Craig County Marriage Records Search

Craig County marriage records are on file at the Circuit Court Clerk's office in New Castle, Virginia. The clerk issues marriage licenses and keeps the official county record of all marriages. This page covers how to get a certified copy of a Craig County marriage certificate, how to apply for a license, and where to find historical records for genealogical research.

Craig County Circuit Court Clerk

The Craig County Circuit Court Clerk in New Castle handles all marriage records for the county. The clerk's office is in the Craig County Courthouse in New Castle. Staff issue marriage licenses, receive completed returns from officiants after ceremonies, and maintain the county's marriage records going back to 1851 when Craig County was established from parts of Botetourt, Roanoke, Giles, and Monroe Counties.

Craig County is one of Virginia's smallest and most rural counties. New Castle is the county seat and the location of all major county government functions. Because the county is small, the clerk's office may have limited staffing. Calling ahead before visiting is strongly recommended to confirm current hours, fees, and what you need to bring.

The Craig County Government portal has county service information. Always contact the office directly before making a trip to New Castle to confirm availability and requirements.

Craig 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. Each person needs valid government-issued photo ID. Bring documentation of how any prior marriage ended.

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

Because Craig County is remote and the clerk's office is small, it is worth checking whether the office has appointments or specific drop-in hours for license applications. A phone call before you go can save you a wasted trip.

Craig County Marriage Certificate Copies

Certified copies of Craig County marriage records are available from the Circuit Court Clerk in New Castle 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: P.O. Box 1000, Richmond, VA 23218-1000. 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.

Historical Craig County Marriage Records

Craig County was formed in 1851 from four parent counties: Botetourt, Roanoke, Giles, and Monroe. Its county-level records begin in 1851. Researchers tracing family lines before that date need to look at the records of those parent counties. The Library of Virginia holds historical marriage documentation for Craig County and its predecessor counties.

The Library of Virginia's collections include marriage bonds, registers, and related records from the 1800s for Craig County. Some materials have been digitized and are accessible through their online catalog. For records that have not been digitized, in-person visits or mail requests to the Library in Richmond are necessary. Their reference staff can help identify what is available for Craig County specifically.

The Craig County Government portal provides contact information for county offices including the Circuit Court Clerk in New Castle, the official source for Craig County marriage license applications and records.

Virginia Vital Records and Craig County

All Craig County marriages since 1936 are on file with the Virginia Department of Health in Richmond. The state office processes certified copy requests from the public. For recent records, you can request from either the local clerk in New Castle or the state office. Given Craig County's remote location, the state office may be the more practical option for many people.

Virginia's open records law at Code § 2.2-3704 and the Virginia FOIA Advisory Council govern access rights. The Virginia Courts system has general circuit court information statewide. The Code of Virginia covers all marriage and vital records law provisions.

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

The Library of Virginia holds Craig County historical marriage records dating from the county's 1851 formation and from predecessor counties Botetourt, Roanoke, Giles, and Monroe.

Genealogical researchers can access Craig County historical marriage bonds and registers at the Library of Virginia, along with records from the four predecessor counties from which Craig was formed.

Nearby Cities

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

Nearby Counties

These counties border Craig County. Each maintains its own marriage records at the local Circuit Court Clerk's office.