To marry in Virginia, you need to meet specific legal requirements to ensure your marriage is valid. Understanding these rules can help you avoid any issues, so it’s essential to know what you need to do before getting married.
Age and consent requirements
In Virginia, the legal age for marriage is 18. If either party is younger than 18, they must get permission from a judge to marry. Individuals between 16 and 18 can marry with parental consent, as long as their spouse is not older than 18. Without these permissions, Virginia will not recognize the marriage.
Marriage license
To marry in Virginia, you must apply for a marriage license at a Circuit Court. Both parties need to be present to submit the application and provide proof of identification. You can use a driver’s license, passport, or another government-issued ID. Virginia does not have a waiting period, so you can marry immediately after receiving the license. However, the marriage license expires after 60 days, so make sure you marry before then.
Prohibited marriages
Virginia law prohibits certain types of marriages. You cannot marry close relatives such as parents, siblings, grandparents, or cousins. Virginia also prohibits bigamy, so you cannot marry if you are already married to someone else. After the U.S. Supreme Court ruling in 2014, Virginia legalized same-sex marriage, which had been previously prohibited.
Marriage ceremony
Virginia does not require a religious ceremony for your marriage to be valid, but you must have an official ceremony performed by someone authorized to marry you. Religious figures, judges, or even notaries public can conduct the ceremony, as long as they have the legal authority. After the ceremony, the officiant must file the marriage certificate with the local government to legally recognize the marriage.
Meeting these requirements ensures your marriage is legally valid in Virginia. Make sure both parties meet the age and consent rules, get the proper marriage license, and have an authorized officiant perform the ceremony. Knowing the legal steps ahead of time helps the process go smoothly when you exchange vows.
