Age Requirements and Consent:

The minimum age for marriage in the State of Virginia is sixteen years for both the bride and the groom. If either party is under eighteen, consent to the marriage must be given by the father, mother, or legal guardian. This may be done personally by the parent or legal guardian before the person issuing the license, or by written consent properly sworn to before a notary public. Special provisions are made in Virginia law to allow marriage for underage parties when the female is pregnant and for situations in which underage applicants have no parent or legal guardian.

***Out of State - NO license issued to Out of State couples who are under the age of sixteen.

Prohibited Marriages:

1. A marriage entered prior to the dissolution of an earlier marriage of one of the parties.
2. A marriage between an ancestor and descendant; or between a brother/sister, uncle/niece, and aunt/nephew, whether the relationship is by half-blood, whole blood, or adoption.
3. When either of the parties lacks capacity to consent to the marriage because of mental incapacity or infirmity.
4. A marriage between two persons of the same sex.
5. "Common law" marriages are not valid if entered into Virginia or any other jurisdiction which does not permit them for its residents.

1. There is no blood test requirement for marriage in Virginia.
2. Where do I obtain the license?
   A license for marriage in Virginia is issued by the clerk, or his deputy, of the circuit of the county or independent city of which either the bride or groom is a resident; or if neither the bride nor groom is a resident of Virginia, the license may be obtained in any county or city. In either case the ceremony may be performed elsewhere in the State. Applicants must, under oath, furnish information, required to complete the marriage record. These items are material matters, and the applicant may be subject to prosecution for perjury for violation of the portion of the statues which requires this information. For divorced persons there is no statutory waiting period before remarriage after the divorce is granted, unless remarriage is specifically prohibited by a court. In some cases, clerks may require documentary proof of age or termination of a previous marriage. Most of the offices of the clerks are closed on Saturday.
3. Time Limitations.
   The marriage must be performed within sixty days of obtaining a license.
4. Fees.
   The license is $30.00. The justice of the peace is by donation only. He or she may be permitted to charge up to $30.00 for each couple getting married.

1. Who may perform the ceremony?
   A minister of any denomination. The minister must produce proof with the religious society. Also, persons appointed by the court may perform the ceremonies. These such persons are called a Justice of the Peace.
2. Witnesses.
   There is no requirement.
3. Marriage Record.
   The officiator signs and completes the Marriage Register and both forms are returned to the clerk within five days. Then forwarded to the State Division of Vital Records. The couple receives a marriage certificate.

If you need more information, contact the following individuals:

Frederick County Circuit Court
5 North Kent Street
Winchester, VA 22601
One-half block from Valley Wedding Chapel
Inquire at the Chapel for more information

Justice of the Peace
2 South Kent St.
Winchester, VA 22601
phone: 540-545-7001
Gary Patterson

Valley Wedding Chapel
2 South Kent St.
Winchester, VA 22601
phone: 540-545-7001
Adjacent to the courthouse, street level, handicap accessible.