Obtaining a Marriage License

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EFFECTIVE JANUARY 1, 2026: THE CLERK’S OFFICE WILL NO LONGER ACCEPT MARRIAGE LICENSES BY MAIL; ONLY IN PERSON LICENSES WILL BE ISSUED.

Marriage licenses are issued by the Clerk of the Circuit Court.

Marriages must be performed within the Commonwealth of Virginia

Marriages must be performed by a minister or civil celebrant who has been authorized by a circuit court within the Commonwealth of Virginia. See further information regarding Ministers and Civil Celebrants on this web site.

Expiration Date of license to marry: 60 days after issuance of license

Fee: $33.00 money order or certified check made payable to Clerk, Circuit Court of Fauquier County. NO personal checks or debit/credit cards. The fee includes one certified copy.

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Steps to obtain a marriage license

Step ONE: Complete the printable sworn application or fillable sworn application for each party.

**Please make sure all information is completely legible.**

Step TWO: Sign the applications before a notary public. Applications may also be signed in person before a Deputy Clerk with Photo I.D.

Step THREE: Attach a copy of each applicant's operators license.

Step FOUR: Bring all items listed below to 29 Ashby Street, Warrenton, VA 20186

1) Sworn Application. (Make sure all information is complete, including contact information.)

2) Copy of each applicant's operator's license.

3) $33.00 payable by money order, cashier's check OR cash.

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Important information for review:

BOTH PARTIES MUST APPLY FOR THE LICENSE.
Proof of age is required (valid driver's license, identification card issued by the DMV, passport, Military ID or other government issued photo ID).
Effective July 1, 2016, the minimum age at which persons may marry shall be eighteen (18) years, unless a minor has been emancipated by court order. Upon application for a marriage license, an emancipated minor shall provide a certified copy of the order of emancipation.
If you have a Social Security Number it must be included on the license pursuant to State Law. This information is not maintained on any public record.
There is no residency requirement.
A marriage license obtained in any Circuit Court in any county in Virginia is valid for a ceremony performed anywhere in the state. You do not need to obtain a marriage license in the county where your ceremony will be performed. (Directory of Circuit Courts).
There is no requirement for a blood test in Virginia.
The license is valid for only 60 days and may be used immediately upon issuance.
The ceremony must be performed in Virginia and by a person authorized by a Virginia circuit court.
The fee for the license is $33.00 and must be paid by cash, cashier's check or money order only (NO PERSONAL CHECKS OR DEBIT/CREDIT CARDS).

Prohibited Marriages:

A marriage entered into prior to the dissolution of an earlier marriage of one of the parties.
A marriage between an ancestor and descendant; or between brother and sister; or between uncle and a niece; or between an aunt and a nephew; whether the relationship is by the half or the whole blood or by adoption.
When either of the parties lacks capacity to consent to the marriage because of mental incapacity or infirmity.

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