Marriage records in the city of Richmond, Virginia, are available through several channels. RichmondVACourt.us allows quick access to public information about marriage records in this city. Additionally, records can be obtained directly from the Circuit Court Clerk's office by visiting the institution in person or sending a request by mail. The state of Virginia also provides access to records through the Office of Vital Records at the Department of Health.
Richmond Marriage Records Search
In the city of Richmond, marriage records are maintained by the Circuit Court Clerk. According to Section 17.1-208 of the Virginia Code, most records maintained by the Circuit Court Clerk are public. The collection includes issued marriage licenses, registered marriage certificates, and historical records dating back to the 19th century.
In addition to the local level, the Virginia Office of Vital Records maintains marriage records from 1936 to the present. This office is located in Richmond and accepts visitors without an appointment.
Circuit Court Clerk for the City of Richmond
Virginia Office of Vital Records
Certified Marriage Record Copies and Fees in Richmond
The cost of obtaining copies of marriage records depends on whether you contact the local Circuit Court Clerk or the state Office of Vital Records. Below are the estimated fees.
| Service | Fee | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Certified Copy (Office of Vital Records) | $12.00 | Virginia Department of Health |
| Additional Copy (same order, Vital Records) | $12.00 | Virginia Department of Health |
| Certified Copy (Circuit Court Clerk) | Check with the Clerk's office | Richmond Circuit Court Clerk's Office |
| Search Fee (Office of Vital Records) | Included in the copy fee | Virginia Department of Health |
The specific fee for a certified copy at the Richmond Circuit Court Clerk's office should be confirmed by calling 804-646-6505, as local fees may differ from state fees. The processing time for a request through the Office of Vital Records is typically several weeks for mail requests.
Order Marriage Certificates Online or In Person in Richmond
There are three main ways to order a marriage certificate.
Online
The state of Virginia allows ordering certified copies of marriage records online. The Office of Vital Records offers an online ordering system on its website. Additionally, certified copies of vital records (including marriage records) can be ordered through Virginia DMV offices.
In Person
To obtain a copy directly from the office:
- Visit the Richmond Circuit Court Clerk's office at 400 N. 9th Street, Richmond, VA 23219, during business hours (Monday – Friday, 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM).
- Present a valid photo ID.
- Pay the appropriate fee (various forms of payment are accepted — confirm in advance).
You can also visit the Office of Vital Records at 8701 Park Central Drive, Suite 100, Richmond, VA 23227 — the visitor lobby operates without an appointment.
By Mail
To order a certified copy by mail through the Office of Vital Records, send:
- A completed application (the form can be downloaded from the Office of Vital Records website).
- A copy of a photo ID.
- A check or money order for the appropriate amount, made payable to "State Health Department."
- A self-addressed stamped envelope (optional, for expedited delivery).
Send the mail application to:
For requests to the Richmond Circuit Court Clerk, call 804-646-6505 to determine what documents need to be included in the mail request and confirm the current fee. Note: RichmondVACourt.us can also be useful for an initial search of marriage record information before contacting official institutions.