Henry County Marriage Records
Henry County marriage records are kept at the Circuit Court Clerk's Office in Martinsville, Virginia. The clerk issues all marriage licenses and maintains the official record of every marriage performed in the county. You can search Henry County marriage records in person at the courthouse, by mail, or through the Virginia Department of Health for marriages from 1936 onward. County records go back to 1777 when Henry was formed from Pittsylvania County.
Henry County Overview
Henry County Circuit Court Clerk
The Henry County Circuit Court Clerk's Office in Martinsville handles all marriage licensing and record maintenance for the county. Staff can search Henry County marriage records by name or year and issue certified copies. Contact the clerk at the Henry County Courthouse in Martinsville to confirm hours and fees before your visit. Certified copies carry the court seal and are valid for legal purposes like name changes and immigration filings.
Virginia law under § 20-14 makes the circuit court clerk the sole authority for issuing marriage licenses in each county. Both parties must appear in person to apply. There is no waiting period. The license is valid for 60 days. Under § 32.1-267, the officiant must return the completed certificate to the clerk within five days. The clerk files the certificate and sends monthly reports to the state, creating the official Henry County marriage record in both systems.
Note that Martinsville is an independent city that borders Henry County but has its own separate court. Marriage licenses for Martinsville are issued by the Martinsville Circuit Court, not the Henry County clerk.
| Office | Henry County Circuit Court Clerk |
|---|---|
| Address | Henry County Courthouse Martinsville, VA |
| Website | henrycountyva.gov |
How to Search Henry County Marriage Records
Visiting the Henry County Courthouse in person is the most direct way to get marriage records. 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 Henry County Circuit Court Clerk with both party names, the approximate year, and payment for the copy fee. Include a self-addressed stamped envelope. Processing usually takes a few weeks.
For marriages from 1936 onward, the Virginia Department of Health Office of Vital Records in Richmond also holds certified copies. Requests can be made 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 identification. Virginia FOIA rules under § 2.2-3704 govern access to public records.
The Henry County Government Portal provides current contact details and information about county services.
Use the county portal to confirm current office hours and any changes to fees or procedures before your visit.
Getting a Marriage License in Henry County
Both applicants must come to the Henry County Courthouse together to apply for a marriage license. Each person needs 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 marriage ceremony.
Both parties must be 18 or older. There is no waiting period and no blood test. The license is good for 60 days. If the ceremony does not happen within that time, you need to apply again. Contact the clerk for the current license fee before visiting. After the wedding, the officiant completes the certificate and sends it to the clerk. That filed document becomes the permanent Henry County marriage record.
Note: Henry County records go back to 1777. For earlier Pittsylvania County records that predate the county's creation, check with the Library of Virginia.
Historical Henry County Marriage Records
Henry County has kept marriage records since 1777, when it was created from Pittsylvania County. Early records include bond books and registers from the late 18th and 19th centuries. These are held at the courthouse in Martinsville and at the Library of Virginia in Richmond. The Library maintains microfilm and digital collections covering historical Henry County marriage records. Researchers can visit at 800 E. Broad Street in Richmond or search the catalog online. Phone is (804) 692-3500.
The Library of Virginia holds historical Henry County marriage records from the late 18th century onward.
The Library's online catalog is searchable at lva.virginia.gov, making it easy to locate specific collections before visiting in person.
Genealogy databases including FamilySearch have some indexed Henry County marriage records. Those free resources are a useful starting point before you pay for certified copies.
State-Level Henry County Records
The Virginia Department of Health keeps certified copies of all Henry County marriage certificates from 1936 onward. The state Office of Vital Records in Richmond processes requests online, by mail, or in person. The fee is $12 per copy. Phone is 804-662-6200. Hours are Monday through Friday, 7:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Mail goes 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 restricted to immediate family. Fees are set under § 32.1-272 and § 32.1-273. The Virginia courts website has contact information for the Henry County clerk's office.
The Virginia Department of Health Vital Records office holds certified copies of Henry County marriage records from 1936 to the present.
The state office processes requests by mail, online, or in person at the Richmond location.
Nearby Cities
Henry County surrounds the independent city of Martinsville. Other nearby cities are in the South Central Virginia region.
Nearby Counties
Henry County borders several counties in South Central Virginia. Check where the couple lived to determine which county holds the records.