Chesterfield County Marriage Records

Chesterfield County marriage records are maintained at the Circuit Court Clerk's office in Chesterfield, Virginia. One of the most populous counties in Virginia, Chesterfield handles a high volume of marriage license applications and record requests each year. This page explains how to get a certified copy of a Chesterfield County marriage certificate, how to apply for a license, and where to access historical records.

Chesterfield County Circuit Court Clerk

The Chesterfield County Circuit Court Clerk maintains all marriage records for the county. The clerk's office is located in the Chesterfield County Courthouse. It issues marriage licenses, receives completed returns from officiants, and keeps the permanent record of every marriage in the county. Chesterfield was established in 1749 from Henrico County, and its records include a Marriage Register covering 1853 to 1896 among the historical documentation.

Chesterfield County borders the City of Richmond to the south and has grown significantly in population over recent decades. The clerk's office at chesterfield.gov handles a large volume of requests. Given that, it is worth checking the website for any online scheduling or appointment options before visiting in person. Licenses are issued Monday through Friday during regular business hours.

The Chesterfield County Government portal provides detailed information about the clerk's office, current fees, and how to request certified copies of marriage records. Check the site before visiting for the latest instructions.

Chesterfield County Marriage License Requirements

Both parties must appear in person at the Circuit Court Clerk's office. Under Virginia Code § 20-13, a valid license is required for any lawful marriage in Virginia. Each person needs a valid government-issued photo ID. If either person has been married before, bring documentation of how that marriage ended -- a divorce decree or death certificate.

The application under Virginia Code § 20-16 requires both parties' full legal names, ages, and home addresses. The license is valid for 60 days. There is no waiting period after it is issued. The minimum age to marry is 18. There is no residency requirement, so couples from outside Virginia can get a license here.

After the ceremony, the officiant must return the signed license to the Chesterfield County Circuit Court Clerk within five days, per Virginia Code § 20-20. The clerk then records the marriage and sends a monthly report to the Virginia Department of Health under Virginia Code § 32.1-267. For a county of Chesterfield's size, this means thousands of marriage records are added each year to both the local and state registries.

Chesterfield County Marriage Certificate Copies

You can request a certified copy of a Chesterfield County marriage record from either the Circuit Court Clerk or the Virginia Department of Health. The state holds records from 1936 forward. For marriages before 1936, contact the local clerk.

To request from the state, write to the Virginia Department of Health Office of Vital Records at P.O. Box 1000, Richmond, VA 23218-1000, or visit at 8701 Park Central Drive, Suite 100, Richmond, VA 23227. Phone: (804) 662-6200. Hours: 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 go only to the parties named and their immediate family. After 25 years, records are public. Certified copies under Virginia Code § 32.1-272 carry the state seal and are legally valid proof of marriage. Given the county's size and proximity to Richmond, in-person visits to either office are practical for Chesterfield residents.

Historical Chesterfield County Marriage Records

Chesterfield County was formed from Henrico County in 1749. Its historical marriage records include a Marriage Register from 1853 to 1896. The Library of Virginia holds historical documentation for Chesterfield County including marriage bonds, registers, and related records from the 1700s and 1800s. These are open for genealogical research.

The Library of Virginia's collections for Chesterfield County are substantial given the county's long history and its location adjacent to Richmond. Many records have been digitized and are searchable online. For researchers with family roots in the Richmond metropolitan area, Chesterfield County records often intersect with those of Henrico County and the City of Richmond.

The Chesterfield County Government portal provides comprehensive information about the Circuit Court Clerk's office, including marriage license requirements, fees, and how to request certified copies of marriage records.

Virginia Vital Records for Chesterfield County

All Chesterfield County marriages since 1936 are in the state vital records database. The Virginia Department of Health in Richmond processes certified copy requests. Given Chesterfield's proximity to Richmond, visiting the VDH office in person is a practical option for county residents. The offices are near each other.

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 open records framework under Code § 2.2-3704 and the Virginia FOIA Advisory Council govern access rights for government records.

The Virginia Department of Health in Richmond processes certified copy requests for Chesterfield County marriage records from 1936 to the present at the $12 fee set by Virginia statute.

The Library of Virginia holds Chesterfield County historical marriage documentation including bonds and registers from the county's formation in 1749 through the late 1800s.

Researchers can access historical Chesterfield County marriage documentation at the Library of Virginia, including the Marriage Register from 1853 to 1896 and earlier marriage bonds.

Nearby Cities

These Virginia cities near Chesterfield County may offer additional records resources.

Nearby Counties

These counties border Chesterfield County in central Virginia. Each county's Circuit Court Clerk handles its own marriage records.