Getting married is an exciting time, but before you can walk down the aisle, you’ll need to obtain a marriage license. If you’re planning to tie the knot in Virginia Beach, it’s important to understand the steps you need to take to get your license and make your union legal. In this step-by-step guide, you’ll learn everything you need to know to obtain a marriage license in Virginia Beach.
To get started, it’s important to understand what a marriage license is and why it’s necessary. A marriage license is a legal document that authorizes two people to get married. It’s required by law in Virginia Beach, and without it, your marriage won’t be recognized as legal. This guide will walk you through the process of obtaining a marriage license in Virginia Beach, from understanding the eligibility criteria to legalizing your marriage after the ceremony.
Key Takeaways
- A marriage license is a legal document that authorizes two people to get married and is required by law in Virginia Beach.
- To obtain a marriage license in Virginia Beach, you must meet certain eligibility criteria and complete an application process.
- After obtaining your marriage license, you must legalize your marriage by having the ceremony performed by an authorized individual and returning the completed license to the Circuit Court Clerk’s office.
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Understanding Marriage Licenses
Before getting married in Virginia Beach, couples must obtain a marriage license from the Circuit Court Clerk’s office. Here are some key things to understand about marriage licenses in Virginia Beach:
Who Can Apply for a Marriage License?
In Virginia Beach, both parties must be at least 18 years old to apply for a marriage license. If either party is under 18, they must have written consent from a parent or legal guardian. Additionally, both parties must apply in person at the Circuit Court Clerk’s office and provide a valid form of identification, such as a driver’s license or passport.
How Much Does a Marriage License Cost?
The fee for a marriage license in Virginia Beach is $30. This fee must be paid in cash or by credit card at the time of application.
How Long Does a Marriage License Last?
A marriage license in Virginia Beach is valid for 60 days from the date of issue. If the marriage does not take place within 60 days, the license will expire and a new one must be obtained.
What Information is Required on a Marriage License Application?
When applying for a marriage license in Virginia Beach, couples must provide the following information:
- Full legal names
- Dates of birth
- Social Security numbers (or proof of ineligibility)
- Places of birth
- Current addresses
- Parents’ full names (including mother’s maiden name)
- Parents’ places of birth
- Number of previous marriages (if any)
- Date of divorce or death of previous spouse (if applicable)
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What Happens After the Marriage License is Issued?
Once the marriage license is issued, there is a mandatory one-day waiting period before the couple can get married. After the waiting period, the marriage license can be used anywhere in the state of Virginia. The couple must have the license with them during the ceremony, and the person who performs the ceremony must sign and return the license to the Circuit Court Clerk’s office within five days of the wedding.
Eligibility Criteria
To obtain a marriage license in Virginia Beach, there are certain eligibility criteria that must be met. These criteria include:
Age Requirement
Both applicants must be at least 18 years old to obtain a marriage license without parental consent. If an applicant is 16 or 17 years old, he or she must provide written consent from both parents or legal guardians. If an applicant is under 16 years old, a court order is required.
Residency Requirement
There is no residency requirement to obtain a marriage license in Virginia Beach. Applicants from out of state are welcome to apply.
Proof of Identification
Both applicants must provide a government-issued photo ID, such as a driver’s license, passport, or military ID.
Divorce or Widowed Status
If an applicant has been previously married, he or she must provide the date and location of the divorce or the date and location of the spouse’s death. If the divorce was finalized within the last 30 days, a certified copy of the divorce decree must be presented.
It is important to note that blood tests are no longer required to obtain a marriage license in Virginia Beach.
Application Process
Getting a marriage license in Virginia Beach is a straightforward process that involves gathering necessary documents, filling out an application, paying the fee, and submitting the application. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you through the process.
Gathering Necessary Documents
Before applying for a marriage license in Virginia Beach, you must ensure that you have the necessary documents. These include:
- Proof of age: You must be at least 18 years old to apply for a marriage license in Virginia Beach. You can provide a driver’s license, birth certificate, passport, or any other government-issued identification that shows your date of birth.
- Social Security number: You must provide your Social Security number. If you do not have one, you must provide a statement from the Social Security Administration indicating that you do not have a Social Security number.
- Divorce decree: If you have been divorced, you must provide a certified copy of the decree of divorce. If the divorce was finalized within the last 30 days, you must provide a certified copy of the final decree of divorce.
