King and Queen County Marriage Records
King and Queen County marriage records are on file at the Circuit Court Clerk's Office in King and Queen Court House, Virginia. The clerk issues all marriage licenses and maintains the official record of every marriage performed in the county. You can get King and Queen County marriage records in person at the courthouse, by mail, or through the Virginia Department of Health for marriages from 1936 onward. King and Queen County was established in 1691 from New Kent County, and its records include significant colonial-era documentation.
King and Queen County Overview
King and Queen County Circuit Court Clerk
The King and Queen County Circuit Court Clerk's Office in King and Queen Court House handles all marriage licensing and record maintenance for the county. Staff can search King and Queen County marriage records by name or year. Call the clerk before your visit to confirm hours and fees. Certified copies carry the court seal and are valid for legal use. King and Queen is one of Virginia's less populous counties, so calling ahead is especially worthwhile to make sure staff will be available to assist you.
Virginia law under § 20-14 makes the circuit court clerk the only office that can issue marriage licenses. Both parties must appear in person together 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 it and sends monthly reports to the state, creating the official King and Queen County marriage record in both systems.
| Office | King and Queen County Circuit Court Clerk |
|---|---|
| Address | King and Queen County Courthouse King and Queen Court House, VA 23085 |
| Website | vacourts.gov |
Finding King and Queen County Marriage Records
Visit the clerk's office in person at the King and Queen County Courthouse. Call ahead to confirm hours and fees. Bring a valid photo ID and the names of both parties. The clerk can search by name and produce certified copies. Mail requests are also accepted. Write to the King and Queen County Circuit Court Clerk with both party names, the approximate year, and payment. Include a self-addressed stamped envelope. Processing usually takes a few weeks.
For marriages from 1936 forward, the Virginia Department of Health Office of Vital Records in Richmond is a practical alternative, especially given the county's rural location. The state office processes 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. Phone is 804-662-6200. Hours are Monday through Friday, 7:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
The Library of Virginia holds colonial-era King and Queen County marriage records going back to the late 17th century.
Researchers can search the Library's catalog online at lva.virginia.gov or visit in person at 800 E. Broad Street in Richmond.
Note: Virginia FOIA rules under § 2.2-3704 govern access to public records. The Virginia FOIA Council can help if you encounter any access issues.
King and Queen County Marriage License Requirements
Both applicants must appear together at the King and Queen County Courthouse to apply for a marriage license. Each person needs valid government-issued photo ID. The application under § 20-16 requires your 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 and no blood test. The license is valid for 60 days. If the wedding does not happen in that time, you need to apply again. Call the clerk to confirm the current license fee before your visit. After the ceremony, the officiant returns the completed certificate to the clerk. That is the permanent King and Queen County marriage record.
Historical Marriage Records in King and Queen County
King and Queen County was established in 1691 from New Kent County. Its marriage records include colonial-era documentation from the late 17th century onward. These older records are held at the courthouse and at the Library of Virginia in Richmond. The Library maintains colonial-era collections for King and Queen County, including bond books and registers from the 17th, 18th, and 19th centuries. Researchers can visit the Library at 800 E. Broad Street in Richmond or search the online catalog. Phone is (804) 692-3500.
Genealogy databases including FamilySearch have indexed some King and Queen County marriage records from earlier periods. Those databases can help with family history research before you order official copies.
State-Level Records for King and Queen County
The Virginia Department of Health holds certified copies of all King and Queen 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. Under § 32.1-271, records 25 years old or older are generally public. Newer records are restricted to immediate family. Fees are governed by § 32.1-272 and § 32.1-273. The Virginia courts website has contact information for the King and Queen County clerk.
The Virginia Department of Health Vital Records office holds certified copies of King and Queen County marriage records from 1936 to the present.
The state office is especially useful for King and Queen County records given the county's remote location. Requests can be made by mail, online, or in person.
Nearby Cities
King and Queen County is on Virginia's Middle Peninsula. The nearest cities are across the river or to the south.
Nearby Counties
King and Queen County borders several Middle Peninsula and Northern Neck counties. Check where the couple lived to identify the right county for record requests.