Charles City County Marriage Records

Charles City County marriage records are held at the Circuit Court Clerk's office in Charles City, Virginia. One of Virginia's oldest counties, its records span centuries of marriage documentation. This page explains how to obtain certified copies of Charles City County marriage records, how to apply for a marriage license, and how to access historical records going back to the colonial era.

Charles City County Circuit Court Clerk

The Circuit Court Clerk in Charles City handles all marriage licensing and records for the county. The office is in the Charles City County Courthouse. The clerk issues marriage licenses, receives returns from officiants, and maintains the complete record of every marriage in the county. Charles City County was established in 1634 as one of Virginia's original shires, making it among the oldest counties in the United States.

The county's records include significant colonial-era documentation, though it is important to note that some early records were destroyed in a courthouse fire in 1787. Records from after that date are generally intact. For researchers looking into family history in the lower James River area, Charles City County's clerk's office and the Library of Virginia are the two main sources.

The Charles City County Government website provides contact information for the clerk's office. Because Charles City is a small, rural county, calling ahead is especially important to confirm hours and current procedures.

Getting a Marriage License in Charles City County

Both parties must appear in person at the Circuit Court Clerk's office. Under Virginia Code § 20-13, a valid license is required for every lawful marriage. Each person needs valid government-issued photo ID. Bring proof of how any prior marriages ended.

The application under Virginia Code § 20-16 asks for both parties' full names, ages, and addresses. The license is valid for 60 days. There is no waiting period and no residency requirement. The minimum age is 18. After the ceremony, the officiant must return the completed license to the Charles City County Circuit Court Clerk within five days per Virginia Code § 20-20. The clerk reports the marriage to the state monthly under Virginia Code § 32.1-267.

Because Charles City is a very small county, the clerk's office may have limited staffing. Confirm the best time to visit by phone before you go. The county courthouse has served as the center of local government for nearly 400 years.

Charles City County Marriage Certificate Copies

Certified copies of Charles City County marriage records are available from the local Circuit Court Clerk or from the Virginia Department of Health. The state holds records from 1936 forward. For marriages before 1936, contact the local clerk.

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 certified copy under Virginia Code § 32.1-273. Show valid ID per VDH requirements.

Under Virginia Code § 32.1-271, certified copies of recent records are restricted to the parties named and their immediate family. Records more than 25 years old are public. Certified copies under Virginia Code § 32.1-272 carry the state seal and serve as legal proof of the marriage.

Historical Charles City County Marriage Records

Charles City County was established in 1634, making its historical records among the oldest in the United States. A courthouse fire in 1787 destroyed some early colonial records. Those records that survived from before 1787, along with all records from after, are held at the Library of Virginia. The Library's collections for Charles City County include marriage bonds and registers from the surviving colonial period through the 1800s and beyond.

The Library of Virginia's role in preserving these records is particularly important for Charles City County. Researchers with family ties to this area of the lower James River -- between Richmond and Williamsburg -- will find the Library's collections invaluable. Their staff can identify what survived the 1787 fire and what records are available for specific time periods. Marriage records beginning in 1762 are part of the documented post-fire collection.

The Library's online catalog at lva.virginia.gov allows remote searching. Many records have been digitized and are accessible from anywhere. For original documents that have not been digitized, in-person visits or mail requests to the Richmond reading room are necessary.

The Charles City County Government website provides contact information for the Circuit Court Clerk's office, which handles marriage license applications and maintains current marriage records for this historically significant Virginia county.

Virginia Vital Records and Charles City County

All Charles City County marriages since 1936 are on file with the state. The Virginia Department of Health in Richmond holds these records and processes certified copy requests. For recent marriages, you can choose between the local clerk and the state office.

When requesting from VDH, include both spouses' full names, the county, and the year. Mail requests take several weeks. In-person visits are faster. Virginia's open records law at Code § 2.2-3704 and the Virginia FOIA Advisory Council address access rights questions. The Virginia Courts system provides general circuit court information statewide.

The Virginia Department of Health in Richmond processes certified copy requests for Charles City County marriage records from 1936 to the present at $12 per copy.

The Library of Virginia holds colonial-era and 19th century marriage documentation for Charles City County, one of the oldest counties in the United States.

Researchers can access surviving Charles City County colonial and 19th century marriage bonds and records at the Library of Virginia, including post-1762 documentation following the 1787 courthouse fire.

Nearby Cities

These Virginia cities near Charles City County may offer additional records services.

Nearby Counties

These counties border Charles City County along the James River. Each county's Circuit Court Clerk maintains its own marriage records.