How to Legally Get Married in Virginia: 10 Common Legal Questions Answered
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| 1. What are the legal requirements for getting married in Virginia? | To legally get married in Virginia, both individuals must be at least 18 years old or have parental consent if they are between 16 and 18. Additionally, both parties must apply for a marriage license from the circuit court clerk in the city or county where the marriage will take place. The marriage license is valid for 60 days. |
| 2. Can we apply for a marriage license online in Virginia? | Unfortunately, Virginia does not currently offer online marriage license applications. Both parties must appear in person at the circuit court clerk`s office to apply for a marriage license. |
| 3. Are blood tests required to get married in Virginia? | No, Virginia does not require blood tests for marriage licenses. |
| 4. Is there a waiting period after applying for a marriage license in Virginia? | There is no waiting period after applying for a marriage license in Virginia. Once the license is issued, the marriage ceremony can take place immediately. |
| 5. Can we have a proxy marriage in Virginia? | No, proxy marriages are not recognized as legally valid in Virginia. |
| 6. Are same-sex marriages legal in Virginia? | Yes, same-sex marriages have been legally recognized in Virginia since October 2014. |
| 7. Can we get married in Virginia if one or both of us are non-US citizens? | Yes, non-US citizens can legally get married in Virginia as long as they meet the age and other legal requirements. However, all individuals must present valid identification, such as a passport or driver`s license, when applying for a marriage license. |
| 8. What if we want to change our last names after getting married in Virginia? | Both parties can choose to change their last names after getting married in Virginia by using their marriage certificate to update their identification, social security cards, and other official documents. It`s a sweet experience to be able to share the same last name with your significant other! |
| 9. Can we have a friend or family member officiate our wedding in Virginia? | Yes, Virginia allows for “friendship marriage” where a friend or family member can become ordained and legally officiate the wedding ceremony. It`s a beautiful and personal touch to have someone close to you officiate your special day. |
| 10. What are the legal steps to getting divorced in Virginia if the marriage doesn`t work out? | If the marriage doesn`t work out, the legal steps to getting divorced in Virginia include meeting residency requirements, filing a complaint for divorce with the circuit court, and going through the divorce proceedings. It`s important to seek legal advice and support during this challenging time. |
Legally Married Virginia
Getting married is an exciting and joyous occasion, and the state of Virginia offers a beautiful backdrop for your special day. However, before you walk down the aisle, there are some legal requirements and procedures that must be followed to ensure that your marriage is valid and recognized. In this blog post, we will explore the necessary steps to legally get married in Virginia.
Marriage License Requirements
Before you can tie the knot in Virginia, you must obtain a marriage license from a circuit court clerk`s office. Both parties must appear in person and provide valid identification, such as a driver`s license or passport. In addition, individuals under the age of 18 must have parental consent to marry.
Waiting Period
Once you have obtained your marriage license, there is a mandatory 1-day waiting period before you can get married. The license is valid for 60 days from the date of issue, so be sure to plan your wedding date accordingly.
Officiants Witnesses
In Virginia, a marriage ceremony can be officiated by a licensed minister, judge, or other authorized individual. You must have at least one witness present during the ceremony to sign the marriage license.
Marriage Certificate
After the ceremony, the officiant must complete the marriage license and return it to the circuit court clerk`s office for recording. Once this is done, you can request a certified copy of your marriage certificate for legal purposes.
Getting married in Virginia is a straightforward process, but it`s important to follow all the necessary legal requirements to ensure that your marriage is valid. By obtaining a marriage license, observing the waiting period, and having the ceremony officiated by an authorized individual, you can legally tie the knot in the beautiful state of Virginia.
For more information on obtaining marriage license Virginia, please visit Virginia Judicial System website.
| Year | Number Marriages Virginia |
|---|---|
| 2018 | 61,364 |
| 2019 | 60,440 |
| 2020 | 57,423 |
Legally Getting Married in Virginia Contract
Welcome to the legally binding contract for getting married in the state of Virginia. This contract outlines the legal requirements and obligations for individuals seeking to enter into marriage in Virginia. Please read and understand the terms and conditions outlined below before proceeding with the marriage process.
| Parties Involved: | The parties seeking to enter into marriage in the state of Virginia. |
|---|---|
| Legal Requirements: | 1. Both parties must be at least 18 years old, or have parental consent if under 18. 2. Both parties must not be currently married to another person. 3. Both parties must provide valid identification and complete a marriage license application. 4. The marriage ceremony must be conducted by a qualified officiant as per Virginia law. |
| Legal Obligations: | 1. Both parties agree to comply with all state laws and regulations governing marriage in Virginia. 2. Both parties agree to provide truthful information and documentation as required by the marriage license application process. 3. Both parties agree to fulfill any additional legal requirements or obligations as may be necessary for a valid and legal marriage in Virginia. |
| Validity Enforcement: | This contract is legally binding and enforceable in the state of Virginia. Any disputes arising from the terms of this contract shall be resolved in accordance with Virginia law. |
| Signatures: | By signing below, the parties acknowledge their understanding and acceptance of the terms and conditions outlined in this contract. |