Search Danville Marriage Records

Danville marriage records go back to 1784 and are held by the Danville Circuit Court Clerk at 401 Patton Street. The clerk issues marriage licenses and keeps all completed marriage certificates on file. Certified copies of marriages from 1936 forward can also be requested from the Virginia Department of Health per copy. Call the Danville clerk at (434) 799-5168 to start your search or ask about older records.

Danville Circuit Court Clerk

The Danville Circuit Court Clerk's office is at 401 Patton Street, Danville, VA 24541. The mailing address is P.O. Box 3300, Danville, VA 24543. You can reach the office by phone at (434) 799-5168. Hours are 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM, Monday through Friday. The clerk maintains public records dating from 1841, with marriage records going back even further to 1784. This is the primary place to get a marriage license, search for a past marriage, or request a certified copy of a marriage certificate.

The Danville court system has three main branches. The Circuit Court at (434) 799-5160 handles felonies, civil cases, and appeals. The General District Court at (434) 799-5164 handles misdemeanors and smaller civil matters. The Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court is at (434) 799-5158. For marriage records specifically, the Circuit Court Clerk is the right contact. The clerk's office at (434) 799-5168 handles marriage license applications and certified copy requests.

Applying for a Marriage License in Danville

Both people must come to the clerk's office in person to apply for a marriage license. Each person needs a valid photo ID. If either party was married before, bring a certified copy of the divorce decree or a death certificate for the former spouse. Under Virginia Code § 20-14, only the circuit court clerk can issue marriage licenses. Virginia has no waiting period. The license is valid for 60 days from the date it is issued.

Danville residents do not need to be Virginia residents to get a license here. There is no residency requirement for marriage in Virginia. The license is valid throughout the state. After the ceremony, the officiant signs and returns the completed license to the clerk. The clerk records the marriage and files a copy with the Virginia Department of Health under Virginia Code § 32.1-267. Call (434) 799-5168 for the current license fee before your visit.

Note: Both parties should bring a certified copy of any prior divorce decree. The clerk may ask for this if it is not clear whether a prior marriage has been legally dissolved.

Getting Certified Copies in Danville

You can request a certified copy of a Danville marriage record from two sources. For marriages from 1936 to the present, go to the Virginia Department of Health Vital Records. The fee is $12 per certified copy as set by Virginia Code § 32.1-273. Submit form VS6 with a copy of your photo ID and payment to VDH at 2001 Maywill Street, Suite 101, Richmond, VA 23230. Online requests are also accepted through the VDH portal.

For marriages before 1936, or for records dating back to 1784, contact the Danville Circuit Court Clerk at (434) 799-5168. The clerk's office also has birth and death records from 1853 to 1896, which can help with older family research. Danville's records date from 1841, and the clerk is well set up to assist with historical record requests.

Under Virginia Code § 32.1-271, marriage records are restricted for 25 years from the date of the event. After 25 years, they become public records open to anyone. Before that period, only the parties named in the record and their immediate family can request copies.

VDH Vital Records for Danville

The Virginia Department of Health is the state-level source for certified Danville marriage certificates from 1936 onward. VDH holds the central registry of all Virginia marriage records. Each search or certified copy costs $12. That fee covers the search whether or not a record is found, under state law. If VDH cannot find the record, they will let you know and direct you to the local circuit court clerk.

The Library of Virginia is another useful resource. The Library of Virginia holds older marriage records from many Virginia localities including the Danville area. This can be a helpful starting point for genealogical research when you do not know the exact year a marriage took place. Many of these records have been digitized and are searchable online.

Danville City Government

The Danville city government portal provides links to city services and court resources including the Circuit Court Clerk's office. Use the site to find current contact information and office hours before visiting.

The city portal also links to other public services in Danville that may be relevant when you need supporting documents for a marriage or name change.

Virginia Vital Records

The Virginia Department of Health Vital Records page walks you through the process of requesting a certified Danville marriage certificate. The VS6 form and instructions are on the site.

Submit the completed form with your ID and payment by mail or in person at the VDH Richmond office to receive your certified copy.

Virginia Laws That Govern Marriage Records

Several Virginia code sections apply to Danville marriage records. Virginia Code § 20-14 governs who can issue a marriage license. Virginia Code § 32.1-267 covers the recording of marriages with the state. The 25-year public access rule is in Virginia Code § 32.1-271. The $12 fee cap is in Virginia Code § 32.1-273. FOIA rights are set out in Virginia Code § 2.2-3704, and the Virginia FOIA Council can assist with any access disputes.

Pittsylvania County Marriage Records

Danville is an independent city adjacent to Pittsylvania County. Residents of the surrounding county handle marriage records through the Pittsylvania County Circuit Court. Visit the county page for more details on those resources.

View Pittsylvania County Marriage Records

Nearby Cities

These Virginia cities are near Danville and have their own circuit court resources for marriage records.