Cumberland County Marriage Records

Cumberland County marriage records are held at the Circuit Court Clerk's office in Cumberland, Virginia. The clerk issues marriage licenses and maintains the official county record of every marriage performed there. This page covers how to get a certified copy of a Cumberland County marriage certificate, how to apply for a marriage license, and where to find historical documentation going back to 1749.

Cumberland County Circuit Court Clerk

The Cumberland County Circuit Court Clerk in Cumberland handles all marriage licensing and records for the county. The clerk's office is in the Cumberland County Courthouse. Staff issue marriage licenses, process completed returns from officiants, and maintain the full record of every marriage in the county since it was established in 1749 from Goochland County. Marriage records from 1749 to 1840 are part of the documented historical collection.

Cumberland County is a small, rural county in central Virginia between Richmond and Lynchburg. The county courthouse in Cumberland is the center of local government. Because the county has a modest population, the clerk's office handles a manageable volume of requests, and staff are generally able to provide direct assistance to people who call or visit in person.

Visit the Cumberland County Government website for current contact information and office details. Call before visiting to confirm hours and current fees for marriage records requests.

Cumberland County Marriage License Requirements

Both parties must appear together at the Circuit Court Clerk's office to apply for a marriage license. You cannot apply by mail or send a representative. Under Virginia Code § 20-13, a valid license is required for every lawful marriage in Virginia. Each person must present valid government-issued photo ID such as a driver's license or passport. If you have been married before, bring documentation of how that marriage ended.

The application under Virginia Code § 20-16 asks for both parties' full legal names, ages, and home addresses. The license is good for 60 days from the date of issue. There is no waiting period after it is issued, and there is no state residency requirement -- out-of-state couples can get a license in Cumberland County. The minimum age to marry is 18.

After the ceremony, the officiant must return the signed, completed license to the Cumberland 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. That monthly report feeds the state vital records database in Richmond.

Cumberland County Marriage Certificate Copies

Certified copies of Cumberland County marriage records are available from the Circuit Court Clerk in Cumberland or from the Virginia Department of Health. The state holds records from 1936 forward. For marriages before 1936, you need 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. You can also visit at 8701 Park Central Drive, Suite 100, Richmond, VA 23227. Phone: (804) 662-6200. Office 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.

Under Virginia Code § 32.1-271, certified copies of recent records go only to the parties named and their immediate family: spouses, parents, children, siblings, and grandparents. After 25 years, the record is public. Bring valid ID as listed on the VDH ID requirements page. Certified copies under Virginia Code § 32.1-272 carry the state seal and are legally recognized proof of marriage.

Historical Cumberland County Marriage Records

Cumberland County was established in 1749 from Goochland County, and its marriage records include documentation from 1749 to 1840 in the historical collection. The Library of Virginia holds these older marriage records including bonds, registers, and related documentation. These are open for public genealogical research. Many have been digitized and can be searched through the Library's online catalog.

Because Cumberland was formed from Goochland County, researchers tracing family lines before 1749 need to look at Goochland County records. The Library of Virginia has materials for both counties. The Library's reference staff can help identify which county's records apply to a specific family and time period. Their online catalog at lva.virginia.gov is a useful starting point for any research in this part of central Virginia.

The Cumberland County Government website provides contact information for the Circuit Court Clerk's office, the local source for Cumberland County marriage license applications and official records requests.

Virginia Vital Records and Cumberland County

All Cumberland County marriages since 1936 are in the Virginia vital records database. The state Department of Health in Richmond processes certified copy requests and is an alternative to the local clerk for recent marriages. Given the county's rural location, the state office can be a practical option for requestors who are closer to Richmond than to Cumberland.

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 to the Richmond office process faster. Virginia's open records law at Code § 2.2-3704 and the Virginia FOIA Advisory Council provide guidance on access rights. The Virginia Courts system provides general circuit court information statewide.

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

The Library of Virginia holds Cumberland County historical marriage documentation including records from 1749 to 1840 and later materials from the late 1800s.

Genealogical researchers can access Cumberland County marriage bonds and registers at the Library of Virginia, including documentation from the county's formation in 1749 through the 1800s.

Nearby Cities

These Virginia cities near Cumberland County may have additional records resources.

Nearby Counties

These counties border Cumberland County in central Virginia. Each has its own Circuit Court Clerk for marriage records.