Buckingham County Marriage Records

Buckingham County marriage records are on file at the Circuit Court Clerk's office in Buckingham, Virginia. The clerk handles all marriage license applications and maintains the official record of every marriage in the county. This page explains how to get a certified copy of a Buckingham County marriage certificate, how the license process works, and where to find records going back to the 1700s.

Buckingham County Circuit Court Clerk

The Circuit Court Clerk in Buckingham handles all marriage licensing and records for the county. The office is at 80 Administration Lane in Buckingham, Virginia. The clerk issues marriage licenses, receives completed returns from officiants after ceremonies, and maintains the full record of every marriage in the county since it was established in 1761 from Albemarle County.

Buckingham County is located in the central Virginia Piedmont. The clerk's office is the local source for both recent and historical marriage records. For marriages before 1936, the clerk's records are typically the only official source available. For more recent records, you can also request certified copies from the state in Richmond.

Visit the Buckingham County Government portal for county service information. Call (434) 969-4244 to confirm current fees and hours before your visit.

Buckingham County Marriage License Process

Both parties must appear in person at the Circuit Court Clerk's office. Virginia law under Code § 20-13 requires a valid license for every lawful marriage. Each person must bring valid photo ID. If you were previously married, bring proof of how it ended. The license is good for 60 days from issue. There is no waiting period, and the minimum age to marry is 18.

The application under Virginia Code § 20-16 collects your full legal name, age, birthplace, and current address. There is no state residency requirement -- out-of-state couples can get a license in Buckingham County. After the ceremony, the officiant must return the completed license to the Buckingham County Circuit Court Clerk within five days per Virginia Code § 20-20. The clerk records the marriage and forwards monthly reports to the Virginia Department of Health under Virginia Code § 32.1-267.

Buckingham County Marriage Certificate Copies

You can get a certified copy of a Buckingham County marriage record from the clerk's office in Buckingham or from the Virginia Department of Health. The state holds records from 1936 forward. For earlier marriages, the clerk is the source.

For state requests, contact the Virginia Department of Health Office of Vital Records at 8701 Park Central Drive, Suite 100, Richmond, VA 23227. Phone: (804) 662-6200. Mail: P.O. Box 1000, Richmond, VA 23218-1000. Hours are Monday through Friday, 7:00 AM to 4:00 PM. The fee is $12 per copy under Virginia Code § 32.1-273. Bring valid ID per the VDH ID requirements page.

Under Virginia Code § 32.1-271, certified copies of recent records go only to the individuals named and their immediate family. Records older than 25 years are public. Certified copies under Virginia Code § 32.1-272 carry the state seal and are legally valid.

Historical Buckingham County Marriage Records

Buckingham County's marriage records go back to its formation in 1761. The Library of Virginia holds historical documentation including marriage bonds and registers from the 1700s and 1800s. These records are open for genealogical research. Many have been digitized and are searchable through the Library's online catalog.

Because Buckingham was formed from Albemarle County, researchers tracing family lines back before 1761 may also find relevant documentation in Albemarle County records. The Library of Virginia can help identify what materials are available and in which repository. Their staff can be reached by phone or email for research assistance.

The Buckingham County Government portal provides access to county services and contact information for the Circuit Court Clerk, the primary local source for marriage records in the county.

Virginia Vital Records and Buckingham County

All Buckingham County marriages since 1936 are on file with the state. The Virginia Department of Health Office of Vital Records in Richmond holds these records and processes certified copy requests from the public. For recent records, you can choose between the local clerk and the state office based on convenience.

When submitting a VDH request, include both spouses' full names, the county, and the year of the marriage. Mail requests take several weeks. In-person visits are faster. Virginia's records access law at Code § 2.2-3704 and the Virginia FOIA Advisory Council address questions about access rights.

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

The Library of Virginia holds marriage bonds and registers for Buckingham County dating back to the county's formation in 1761 from Albemarle County.

Researchers can access Buckingham County historical marriage documentation at the Library of Virginia, including 18th and 19th century marriage bonds and registers.

Nearby Cities

These Virginia cities near Buckingham County may offer additional records services.

Nearby Counties

These counties border Buckingham County. Each has a Circuit Court Clerk office that handles its own marriage records.