Clarke County Marriage Records

Clarke County marriage records are held at the Circuit Court Clerk's office in Berryville, Virginia. The clerk issues marriage licenses and maintains the official record of every marriage performed in the county. This page explains how to get a certified copy of a Clarke County marriage certificate, what is needed to apply for a license, and where to find historical documentation going back to the county's formation in 1836.

Clarke County Circuit Court Clerk

The Clarke County Circuit Court Clerk in Berryville handles all marriage records for the county. The clerk's office is in the Clarke County Courthouse in Berryville. Staff issue marriage licenses, process returns from officiants after ceremonies, and maintain the complete record of every marriage since the county was formed in 1836 from Frederick County. Marriage records from 1836 to 1969 are part of the documented historical collection.

Clarke County is in the northern Shenandoah Valley, near the West Virginia state line and not far from the Maryland border. Its location along the Shenandoah River and proximity to major metropolitan areas to the east makes it a popular area for both residents and people who travel into the region to marry. The clerk's office in Berryville handles requests from both county residents and out-of-area visitors.

Visit the Clarke County Government website for current contact information and office details. Call ahead before visiting to confirm hours and fees.

Clarke County Marriage License Requirements

Both parties must appear in person at the Circuit Court Clerk's office to apply for a marriage license. Under Virginia Code § 20-13, a valid license is required for a lawful marriage. Each person needs valid government-issued photo ID. If you have been married before, bring documentation showing how that marriage ended.

The application under Virginia Code § 20-16 asks for full legal names, ages, and addresses. The license is valid for 60 days from issue. There is no waiting period and no residency requirement. The minimum age to marry in Virginia is 18. The entire application process takes place at the clerk's office in Berryville.

After the ceremony, the person who performed it must return the signed, completed license to the Clarke County Circuit Court Clerk within five days, as required by Virginia Code § 20-20. The clerk records the marriage and sends a monthly report to the Virginia Department of Health under Virginia Code § 32.1-267. That report creates the state-level record held in Richmond.

Clarke County Marriage Certificate Copies

Certified copies of Clarke 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, the local clerk is the source.

To request from the state, 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 requests go to 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 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.

Historical Clarke County Marriage Records

Clarke County was formed in 1836 from Frederick County. Its marriage records begin at that year and extend through the present. Marriage records from 1836 to 1969 are part of the county's documented historical collection. The Library of Virginia holds the older portions of these records for genealogical research. Their collections are partially digitized and searchable online.

For researchers tracing family lines before 1836, Frederick County records are the next step. Both Clarke and Frederick County records are held at the Library of Virginia. The Library's reference staff can help identify which records cover specific time periods and family names. Because Clarke County is in the northern Shenandoah Valley, some family histories may also extend into neighboring West Virginia or Maryland counties.

The Library of Virginia at lva.virginia.gov provides an online catalog and research guidance. Their reading room in Richmond is open to the public. For records that are not yet digitized, visiting or writing for copies is the way to access the original documents.

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

Library of Virginia and Clarke County Records

The Library of Virginia in Richmond is the state archive for historical vital records. For Clarke County, this includes marriage bonds, registers, and other documentation from 1836 through the late 1800s and into the 20th century. Many of these materials are accessible through the Library's online catalog. Their staff provide research assistance by phone and email as well as in person.

Virginia's open records framework under Code § 2.2-3704 and the Virginia FOIA Advisory Council govern access rights for government records. The Virginia Courts system provides general information about circuit courts statewide, including Clarke County's court in Berryville. The Code of Virginia covers all vital records and marriage law provisions.

Researchers can access Clarke County historical marriage records at the Library of Virginia, including documentation from the county's 1836 formation through 1969 and beyond.

Nearby Cities

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

Nearby Counties

These counties border Clarke County. Each has its own Circuit Court Clerk's office maintaining local marriage records.