Henrico County Marriage Records

Henrico County marriage records are maintained by the Circuit Court Clerk in Richmond, Virginia. The county offers an online marriage license application at marriage.henrico.gov, making it one of the more convenient options in the state for starting the process before you visit in person. For certified copies of existing records, you can contact the clerk or the Virginia Department of Health.

Henrico County Circuit Court Clerk

The Henrico County Circuit Court Clerk's Office issues marriage licenses and maintains marriage records for all marriages performed in the county. Henrico County is one of the few jurisdictions in Virginia with an online pre-application system. Couples can start their application at marriage.henrico.gov before visiting the office, which can speed things up considerably.

Henrico County was established in 1634 as one of Virginia's original eight shires. That makes its marriage record collection one of the longest-running in the United States. Records dating to the colonial period are preserved and accessible through the Library of Virginia and the clerk's office. The indexed record set allows searches by either party's name.

The office can be reached by phone at (804) 501-4202. The Henrico County website has full contact details and directions to the courthouse.

Henrico County Online Marriage License Application

Henrico County's online marriage application system sets it apart from most Virginia counties. Couples can go to marriage.henrico.gov and fill out the application in advance. This does not replace the in-person visit, but it reduces the time you spend at the clerk's office when you arrive.

Both applicants still need to appear in person to sign and swear to the application under Virginia Code § 20-16. That step cannot happen online. But doing the data entry ahead of time means the staff can process your application faster once you are there. You will need to bring valid photo identification for both parties.

Virginia has no residency requirement for marriage, so any couple can apply in Henrico County regardless of where they live. The license is valid for use anywhere in Virginia once it is issued.

Getting Henrico County Marriage Certificates

Certified copies of Henrico County marriage records are available from two sources. The local circuit court clerk has records going back to the 1600s. The Virginia Department of Health covers marriages from 1936 to the present.

To request a certified copy from the VDH, you can apply online, mail in your request, or walk in. Walk-in service is available at 8701 Park Central Drive, Suite 100, Richmond, VA 23227, Monday through Friday from 7:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Phone: 804-662-6200. Each certified copy is $12. The fee can be paid by check, money order, credit card, mobile pay, or cash at the walk-in location.

Mail requests go to: VDH Office of Vital Records, P.O. Box 1000, Richmond, VA 23218-1000. Include a signed request, a photocopy of your ID, and a $12 payment per copy. Under § 32.1-272, certified copies issued by the VDH are prima facie evidence of the marriage facts they contain and carry the same legal weight as the original.

Under § 32.1-271, records less than 25 years old are restricted to immediate family members. Older records are public and available to any requester. Veterans and their survivors can request one free certified copy to support a service-connected benefits claim under § 32.1-273.

Henrico County Historical Marriage Records

As one of Virginia's original 1634 shires, Henrico County has one of the oldest marriage record collections in the country. Colonial-era records document marriages from the 17th and 18th centuries, providing a rare window into early American family life in what is now the Richmond metro area.

The Library of Virginia in Richmond holds extensive Henrico County marriage records, including colonial-era documentation. The Library maintains microfilm collections and digital indexes covering the county's historical records. Researchers can search the Library's online catalog to find specific record sets before visiting. The Library is located at 800 East Broad Street, Richmond, VA 23219.

The Library of Virginia also holds records transferred from the State Registrar that have become public information under the 25-year rule. These include older marriage certificates and supporting documentation. Under Virginia law, records older than 25 years move to the Library for public access and preservation.

Henrico County Marriage Record Sources

The Henrico County Government portal provides information on county services including the circuit court clerk's office and the online marriage license application system.

The portal also links to marriage.henrico.gov, where couples can begin their marriage license application online before visiting the clerk's office in person.

The Library of Virginia holds colonial-era Henrico County marriage records dating to the county's establishment in 1634.

These colonial records at the Library are accessible to researchers and represent some of the oldest continuous marriage documentation in the United States.

The Virginia Department of Health provides certified copies of Henrico County marriage records for events from 1936 forward.

State-level certified copies are accepted as prima facie evidence in all courts and proceedings in Virginia.

Cities Near Henrico County

Henrico County surrounds much of the Richmond area. Nearby independent cities each have their own records offices.

Nearby Counties

These counties border Henrico County and each maintains its own marriage records through the local circuit court clerk.