Filling Out the Application
Once you have gathered all the necessary documents, you can fill out the marriage license application. You can apply online or in person at the Virginia Beach Circuit Court Clerk’s office. If you choose to apply online, you must complete the application ensuring that all information is as accurate as possible. If you choose to apply in person, you must complete the application at the Clerk’s office.
The application will ask for basic information about you and your partner, such as your full names, ages, addresses, and occupations. You will also need to provide information about your parents, such as their full names and places of birth.
Paying the Fee
There is a fee for obtaining a marriage license in Virginia Beach. The fee is $30, and it must be paid at the time of application. You can pay by cash, check, or credit card.
Submitting the Application
Once you have filled out the application and paid the fee, you must submit the application to the Clerk’s office. If you applied online, you will receive a confirmation email with instructions on how to proceed. If you applied in person, you will receive your marriage license immediately.
It is important to note that the marriage license is only valid for 60 days from the date of issuance. You must get married within this time frame, or you will need to apply for a new license.
By following these simple steps, you can obtain a marriage license in Virginia Beach and begin your happily ever after.
Obtaining the Marriage License
To legally get married in Virginia Beach, couples must obtain a marriage license. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to obtain a marriage license in Virginia Beach.
Waiting Period
There is no waiting period to obtain a marriage license in Virginia Beach. Couples can apply for and receive their marriage license on the same day they apply.
Validity Period
The marriage license is valid for 60 days from the date of issuance. Couples must get married within this time frame, or they will need to apply for a new marriage license.
To obtain a marriage license in Virginia Beach, both parties must appear in person at the Virginia Beach Circuit Court Clerk’s office. Here are the steps to follow:
- Bring proper identification: Both parties must bring a government-issued photo ID, such as a driver’s license or passport, to prove their identity and age.
- Fill out the application: Both parties must fill out the marriage license application, which includes personal information such as full names, dates of birth, and social security numbers.
- Pay the fee: The fee for a marriage license in Virginia Beach is $30. This fee can be paid in cash or by credit card.
- Receive the marriage license: After completing the application and paying the fee, the couple will receive their marriage license.
It’s important to note that Virginia Beach only has one public entrance to the courts building where the Circuit Court Clerk’s office is located. Couples must enter through the main entrance of Building 10 at 2425 Nimmo Pkwy.
By following these steps, couples can easily obtain a marriage license and start their journey towards a happy and legal marriage in Virginia Beach.
Legalizing the Marriage
Once the wedding ceremony is complete, the couple must legalize their marriage by completing a few additional steps. This section will outline what those steps are and what the couple needs to do to ensure that their marriage is legally recognized.
Finding an Officiant
Before the couple can legalize their marriage, they must first find an officiant who is authorized to perform the ceremony. The officiant can be a religious leader, a judge, or a justice of the peace. In Virginia Beach, the couple can find a list of authorized officiants on the Circuit Court Clerk’s website.
Completing the Ceremony
Once the couple has found an authorized officiant, they can proceed with the wedding ceremony. During the ceremony, the officiant will ask the couple to exchange vows and rings. Once the vows have been exchanged, the officiant will sign the marriage license.
Returning the License
After the ceremony, the couple must return the signed marriage license to the Circuit Court Clerk’s office. The license must be returned within five days of the ceremony. If the couple fails to return the license within this timeframe, their marriage will not be legally recognized.
To return the license, the couple can either deliver it in person or mail it to the Circuit Court Clerk’s office. If the couple chooses to mail the license, they should use a secure and traceable method of delivery.
Once the license has been received and processed by the Circuit Court Clerk’s office, the couple’s marriage will be legally recognized.
Conclusion
Obtaining a marriage license in Virginia Beach is a straightforward process that involves a few simple steps. Couples must ensure that they meet the eligibility requirements and provide the necessary documentation before applying for a marriage license.
Once the application is submitted and approved, couples can obtain their marriage license and proceed with their wedding plans. It is important to note that the marriage license is valid for 60 days from the date of issuance, and couples must ensure that they get married within this time frame.
Overall, the process of getting a marriage license in Virginia Beach is designed to be simple and efficient. By following the guidelines outlined in this step-by-step guide, couples can ensure that they have all the necessary information and documentation to obtain their marriage license and start their journey together as a married couple.