Search Gloucester County Marriage Records

Gloucester County marriage records are held at the Circuit Court Clerk's Office at 6882 Main Street in Gloucester, Virginia. The clerk issues all marriage licenses and keeps the official record of every marriage performed in the county. You can get Gloucester County marriage records in person at the courthouse, by mail, or through the Virginia Department of Health for marriages from 1936 onward. Gloucester was established in 1651, giving this county some of the oldest marriage documentation in Virginia.

Gloucester County Circuit Court Clerk

The Gloucester County Circuit Court Clerk's Office at 6882 Main Street handles all marriage licensing for the county. Staff can search Gloucester County marriage records by name or by year and issue certified copies. Call (804) 693-2445 ahead of your visit to confirm hours and fees. The clerk also maintains older historical records, including colonial-era documentation dating back to 1651 when Gloucester County was formed from York County.

Both parties must appear in person to apply for a license. Virginia law under § 20-14 designates circuit court clerks as the sole authority for issuing marriage licenses. There is no waiting period. The license is valid for 60 days. Under § 32.1-267, the officiant returns the completed certificate to the clerk within five days of the ceremony. The clerk files it and reports it to the state monthly. This creates the official Gloucester County marriage record in both local and state systems.

The Gloucester County Circuit Court Clerk page on the county government website has contact details and service information.

Check the county website for any updates to hours or procedures before visiting the courthouse.

Getting Gloucester County Marriage Records

Visit the clerk's office at 6882 Main Street in person for the fastest service. Bring a valid photo ID and the full names of both parties. The clerk can search by name and produce certified copies. Mail requests are also accepted. Write to the clerk with both party names, the approximate year, and payment for the copy fee. Include a self-addressed stamped envelope. Most mail requests take a few weeks to process.

For marriages from 1936 onward, the Virginia Department of Health Office of Vital Records in Richmond also holds certified copies. You can request them online, by mail to P.O. Box 1000 Richmond VA 23218-1000, or in person at 8701 Park Central Drive Suite 100. The fee is $12 per copy. You need to show valid ID with any request. Access to records is governed by § 32.1-271 and Virginia's FOIA law under § 2.2-3704.

The Gloucester County Government Portal provides information about the clerk's office and other county services.

Use the county portal to verify contact details and learn about any changes to record request procedures.

Getting a Marriage License in Gloucester County

Both applicants must come to the Gloucester County Courthouse together to apply for a marriage license. Each person must bring a valid photo ID. The application under § 20-16 asks for 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 ceremony.

Both parties must be 18 or older. There is no waiting period. The license is good for 60 days. If the wedding does not happen within that time, you need a new license. Call (804) 693-2445 to confirm the current fee before your visit. After the ceremony, the officiant completes the certificate and returns it to the clerk. That document is the permanent Gloucester County marriage record.

Historical Marriage Records in Gloucester County

Gloucester County was established in 1651 from York County, making it one of the oldest counties in Virginia. Its marriage records include colonial-era documentation that is rarely found elsewhere. These older records are preserved at the courthouse and at the Library of Virginia in Richmond. The Library maintains extensive colonial-era collections of Gloucester County marriage records, including bond books and registers from the 17th, 18th, and 19th centuries. The Library is at 800 E. Broad Street, Richmond. Phone is (804) 692-3500.

The Library of Virginia holds colonial-era Gloucester County marriage records from the county's earliest years.

Researchers can search the Library's catalog online at lva.virginia.gov before visiting in person.

FamilySearch and Ancestry also have some indexed Gloucester County marriage records. Those databases can be helpful as a starting point for genealogical research before requesting official copies.

State-Level Gloucester County Records

The Virginia Department of Health holds state copies of all Gloucester County marriage certificates from 1936 onward. Requests can be made online, by mail, or in person at the Richmond office. The fee is $12 per certified copy. Office 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.

Under § 32.1-271, records 25 years old or older are generally public. Newer records are limited to immediate family members. The fee structure for certified copies is governed by § 32.1-272 and § 32.1-273. The Virginia courts website has contact information for the Gloucester County clerk if you need to verify details.

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

The state office processes requests from anywhere in the country by mail, online, or in person.

Nearby Cities

Gloucester County is on the Middle Peninsula of Virginia near several independent cities on the Peninsula.

Nearby Counties

Gloucester County borders several counties in the Middle Peninsula and across the York River. Check where the couple lived to identify the correct county for record requests.