Bland County Marriage Records

Bland County marriage records are on file at the Circuit Court Clerk's office in Bland, Virginia. The clerk handles marriage license applications and keeps the official county record of all marriages performed there. This page explains how to obtain certified copies of Bland County marriage records, what the license process looks like, and where to find older historical documentation.

Bland County Circuit Court Clerk

The Bland County Circuit Court Clerk is the primary office for marriage records in Bland County. The clerk issues marriage licenses, receives completed licenses from officiants after ceremonies, and maintains the official record of all marriages. The office is located at 209 Jackson Street in Bland, Virginia, inside the Bland County Courthouse.

Bland County was established in 1861 from parts of Wythe, Tazewell, and Giles Counties. It is a small, rural county in southwest Virginia along the I-77 corridor. The clerk's office handles a lower volume of requests than larger urban counties, which often means staff can give you more direct attention. Call ahead to confirm hours and any specific requirements before visiting.

The Bland County Government website provides information about county offices. For marriage records requests, contacting the clerk directly at (276) 688-3642 is the quickest way to get current information on fees and procedures.

Bland County Marriage License Requirements

Both people who want to get married must appear in person at the Circuit Court Clerk's office. Virginia law under Code § 20-13 requires a valid marriage license before any lawful ceremony can take place. You cannot apply by mail or have someone apply for you. Each person must present valid government-issued photo identification.

The license application under Virginia Code § 20-16 asks for your full legal name, age, birthplace, and current address. If you have been married before, you need to show documentation of how that marriage ended. The license is good for 60 days from the date it is issued. There is no waiting period in Virginia, so the ceremony can happen right after you get the license if you choose. The minimum age to marry is 18.

After the ceremony, the officiant must return the signed, completed license to the Bland County Circuit Court Clerk within five days. This is required by Virginia Code § 20-20. The clerk then registers the marriage and sends a monthly report to the Virginia Department of Health, as outlined in Virginia Code § 32.1-267. This is how the record enters the state vital records system.

Bland County Marriage Certificate Copies

You can get a certified copy of a Bland County marriage record from the local Circuit Court Clerk or from the Virginia Department of Health. The state holds records from 1936 onward. For marriages before that, the clerk in Bland is the source.

To request a certified copy from the state, write to the Virginia Department of Health Office of Vital Records at P.O. Box 1000, Richmond, VA 23218-1000. You can also visit in person at 8701 Park Central Drive, Suite 100, Richmond, VA 23227. Phone: (804) 662-6200. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 7:00 AM to 4:00 PM. The fee for a certified copy is $12 under Virginia Code § 32.1-273.

Under Virginia Code § 32.1-271, recent marriage records go only to the individuals named on the record and their immediate family. That includes spouses, parents, children, siblings, and grandparents. After 25 years, the record becomes public. You must show valid ID when submitting a request. The VDH ID requirements page lists what is accepted. Certified copies under Virginia Code § 32.1-272 carry the state seal and are valid for legal purposes.

Historical Bland County Marriage Records

Because Bland County was formed in 1861, its marriage records as a distinct county start at that year. However, many family lines in this area trace back through Wythe, Tazewell, and Giles Counties, where earlier records exist. The Library of Virginia holds marriage documentation for Bland County and its predecessor counties. These records include marriage bonds and registers from the 1800s.

For genealogical research, the Library of Virginia is the primary state archive. Their collections are partially digitized and searchable online. If you are tracing family history in southwest Virginia, the Library's staff can help you identify which county records to search and how to access them. Some records from this region have also been transcribed by local genealogical societies.

The Bland County Government website provides contact information and links to county offices including the Circuit Court Clerk, which handles all marriage licensing and record requests.

Virginia Vital Records and Bland County Marriages

Since 1936, all Virginia counties have reported marriages to the state. The Virginia Department of Health keeps these records in the statewide vital records database. This means for any Bland County marriage from 1936 onward, you can request a certified copy either from the clerk in Bland or from the state office in Richmond.

When submitting a request to VDH, provide both parties' full names, the year, and the county where the marriage was recorded. If you are requesting by mail, include a copy of your valid ID. Mail requests take several weeks to process. For faster service, visit the Richmond office in person. Virginia's open records law at Virginia Code § 2.2-3704 governs public access, and the Virginia FOIA Advisory Council can help if you have questions about your right to records.

The Virginia Department of Health processes certified copy requests for Bland County marriage records from 1936 forward at the $12 fee set by state statute.

The Library of Virginia holds historical marriage records for Bland County and the adjacent southwestern Virginia counties from which it was formed.

Researchers studying Bland County family history can access marriage bonds and registers from the Library of Virginia, including documentation from predecessor counties Wythe, Tazewell, and Giles.

Nearby Cities

These Virginia cities are near Bland County and may offer additional records resources.

Nearby Counties

These counties border Bland County. Each has a Circuit Court Clerk office that maintains its own set of marriage records.