Search Hampton Marriage Records
Hampton marriage records are kept by the Hampton Circuit Court Clerk at 101 Kings Way. The clerk's office issues all marriage licenses for the city and maintains completed marriage certificates. Certified copies of marriages from 1936 forward are also available from the Virginia Department of Health per copy. Call the Hampton Circuit Court at (757) 727-6105 to ask about records, fees, or to confirm what documents to bring.
Hampton Overview
Hampton Circuit Court Clerk
Hampton is an independent city with its own full circuit court. The Hampton Circuit Court Clerk maintains all marriage records for the city and issues marriage licenses. The office is at 101 Kings Way, Hampton, VA 23669. You can reach the clerk by phone at (757) 727-6105. The clerk's page is at hampton.gov/258. Visit the Virginia Courts directory at vacourts.gov for additional contact details and links to court services.
Hampton has a long history as an independent city and was formerly part of Elizabeth City County. The city's own circuit court is the primary source for marriage records from the time the city was formally established. The clerk manages a range of record types in addition to marriage records, including deed recordings, court filings, and probate matters. The record room is available to the public during regular business hours. Call ahead to confirm hours and what documentation is required for your specific request.
| Office | Hampton Circuit Court Clerk |
|---|---|
| Address | 101 Kings Way Hampton, VA 23669 |
| Phone | (757) 727-6105 |
| Clerk Website | hampton.gov/258 |
| Virginia Courts | vacourts.gov |
Getting a Marriage License in Hampton
Both parties must appear in person at the Hampton Circuit Court Clerk's office to apply for a marriage license. Bring a valid photo ID such as a driver's license or passport. If either party was married before, bring a certified copy of the divorce decree or a death certificate for the former spouse. Virginia sets the minimum age to marry at 18. Under Virginia Code § 20-14, the clerk issues all licenses. Virginia has no waiting period. The license is valid for 60 days from the date it is issued.
After the ceremony, the officiant signs the completed license and returns it to the Hampton Circuit Court Clerk. The clerk records the marriage and sends a copy to the Virginia Department of Health as required by Virginia Code § 32.1-267. There is no Virginia residency requirement to get married here. Any couple can apply at the Hampton clerk's office. Call (757) 727-6105 for the current license fee before your visit.
Note: Both parties should be prepared to show proof that any prior marriage has ended, either through divorce or death of the former spouse.
Certified Copies of Hampton Marriage Records
For Hampton marriages from 1936 onward, contact the Virginia Department of Health Vital Records. The fee is $12 per certified copy under Virginia Code § 32.1-273. Submit form VS6 with a photo ID copy and payment to VDH at 2001 Maywill Street, Suite 101, Richmond, VA 23230. Online requests are available as well. For marriages before 1936, contact the Hampton Circuit Court Clerk at (757) 727-6105.
The Library of Virginia holds older marriage records from the Hampton area and Elizabeth City County, which was the predecessor jurisdiction. These can help with genealogical research when the exact date of an older marriage is not known. FamilySearch and other research databases may have indexed Hampton and Elizabeth City County marriages from the 19th and early 20th centuries as well.
Under Virginia Code § 32.1-271, marriage records are restricted for 25 years from the date of the event. After that period ends, they become public records. Before 25 years, only the named parties, immediate family, or those with a legal need can request them.
Hampton Marriage Records History
Hampton is one of the oldest English-speaking settlements in North America, with a history going back to the early 17th century. The city was part of Elizabeth City County until the county was dissolved and the independent city was formed. Marriage records from the Elizabeth City County era are part of the historical archive available through the Hampton Circuit Court and the Library of Virginia. Researchers tracing colonial-era Virginia families often find Hampton area records are among the most complete surviving records from that period.
The Hampton Circuit Court Clerk's office is the current custodian of city marriage records from the modern era. The city has maintained its own court system and record-keeping since independence from the county. If you are searching for a marriage record from before Hampton became an independent city, you may need to search Elizabeth City County records. The Library of Virginia can direct you to the right collection for that period.
Hampton City Resources
The Hampton city government portal provides links to city services including the Circuit Court Clerk's page for marriage license applications and record requests.
The city portal is a good starting point for confirming current clerk office hours and any special requirements for your records request.
Virginia Vital Records
The Virginia Department of Health Vital Records portal handles certified copy requests for Hampton marriages from 1936 onward. Submit form VS6 with your ID and the $12 fee by mail or through the online portal.
VDH processes requests at the Richmond office and returns certified copies by mail. Check the site for current turnaround times before submitting.
Virginia Laws That Apply
Hampton marriage records follow Virginia state law throughout. Virginia Code § 20-14 governs license issuance. Virginia Code § 32.1-267 covers state registration. The 25-year access restriction is in Virginia Code § 32.1-271, and the $12 fee cap is in Virginia Code § 32.1-273. For FOIA guidance, reach the Virginia FOIA Council under Virginia Code § 2.2-3704.
Hampton Independent City Court
Hampton operates its own independent circuit court. Unlike most Virginia cities, Hampton does not share a court with a surrounding county. All marriage filings go directly to the Hampton Circuit Court Clerk at 101 Kings Way. Use the Virginia Courts system for more details on court services.
Nearby Cities
These Virginia cities are near Hampton and each has its own circuit court resources for marriage records.