Search King William County Marriage Records
King William County marriage records are on file at the Circuit Court Clerk's Office in King William, Virginia. The clerk issues all marriage licenses and maintains the official record of every marriage performed in the county. You can search King William County marriage records in person at the courthouse, by mail, or through the Virginia Department of Health for marriages from 1936 onward. The county was established in 1702 from King and Queen County, and its records include significant colonial-era documentation.
King William County Overview
King William County Circuit Court Clerk
The King William County Circuit Court Clerk's Office in King William handles all marriage licensing and record maintenance for the county. Staff can search King William County marriage records by name or by year. Certified copies carry the court seal and are valid for legal use. Contact the clerk before visiting to confirm current hours and fees. King William County is a rural county on Virginia's Middle Peninsula, so calling ahead is a good idea.
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. There is no waiting period. The license is valid for 60 days. Under § 32.1-267, the officiant returns the completed certificate to the clerk within five days. The clerk files it and reports monthly to the state, creating the official King William County marriage record in both local and state systems.
The King William County Government Portal provides information about county services, including how to contact the clerk's office.
Use the county portal to find current contact details and any updates to fees or hours before visiting the courthouse.
| Office | King William County Circuit Court Clerk |
|---|---|
| Address | King William County Courthouse King William, VA 23086 |
| Website | kingwilliamcounty.us |
Finding King William County Marriage Records
Visit the clerk's office at the King William County Courthouse in person. Bring a valid photo ID and the names of both parties. The clerk can search by name and issue certified copies. Mail requests are accepted too. Write to the King William 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 forward, the Virginia Department of Health Office of Vital Records in Richmond holds state copies. 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 copy. You need valid identification. Phone is 804-662-6200. Hours are Monday through Friday, 7:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Access is governed by § 32.1-271 and the Virginia FOIA law at § 2.2-3704.
King William County Marriage License Requirements
Both applicants must appear together at the King William County Courthouse to apply for a marriage license. Each person needs 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 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 wedding does not happen in time, you need to apply again. Contact the clerk for the current license fee before your visit. After the ceremony, the officiant returns the completed certificate to the clerk. That document is the permanent King William County marriage record.
Historical King William County Marriage Records
King William County was established in 1702 from King and Queen County. Its marriage records span more than 320 years and include colonial-era documentation from the early 18th century. Early records include bond books and registers held at the courthouse and at the Library of Virginia in Richmond. The Library maintains colonial-era collections for King William County, including records from the 18th and 19th centuries. 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 colonial-era King William County marriage records from the early 18th century onward.
The Library's collections are searchable online at lva.virginia.gov before visiting the Richmond reading room.
State-Level King William County Records
The Virginia Department of Health holds certified copies of all King William 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.
Records 25 years old or older are generally public under § 32.1-271. Newer records are limited to immediate family. Fees are governed by § 32.1-272 and § 32.1-273. The Virginia courts website has contact information for the King William County clerk.
The Virginia Department of Health Vital Records office holds certified copies of King William County marriage records from 1936 to the present.
The state office processes requests from anywhere in the country by mail, online, or in person at the Richmond location.
Nearby Cities
King William County is on Virginia's Middle Peninsula. The nearest independent cities are to the south and west.
Nearby Counties
King William County borders several Middle Peninsula and Northern Neck counties. Check where the couple lived to determine which county holds the records you need.