Fauquier County Marriage Records

Fauquier County marriage records are held at the Circuit Court Clerk's Office in Warrenton, Virginia. The clerk issues all marriage licenses in the county and keeps the official record of every marriage performed here. You can search Fauquier County marriage records in person at the courthouse or request certified copies through the Virginia Department of Health for marriages from 1936 forward. The county's records go back to 1759, making this office a key resource for genealogical research in Northern Virginia.

Fauquier County Circuit Court Clerk

The Fauquier County Circuit Court Clerk's Office handles all marriage licensing for the county and keeps an indexed record of every marriage performed here. The office sits in the Fauquier County Courthouse in Warrenton. Staff can look up records by name or by the year the license was issued. The clerk also maintains bond books, marriage registers, and historical documentation going back to 1759 when Fauquier County was formed from Prince William County.

Both applicants must show up in person at the clerk's office to apply for a marriage license. Virginia does not impose any waiting period, so you can get married the same day if you want. Under Virginia Code § 20-14, circuit court clerks are the sole authority for issuing marriage licenses in each county. The license stays valid for 60 days. After the ceremony, the officiant must return the completed certificate to the clerk within five days, as required by § 32.1-267.

The clerk then files the certificate and reports it monthly to the state. This is how Fauquier County marriage records end up in both the local and state systems.

How to Find Fauquier County Marriage Records

The fastest way to get Fauquier County marriage records is to visit the clerk's office in person at the Warrenton courthouse. Call ahead at (540) 347-6363 to confirm hours and fees. Bring a valid photo ID and the full names of both parties. The clerk can search by name and issue certified copies the same day. Certified copies carry the court seal and are accepted for legal purposes like name changes or proving marital status.

You can also request records by mail. Send a written request to the clerk's office with the names of both parties, the approximate year of the marriage, and a check or money order for the copy fee. Include a self-addressed stamped envelope. Processing times vary, but the clerk tries to respond within a few weeks. For marriages from 1936 onward, you have a second option through the Virginia Department of Health Office of Vital Records in Richmond. The state office handles requests online, by mail, and in person. You will need to show valid ID and pay the $12 fee per certified copy.

Virginia's Freedom of Information Act, covered under § 2.2-3704, governs public access to government records. The Virginia FOIA Council has guidance if you run into access issues. Most marriage records in Fauquier County are open to the public under § 32.1-271, though records less than 25 years old may have some access limits.

The Virginia Department of Health Vital Records office holds certified copies of Fauquier County marriage records from 1936 forward.

The state office can process requests from anywhere in the country, so mail or online requests work well if you cannot travel to Warrenton.

Getting a Marriage License in Fauquier County

To get a Fauquier County marriage license, both parties must go to the clerk's office together. Each person must bring a valid photo ID such as a driver's license, state ID, or passport. Under Virginia Code § 20-13, a license is required before any marriage ceremony can take place. The license application under § 20-16 asks for each person's full legal name, date of birth, place of birth, current address, and Social Security number. You will also need to state whether you have been married before.

Both parties must be at least 18 years old. Virginia does not allow marriage below age 18 under any circumstances. There is no waiting period once the clerk issues the license, so the ceremony can happen right away. The license is valid for 60 days from the date issued. If the wedding does not happen within that time, you need a new license.

Fees for the license vary. Contact the clerk at (540) 347-6363 to confirm the current cost before your visit. Cash and sometimes checks are accepted, but it is best to call ahead.

Historical Fauquier County Marriage Records

Fauquier County was formed in 1759 from Prince William County, and its marriage records span more than two and a half centuries. Early records include marriage bonds and registers from the 18th and 19th centuries. These older records are preserved at the clerk's office and at the Library of Virginia in Richmond. The Library holds microfilm and digital collections of historical Fauquier County marriage bonds, licenses, and registers that researchers can access in person or online.

The Library of Virginia maintains historical marriage records for Fauquier County, including collections covering the 18th and 19th centuries.

The Library's catalog is searchable online, and staff can help you navigate the collections if you are doing genealogical work.

FamilySearch and Ancestry also have some indexed Fauquier County marriage records from earlier decades. Those free and subscription databases can be a good first step before ordering certified copies from the courthouse or state office. The Library of Virginia is located at 800 E. Broad Street in Richmond and can be reached at (804) 692-3500.

Fauquier County Records at the State Level

The Virginia Department of Health keeps state-level copies of all marriage certificates filed by county clerks. For Fauquier County marriages from 1936 onward, you can get a certified copy from the Office of Vital Records in Richmond. The state office is located at 8701 Park Central Drive Suite 100, Richmond, VA 23227. Phone is 804-662-6200 and hours are Monday through Friday, 7:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Mail requests go to P.O. Box 1000, Richmond, VA 23218-1000. The fee is $12 per certified copy.

Only immediate family members can get certified copies of marriage records that are less than 25 years old. This restriction is set out in § 32.1-271. Records 25 years old or older are generally public. Fees for certified copies are established under § 32.1-272 and § 32.1-273. The clerk reports all marriages monthly to the state, which keeps an indexed copy for record-keeping and vital statistics purposes. The Virginia courts website also has contact information for the Fauquier County clerk's office if you need to verify details before visiting.

Nearby Cities

Fauquier County is in Northern Virginia. Several independent cities and towns are located nearby.

Nearby Counties

Fauquier County borders several other counties in Northern and Central Virginia. If you are not sure which county issued a license, check where the couple lived at the time.