Lexington Marriage Records
Lexington marriage records are held by the Rockbridge County Circuit Court Clerk, which serves both Lexington City and the surrounding county. The clerk's office at 300 White Street issues marriage licenses and stores completed marriage certificates. Certified copies of marriages from 1936 forward are available from the Virginia Department of Health. For older records or to apply for a license, call the clerk at (540) 463-3185.
Lexington Overview
Rockbridge County Circuit Court Clerk
Lexington is the county seat of Rockbridge County and serves as the location for the shared circuit court that handles records for both the city and the county. The circuit court clerk's office is at 300 White Street, Lexington, VA 24450. The phone number is (540) 463-3185. This is the main office for Lexington marriage licenses and historical record research. The Buena Vista clerk's office at 2039 Sycamore Ave also serves the Rockbridge area, but Lexington residents typically use the 300 White Street location.
The Rockbridge County Circuit Court has marriage records going back to the early establishment of the county. Lexington as an independent city shares the same court structure, so all marriage records for city residents are maintained alongside county records in the same clerk's office. The Virginia Courts directory lists current contact information and links for the Rockbridge circuit. Call the clerk at (540) 463-3185 before visiting to confirm current hours and any specific documentation you may need.
| Office | Rockbridge County Circuit Court Clerk |
|---|---|
| Address | 300 White Street Lexington, VA 24450 |
| Phone | (540) 463-3185 |
| Court Website | courts.state.va.us |
Getting a Marriage License in Lexington
Both parties must appear in person at the Rockbridge County Circuit Court Clerk's office to apply for a marriage license. Bring a valid photo ID. If either person was previously married, bring a certified copy of the divorce decree or a death certificate for the former spouse. Virginia requires both applicants to be at least 18 years old. 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 license and returns it to the clerk's office. The clerk records the marriage and sends a copy to the Virginia Department of Health as required by Virginia Code § 32.1-267. Lexington's location between Buena Vista and the Shenandoah Valley means the area draws couples from across the region. The clerk's office at 300 White Street handles all Lexington license applications. Call (540) 463-3185 for the current fee before your visit.
Certified Copies of Lexington Marriage Records
For marriages from 1936 onward, request a certified copy from the Virginia Department of Health Vital Records office. The fee is $12 per copy under Virginia Code § 32.1-273. Fill out form VS6 and send it with a photo ID copy and payment to VDH at 2001 Maywill Street, Suite 101, Richmond, VA 23230. Online requests are also available through the VDH portal.
For marriages before 1936, contact the Rockbridge County Circuit Court Clerk at (540) 463-3185. The clerk holds records from the county's founding and can assist with historical requests. The Rockbridge area has marriage records going back to the late 1700s, making it useful for genealogical research into Shenandoah Valley families. The Library of Virginia also holds indexed marriage records from this region for researchers who do not know the exact date of a marriage.
Under Virginia Code § 32.1-271, marriage records are restricted for 25 years from the date of the event. Records older than 25 years are open to the public. Before that date, only the named parties, immediate family, or those with a legal need can request them.
Lexington Marriage Record Resources
Lexington residents can also use the same Rockbridge County clerk resources as Buena Vista, since both cities are served by the same office. The clerk at 300 White Street in Lexington handles Lexington city records specifically. For Buena Vista records, the clerk's other office at 2039 Sycamore Ave is the point of contact. If you are unsure which office has the record you need, call either location and they can direct you.
The Library of Virginia at lva.virginia.gov holds older Rockbridge County marriage records and other related historical documents. FamilySearch has indexed Virginia marriage records that include entries from the Rockbridge County area. These third-party resources can help you identify a record before you request an official copy from the clerk or VDH.
For FOIA questions about access to restricted records, contact the Virginia FOIA Council under Virginia Code § 2.2-3704.
Virginia Vital Records
The Virginia Department of Health Vital Records portal handles certified copy requests for Lexington marriages from 1936 forward. Submit form VS6 with your ID and the $12 fee to receive a certified copy by mail.
VDH processes mail-in requests at their Richmond office. Online requests may be faster. Check the VDH site for current processing times before submitting.
Virginia Marriage Laws
Lexington 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 restriction is in Virginia Code § 32.1-271. The $12 fee cap is in Virginia Code § 32.1-273. For FOIA guidance, the Virginia FOIA Council can help under Virginia Code § 2.2-3704.
Rockbridge County Marriage Records
Lexington shares its circuit court with Rockbridge County. All marriage records for both the city and the county are in the same clerk's office. Visit the Rockbridge County page for more information on the shared court and available record services.
Nearby Cities
These Virginia cities are near Lexington and have their own circuit court resources for marriage records.