Marriage Records in Alleghany County

Alleghany County marriage records are kept at the Circuit Court Clerk's Office in Covington, Virginia. The clerk issues marriage licenses and maintains the official record of every marriage performed in the county. You can request copies in person, by mail, or through the Virginia Department of Health for marriages from 1936 onward. Historical records dating back to 1822, when the county was formed from Bath, Botetourt, and Monroe Counties, are also accessible through the clerk and the Library of Virginia.

Alleghany County Circuit Court Clerk

The Alleghany County Circuit Court Clerk's Office is the local source for all marriage licenses and marriage records in the county. The office is at 266 West Main Street in Covington. Staff keep an indexed record of all marriages in the county and can search by the names of either or both parties. Note that Clifton Forge became an independent city in 1906, so records for marriages that took place there during that period may be separate from Alleghany County records.

Under Virginia law, both parties planning to marry must go to the clerk's office together. Virginia does not require residency in the state or county to get a license here. The license is good for 60 days and is valid anywhere in Virginia. After the ceremony, the person who performed the wedding must return the completed certificate to the clerk within five days, as required by Virginia Code § 32.1-267. The clerk then indexes the record and sends a monthly report to the state registrar in Richmond.

The Alleghany County Circuit Court Clerk's office website provides additional information about services and fees. The Library of Virginia holds historical records and can be a useful resource for older Alleghany County marriage documents.

The Alleghany County Circuit Court Clerk office handles all marriage license issuance and record maintenance for the county.

Visit the clerk's office in Covington to request certified copies or to search the index of marriage records in person.

How to Access Alleghany County Marriage Records

The fastest way to get Alleghany County marriage records is to visit the clerk's office at 266 West Main Street in Covington. Bring a valid photo ID and know the names of the parties and the approximate year. Plain copies of records are less expensive than certified copies. Certified copies are issued under § 32.1-272 and fees are set under § 32.1-273.

You can also send a written request to the clerk's office by mail. Include the full names of both parties, the approximate year of the marriage, and a check or money order for the required fee. Send a self-addressed stamped envelope so the clerk can return the copies to you. Mail requests take more time than in-person visits, so plan accordingly.

For certified copies of Alleghany County marriages from 1936 forward, the Virginia Department of Health Office of Vital Records in Richmond is another option. You will need to provide valid identification and pay the state fee. Requests to the state office can be made online, by mail, or in person. The Virginia courts website has contact details for the Alleghany County clerk's office as well.

Historical Alleghany County Marriage Records

Alleghany County was formed in 1822, and its marriage records extend back to that time with some gaps in the historical record. The Library of Virginia maintains microfilm copies of early county marriage records and provides access to genealogical databases that include Alleghany County documentation. The Library's collection covers 19th and early 20th century marriages and can help researchers fill in gaps not covered by the clerk's current records.

The Library of Virginia holds genealogy and historical records for Alleghany County spanning nearly two centuries.

The Library's digital collections and microfilm archives are open to the public and can be searched online or in person at the Library's Richmond location.

The county government's main website at co.alleghany.va.us provides information about county services and can direct you to the right office for records requests.

The county portal is also a useful starting point for finding current contact information and hours for the clerk's office.

Virginia Marriage Record Laws

Virginia law requires a marriage license before any ceremony can take place in the state. § 20-13 sets this requirement, and the application process is defined in § 20-16. After the ceremony, the officiant files the record with the clerk under § 20-20. These records become part of the public record, and access is governed by § 32.1-271. Virginia's Freedom of Information Act at § 2.2-3704 also applies to public record requests. The Virginia FOIA Council can answer questions about your rights to access public documents.

The VDH Vital Records office also holds Alleghany County records for the modern era.

Contact the state office directly for marriages from 1936 onward if you need a certified copy and cannot visit the Covington courthouse.

Cities Near Alleghany County

Covington is an independent city that sits within Alleghany County's borders. Marriage licenses for Covington residents are issued by the same clerk's office that serves the county.

Nearby Counties

Alleghany County sits in western Virginia near the West Virginia border. Several counties border it in the region.