Rockingham County
80 Court SquareHarrisonburg, Virginia
Phone: (540) 564-3126
Rockingham County website »
Russell County
53 East Main StreetLebanon, Virginia
24266
Phone: (276) 889-8023
Fax: (276) 889-8003
Russell County website »
Scott County
202 West Jackson Street, Suite 102Gate City, Virginia
24251
Phone: (276) 386-3801
Fax: (276) 386-2430
Scott County website »
Shenandoah County
112 South Main StreetWoodstock, Virginia
Phone: (540) 459-6150
Fax: (540) 459-6155
Shenandoah County website »
Smyth County
109 West Main Street, Suite 1081Marion, Virginia
24354
Phone: (276) 782-4044
Fax: (276) 782-4045
Smyth County website »
Southampton County
22350 Main StreetCourtland, Virginia
23837
Phone: (757) 653-2200
Fax: (757) 653-0227
Southampton County website »
Spotsylvania County
9104 Courthouse RoadSpotsylvania, Virginia
22553
Phone: (540) 507-7010
Fax: (540) 582-2169
Spotsylvania County website »
Stafford County
1300 Courthouse RoadStafford, Virginia
22554
Phone: (540) 658-8750
Fax: (540) 658-4653
Stafford County website »
Surry County
28 Colonial Trail EastSurry, Virginia
23883
Phone: (757) 294-3161
Surry County website »
Sussex County
15088 Courthouse RoadSussex, Virginia
23884
Phone: (434) 246-1017
Fax: (434) 246-2203
Sussex County website »
Tazewell County
101 East Main Street, Suite 202Tazewell, Virginia
24651
Phone: (276) 385-1222
Fax: (276) 988-7501
Tazewell County website »
Warren County
220 North Commerce Avenue, Suite 100Front Royal, Virginia
22630
Phone: (540) 635-2435
Fax: (540) 636-3274
Warren County website »
Washington County
189 East Main StreetAbingdon, Virginia
24210
Phone: (276) 676-6224
Fax: (276) 676-6218
Washington County website »
Westmoreland County
175 Polk StreetMontross, Virginia
22520
Phone: (804) 493-0108
Fax: (804) 493-0393
Westmoreland County website »
Wythe County
340 South Sixth StreetWytheville, Virginia
24382
Phone: (276) 223-6050
Fax: (276) 223-6057
Wythe County website »
