Marriage records in Virginia Beach, Virginia, are available through several channels — online tools, the Circuit Court Clerk's office, an in-person visit, or a mail request. VirginiabeachCourt.us allows for quick access to public information about marriage records in this city. Additionally, certified copies of marriage certificates are issued by the Virginia Beach Department of Health and the Virginia State Office of Vital Records. Marriage licenses are processed by the Circuit Court Clerk's office.
Virginia Beach Marriage Records Search
In the state of Virginia, marriage licenses are issued by the Circuit Court Clerk. In Virginia Beach, this function is performed by the Virginia Beach Circuit Court under the leadership of Clerk of Court Hon. Tina E. Sinnen. This is where the original marriage licenses, returned certificates after the ceremony, and historical marriage records within the city's jurisdiction are kept.
Separately from the court, certified copies of marriage certificates — documents confirming the registration — are issued by the Virginia Department of Health. Marriage records become publicly accessible 25 years after the date of the event. Until then, they can only be obtained by immediate family members or authorized individuals.
Certified Marriage Record Copies and Fees in Virginia Beach
The cost of obtaining copies of a marriage certificate depends on where you apply — the Circuit Court or the State Department of Health. Below are the estimated fees according to the current rates in the state of Virginia.
| Service | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Certified copy (through VDH) | $12.00 | First copy when ordering |
| Additional copy (same order, VDH) | $6.00 | Each subsequent copy of the same record |
| Search fee (VDH) | Included in the cost of the first copy | If the record is not found — the fee is non-refundable |
| Expedited processing (VDH) | Additional fee depends on delivery method | Available for online orders |
| Copy of marriage license (Circuit Court Clerk) | Check with the court office | Fee set according to § 17.1-275 Code of Virginia |
The standard processing time for a request through the Department of Health is several weeks by mail. Online orders are usually processed faster. To obtain a certified copy, you must confirm a familial relationship with the individuals listed on the certificate if less than 25 years have passed since the marriage.
Order Marriage Certificates Online or In Person in Virginia Beach
There are three main ways to order a marriage certificate.
Online
Certified copies of marriage certificates registered in the state of Virginia can be ordered through the Office of Vital Records portal of the Department of Health. An electronic application form is available on the website. You will need:
- Full names of both spouses
- Date of marriage (at least approximate)
- Place of marriage registration
- Valid ID of the applicant
- Payment by credit or debit card
In Person
Contact the Virginia Beach Vital Records Office directly. You can obtain a certified copy of the certificate there if the event took place in Virginia. Bring a photo ID with you.
If you specifically need a copy of the marriage license (not the certificate), contact the Virginia Beach Circuit Court office.
By Mail
Send a request to the Virginia State Office of Vital Records. Include in the envelope:
- Completed application for a copy of the marriage certificate (form can be downloaded from the VDH website)
- Copy of a photo ID
- Check or money order for the appropriate amount, payable to "State Health Department"
- Self-addressed stamped envelope — optional, for expedited delivery
Note: Records less than 25 years old are available only to family members, legal representatives, or other authorized persons. Older records are considered public and can be requested by anyone. If you are unsure which document you need — a license or a certificate — call the court office or the registration department for guidance. Additional information about public records and court cases can be found through VirginiabeachCourt.us.