Chesapeake Marriage Records Search

Chesapeake marriage records are held by the Chesapeake Circuit Court Clerk at 307 Albemarle Drive. The clerk's office issues marriage licenses and stores all completed marriage certificates for the city. Certified copies of marriages from 1936 forward are also available through the Virginia Department of Health. For older records or in-person research, contact the Chesapeake Circuit Court Clerk directly at (757) 382-3000.

Chesapeake Circuit Court Clerk

The Chesapeake Circuit Court Clerk's office is the primary place for marriage records in the city. The clerk issues all marriage licenses and keeps the official records of completed ceremonies. You can visit the office at 307 Albemarle Drive, Chesapeake, VA 23322. The phone number is (757) 382-3000. The office is open Monday through Friday. Check the city website for current business hours before you go.

Chesapeake is a large independent city with its own full circuit court. The court was formed in 1963 when Norfolk County and the City of South Norfolk consolidated. Marriage records from the former jurisdictions are held by the Chesapeake Circuit Court Clerk. If you need records from before the 1963 consolidation, the clerk can direct you to the correct record set. The court also handles real estate, civil, and criminal matters, so the record room staff are familiar with a wide range of public documents.

Getting a Marriage License in Chesapeake

Both parties must appear in person at the Chesapeake Circuit Court Clerk's office to apply for a marriage license. You each need a valid photo ID such as a driver's license or passport. If either person has been married before, bring a certified copy of the divorce decree or a death certificate for the former spouse. The minimum age to marry in Virginia is 18. No exceptions apply without a court order.

Under Virginia Code § 20-14, the clerk issues the license. Virginia has no waiting period. The license becomes valid the same day it is issued and stays valid for 60 days. The ceremony must happen within Virginia during that 60-day window. After the ceremony, the officiant returns the signed license to the clerk's office. The clerk records the marriage and files a copy with the Virginia Department of Health as required under Virginia Code § 32.1-267.

Note: Marriage license fees vary by city. Call the Chesapeake clerk at (757) 382-3000 to confirm the current fee before your visit.

Certified Copies of Marriage Certificates

You can request a certified copy of a Chesapeake marriage record from two sources depending on the date. For marriages from 1936 to the present, the Virginia Department of Health Vital Records office issues certified copies for $12 under Virginia Code § 32.1-273. You need to fill out form VS6 (Application for Certification of Vital Record) and send it with a copy of your photo ID. Mail requests go to VDH at 2001 Maywill Street, Suite 101, Richmond, VA 23230.

For Chesapeake marriages before 1936, or records from predecessor jurisdictions like Norfolk County and the City of South Norfolk, contact the Chesapeake Circuit Court Clerk directly. The clerk holds those original documents. Fees for clerk-issued copies are different from VDH fees, so ask when you call. Some records may require a written request by mail. Bring or include a self-addressed, stamped envelope if you need the copy mailed back to you.

Under Virginia Code § 32.1-271, marriage records are restricted for 25 years. After that, they are open public records. Before the 25-year mark, only the named parties, immediate family members, or those with a legal need can access the record.

Chesapeake Marriage Record History

Chesapeake was formed on January 1, 1963 through the consolidation of Norfolk County and the City of South Norfolk. Before that date, marriage records from those two jurisdictions were maintained separately. After consolidation, all records came under the authority of the Chesapeake Circuit Court Clerk. Records from former jurisdictions are preserved and accessible through the clerk's office.

For genealogical research, older Chesapeake area marriages may appear under Norfolk County or Princess Anne County records. The Library of Virginia holds many of these pre-consolidation records and has an online catalog for searching. Researchers looking into 19th century marriages in this area should check both the Library of Virginia and older county-level record collections.

The city keeps permanent records of all marriages that have taken place since 1963. If you need to trace a family through the Chesapeake area over multiple generations, start with the city clerk for recent records and the Library of Virginia for older ones.

Chesapeake City Resources

The City of Chesapeake government portal provides information on city services, court access, and local resources. This includes links to the circuit court clerk's office and marriage license services.

The city's online portal is a good starting point before visiting in person or making a phone request to the clerk's office.

Virginia Vital Records

The Virginia Department of Health Vital Records office processes certified copy requests for Chesapeake marriages from 1936 onward. Submit form VS6 with your ID and the $12 fee to receive a copy by mail.

VDH is an efficient option when you cannot travel to the Chesapeake courthouse. Processing times vary but typically run a few weeks for mail requests.

Virginia Marriage Laws

Virginia law covers the full lifecycle of marriage records in Chesapeake. Virginia Code § 20-14 gives the circuit court clerk authority to issue marriage licenses. Virginia Code § 32.1-267 requires that all marriages be registered with the state. The 25-year restriction on access is set out in Virginia Code § 32.1-271, and the $12 fee cap for certified copies is in Virginia Code § 32.1-273. If you have concerns about record access, the Virginia FOIA Council can help under Virginia Code § 2.2-3704.

Chesapeake Independent City Records

Chesapeake is an independent city with its own full circuit court. All marriage records stay within the city's court system rather than going through a county. Use the Virginia Courts site to access the Chesapeake Circuit Court directly.

Virginia Courts System

Nearby Cities

These Virginia cities are close to Chesapeake. Each has its own marriage record resources through their circuit courts.