Access Goochland County Marriage Records
Goochland County marriage records are on file at the Circuit Court Clerk's Office at 1800 Sandy Hook Road in Goochland, Virginia. The clerk issues all marriage licenses and keeps the official record of every marriage performed in the county. You can search Goochland County marriage records in person at the courthouse, by mail, or by contacting the Virginia Department of Health for marriages from 1936 forward. The county's records go back to 1728 when it was formed from Henrico County.
Goochland County Overview
Goochland County Circuit Court Clerk
The Goochland County Circuit Court Clerk's Office at 1800 Sandy Hook Road handles all marriage licensing and record maintenance for the county. Staff can search Goochland County marriage records by name or by year and produce certified copies on request. Call (804) 556-5843 before your visit to confirm current hours and fees. Certified copies carry the court seal and are valid for legal purposes.
Virginia law under § 20-14 of the Code of Virginia makes the circuit court clerk the only office that can issue marriage licenses in each county. Both parties must appear together in person to apply. 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 per § 32.1-267. The clerk files the certificate and reports it to the state monthly. That creates the official Goochland County marriage record in both local and state systems.
| Office | Goochland County Circuit Court Clerk |
|---|---|
| Address | 1800 Sandy Hook Road Goochland, VA 23063 |
| Phone | (804) 556-5843 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM |
| Website | goochlandva.us |
How to Get Goochland County Marriage Records
Visiting the clerk's office at 1800 Sandy Hook Road in person is the quickest option. Bring a valid photo ID and the names of both parties. The clerk can search by name and make certified copies. For mail requests, write to the Goochland County Circuit Court Clerk at 1800 Sandy Hook Road, Goochland, VA 23063. Include both party names, the year, and payment for the copy fee. Add a self-addressed stamped envelope. Processing usually takes a couple of weeks.
The Virginia Department of Health Office of Vital Records in Richmond holds state copies of all Goochland County marriages from 1936 forward. The state office accepts requests 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 certified copy. You need valid identification. Virginia's FOIA law under § 2.2-3704 sets the rules for public access to government records.
The Goochland County Government website provides current information about county services and the clerk's office.
Use the county website to find up-to-date contact details and any changes to fees or office procedures.
Marriage License Requirements in Goochland County
Both applicants must come to the Goochland County Courthouse together to apply for a marriage license. Each person needs a valid government-issued photo ID. The application under § 20-16 asks for your full legal name, date and place of birth, current address, Social Security number, and marital history. Virginia law under § 20-13 requires a license before any marriage ceremony can take place.
Both parties must be 18 or older. There is no waiting period and no blood test required. The license is valid for 60 days. If the ceremony does not happen within that time, you need to apply again. The fee varies; call (804) 556-5843 to confirm the current amount. After the wedding, the officiant fills in the date and other details, then returns the certificate to the clerk. That filed certificate becomes the permanent Goochland County marriage record.
Note: Under § 32.1-271, marriage records that are 25 years old or older are generally available to the public in Virginia.
Historical Goochland County Marriage Records
Goochland County has kept marriage records since 1728, when it was formed from Henrico County. Early records include bond books and registers from the 18th and 19th centuries. Many of these are held at the courthouse and at the Library of Virginia in Richmond. The Library maintains microfilm and digital collections of historical Goochland County marriage records. Researchers can visit at 800 E. Broad Street in Richmond or search the catalog online. Library staff can assist with genealogical research requests. Phone is (804) 692-3500.
The Library of Virginia holds historical Goochland County marriage records dating to the 18th century.
The Library's collections for Goochland County are part of a broader archive of Central Virginia marriage documentation.
Genealogy databases like FamilySearch have indexed some Goochland County marriage records, especially from earlier decades. Those are free starting points before you request certified copies.
State-Level Records for Goochland County
The Virginia Department of Health keeps certified copies of all Goochland County marriage certificates from 1936 onward. The state Office of Vital Records at 8701 Park Central Drive Suite 100 in Richmond processes requests online, by mail, or in person. The fee is $12 per copy. Hours are Monday through Friday, 7:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Phone is 804-662-6200. Mail goes to P.O. Box 1000, Richmond, VA 23218-1000.
Fees are set under § 32.1-272 and § 32.1-273. Records under 25 years old are restricted to immediate family. The Virginia courts website provides contact information for the Goochland County clerk's office.
The Virginia Department of Health Vital Records office holds certified copies of Goochland County marriage records from 1936 to the present.
The state office can process requests by mail, online, or in person from the Richmond location.
Nearby Cities
Goochland County is just west of Richmond and is close to several independent cities in the Richmond metro area.
Nearby Counties
Goochland County borders several Central Virginia counties. Check where the couple lived to determine which county issued the marriage license.