Frederick County Marriage Records

Frederick County marriage records are kept at the Circuit Court Clerk's Office in Winchester, Virginia. The clerk handles all marriage licensing and maintains every marriage record in the county. You can get Frederick County marriage records at the courthouse at 10 Baker Street, by mail, or through the Virginia Department of Health for marriages from 1936 forward. The county's records go back to 1743 when Frederick was formed from Orange County, making it a valuable source for Shenandoah Valley genealogical research.

Frederick County Circuit Court Clerk

The Frederick County Circuit Court Clerk's Office in Winchester handles all marriage licensing for the county. The office is located at 10 Baker Street in Winchester. Staff can search Frederick County marriage records by name or by year. Certified copies carry the court seal and are valid for legal purposes like name changes or immigration paperwork. Call (540) 722-3470 ahead of your visit to confirm hours and fees.

Both parties must appear in person to apply for a license. Virginia law under § 20-14 makes the circuit court clerk the only authority for issuing marriage licenses in each county. There is no waiting period. The license is valid for 60 days. After the ceremony, the officiant must return the completed certificate to the clerk within five days under § 32.1-267. The clerk files the certificate and sends a monthly report to the state. This puts the Frederick County marriage record in both local and state databases.

The clerk also maintains extensive historical records dating back to 1743, making this office a key resource for anyone researching Shenandoah Valley family history.

Searching Frederick County Marriage Records

Go to the clerk's office at 10 Baker Street in Winchester for the fastest results. Bring a valid photo ID and the names of both parties. The clerk can search by name and produce certified copies on the spot. If you cannot visit in person, send a written request by mail with both party names, the approximate year of the marriage, and payment for the copy fee. Include a self-addressed stamped envelope. Mail requests usually take a few weeks.

For marriages from 1936 onward, the Virginia Department of Health Office of Vital Records in Richmond holds state copies. The state office accepts requests online, by mail, or in person. The fee is $12 per certified copy. You must show valid identification. Mail requests go to P.O. Box 1000, Richmond, VA 23218-1000. Virginia's FOIA law under § 2.2-3704 governs public access to government records. The Virginia FOIA Council can help if you have access questions.

The Library of Virginia holds historical Frederick County marriage records, including significant 18th and 19th century documentation.

Researchers can use the Library's catalog online or visit in person at 800 E. Broad Street in Richmond.

Getting a Marriage License in Frederick County

Both applicants must appear together at the Frederick County Courthouse in Winchester. Each person must bring valid photo identification. The application under § 20-16 requires your full legal name, date and place of birth, current address, Social Security number, and prior marital history. Virginia law under § 20-13 requires a license before any marriage ceremony.

Both parties must be at least 18. There is no waiting period after the clerk issues the license. It expires after 60 days. If the ceremony does not happen within that time, you need a new license. The fee for the license varies; call (540) 722-3470 to confirm the current amount. After the wedding, the officiant completes the certificate and returns it to the clerk. That filed document is the official Frederick County marriage record.

Historical Frederick County Marriage Records

Frederick County was established in 1743 from Orange County and holds one of the older marriage record collections in Virginia. Early records include bond books, registers, and certificates from the 18th and 19th centuries. These are an important resource for anyone with family roots in the Shenandoah Valley. The Library of Virginia in Richmond holds microfilm and digitized copies of older Frederick County marriage records. The Library is at 800 E. Broad Street and can be reached at (804) 692-3500. The Library's online catalog lets you search collections before your visit.

FamilySearch and Ancestry have some indexed Frederick County marriage records from earlier periods. Those databases are worth checking as a starting point before requesting certified copies from the courthouse.

State-Level Records for Frederick County

The Virginia Department of Health holds certified copies of all Frederick County marriage certificates from 1936 onward. You can request copies from the state Office of Vital Records in Richmond online, by mail to P.O. Box 1000 Richmond VA 23218-1000, or in person at 8701 Park Central Drive Suite 100. Phone is 804-662-6200 and hours are Monday through Friday, 7:00 AM to 4:00 PM. The fee is $12 per certified copy.

Under § 32.1-271, records 25 years old or older are generally available to the public. Newer records are limited to immediate family members. Fees for certified copies are governed by § 32.1-272 and § 32.1-273. The Virginia courts website has contact information for the Frederick County clerk.

The Virginia Department of Health Vital Records office holds certified copies of Frederick County marriage records from 1936 to the present.

The state office processes requests by mail, online, or in person from the Richmond location.

Nearby Cities

Frederick County surrounds the independent city of Winchester. Other cities in the region include those to the east and south.

Nearby Counties

Frederick County borders several counties in the northern Shenandoah Valley and the Eastern Panhandle area. Check where the couple lived to determine the right county for record requests.