Search James City County Marriage Records

James City County marriage records are held at the Circuit Court Clerk's Office in Williamsburg, Virginia. The clerk issues all marriage licenses and maintains the official record of every marriage performed in the county. You can search James City County marriage records in person at the courthouse, by mail, or through the Virginia Department of Health for marriages from 1936 forward. James City County was established in 1634 as one of Virginia's original shires, making it one of the oldest continuous jurisdictions in the United States.

James City County Circuit Court Clerk

The James City County Circuit Court Clerk's Office in Williamsburg handles all marriage licensing and record keeping for the county. Staff can search James City County marriage records by name or year and issue certified copies. Contact the clerk before your visit to confirm hours and fees. The clerk's office shares a courthouse with the independent city of Williamsburg, but the two are separate jurisdictions with separate records.

Virginia law under § 20-14 designates circuit court clerks as the sole authority to issue marriage licenses. Both parties must appear in person together. 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 of the ceremony. The clerk files it and reports monthly to the state, creating the official James City County marriage record in both local and state systems. The county's records go back to the early colonial period, giving this office one of the longest marriage record collections in Virginia.

The James City County Government Portal has current information on county services and the clerk's office.

Use the county portal to confirm office hours and find the most current contact information before your visit.

How to Get James City County Marriage Records

Visiting the clerk's office in person in Williamsburg is the most direct approach. Bring valid photo ID and the names of both parties. The clerk can search by name and make certified copies. Mail requests also work. Write to the James City 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 holds state copies. 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 copy. You need to show valid ID. Phone is 804-662-6200. Access is governed by § 32.1-271 and the Virginia FOIA law at § 2.2-3704.

Marriage License Requirements in James City County

Both applicants must come to the James City County Courthouse in Williamsburg together to apply for a marriage license. Each person must bring valid government-issued 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 valid for 60 days from issue. If the ceremony does not happen within that window, you need to apply again. After the wedding, the officiant returns the completed certificate to the clerk. That document is the permanent James City County marriage record. The fee for the license varies; contact the clerk before your visit to confirm the current amount.

Historical James City County Marriage Records

James City County was established in 1634, and its marriage records represent one of the oldest continuous documentation sets in the country. Colonial-era records from the 17th and 18th centuries are preserved at the courthouse and at the Library of Virginia in Richmond. The Library holds extensive colonial-era marriage collections for James City County, including bond books and registers that date back to the early 1600s. Researchers can visit at 800 E. Broad Street in Richmond or search the catalog online. Call (804) 692-3500 for help with research requests.

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

The Library's colonial collections are among the most significant historical resources for genealogical research in the mid-Atlantic region.

FamilySearch and other genealogy databases have indexed some James City County marriage records. Those free resources are worth checking before ordering certified copies from the courthouse or state office.

State-Level James City County Records

The Virginia Department of Health keeps certified copies of all James City County marriage certificates from 1936 onward. The state Office of Vital Records processes requests online, by mail, or in person at 8701 Park Central Drive Suite 100, Richmond. 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.

Records 25 years old or older are generally public under § 32.1-271. Newer records are limited to immediate family. Fees are set under § 32.1-272 and § 32.1-273. The Virginia courts website has contact details for the James City County clerk.

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

The state office can handle mail, online, and in-person requests from anywhere in the country.

Nearby Cities

James City County surrounds the independent city of Williamsburg and is near other Peninsula cities.

Nearby Counties

James City County borders several Peninsula and Southside Virginia counties. Check where the parties lived to determine which county issued a specific marriage license.