Search Nottoway County Marriage Records

Nottoway County marriage records are held at the Circuit Court Clerk's Office in Nottoway, Virginia. The clerk issues marriage licenses and maintains the official file of all marriages recorded in the county. To get a certified copy of a Nottoway County marriage record or to search for a past marriage, the clerk's office is the right place to start. The Virginia Department of Health in Richmond also holds certified copies for marriages from 1936 forward, giving you a second route for obtaining records.

Nottoway County Circuit Court Clerk

The Circuit Court Clerk in Nottoway handles all marriage license applications and maintains the official marriage record file for the county. Both people who want to marry must appear at the clerk's office in person to apply. Once issued, the license goes back to the clerk after the ceremony, and that returned document becomes the official record. The clerk's office can search records by name or date and provide copies to qualified requesters.

Nottoway County is located in south-central Virginia and was established in 1789 from Amelia County. The county seat is the town of Nottoway. Clerks have maintained marriage records for the county since its founding, giving researchers access to more than two centuries of documentation. For pre-1936 records not in VDH's files, the clerk's office remains the primary source. The Library of Virginia also holds historical marriage records for Nottoway County.

Applying for a Marriage License in Nottoway County

Both parties must go to the clerk's office together to apply. You do not need to be a county resident, but the ceremony must take place in Virginia. Bring a valid photo ID and your Social Security number. If either person was previously married, bring documentation showing how that marriage ended and the date it was dissolved or when the prior spouse died.

Virginia law under Code of Virginia § 20-14 sets the rules for marriage licenses across the state. Once issued, the license is valid for 60 days. There is no waiting period before you can use it. If the wedding does not happen within that time, the license expires. After the ceremony, the person who performed it must return the completed, signed license to the clerk's office. That document is then recorded and stored as the official marriage record for Nottoway County.

Note: The clerk requires original documents. Photocopies of IDs or prior divorce decrees are not accepted in place of originals or certified copies.

Certified Copies Through the State

The Virginia Department of Health Vital Records Office holds certified copies of Nottoway County marriage records from 1936 forward. Requests can be made by mail, online, or in person at VDH's office in Richmond at 2001 Maywill Street. Each certified copy costs $12. If you need more than one, additional copies ordered at the same time are $12 each. Mail requests usually take two to four weeks. For faster service, go directly to the Nottoway County clerk's office.

Under Code of Virginia § 32.1-267, the state classifies marriage records as vital records and maintains a centralized archive going back to 1936. When ordering from VDH, provide the names of both parties, the year of marriage, and the county. You also need to include a copy of your photo ID and payment. VDH is an efficient option when the county clerk's office is not accessible or when you need state-certified documents for legal or official purposes.

The Virginia Department of Health Vital Records portal pictured below shows the official state system for ordering certified copies of Nottoway County and other Virginia marriage records.

VDH processes mail and in-person requests for certified copies of Nottoway County marriages from 1936 forward at $12 per copy.

Who Can Access Nottoway Marriage Records

Marriage records in Virginia are public once they are 25 years old. Records from 2000 and earlier are open to anyone. No explanation is needed and no relationship to the parties has to be shown. For marriages in the last 25 years, access is restricted. Only the parties to the marriage, their attorneys, or people with a documented legal need can request those records from the clerk or VDH.

Virginia's Freedom of Information Act at Code of Virginia § 2.2-3704 establishes the public's right to access government records, including older marriage records held by the county clerk. Once a record passes the 25-year threshold, it qualifies as a public record under this framework. The clerk must respond to written requests within five working days. Under Code of Virginia § 32.1-271, restricted vital records are only available to qualified requesters during the protected window.

Historical Nottoway County Marriage Records

Nottoway County was formed in 1789, and marriage records go back to that founding period. For anything before 1936, the county clerk is your first stop. Some records from the 19th century have been microfilmed or preserved through state archiving programs. Researchers doing genealogy work on Nottoway County families often find that both the clerk and the Library of Virginia hold useful records.

The Library of Virginia maintains historical marriage records for Nottoway County. Their collections include marriage registers and related documents from the 18th and 19th centuries. You can search their online catalog or contact library staff for help finding specific collections. The library is in Richmond and is open to researchers. Many records have also been digitized and can be accessed without a visit.

The Library of Virginia records database shown below reflects the statewide historical collections that include Nottoway County marriage documentation going back to the county's early years.

The Library of Virginia holds marriage registers and bonds for Nottoway County covering the period from its founding in 1789 through the early 20th century.

Virginia Marriage Law and Record-Keeping

Virginia's marriage record system pairs county-level storage with state-level registration. The circuit court clerk in each county issues licenses and maintains the local record. A copy goes to VDH to build the statewide index. Under Code of Virginia § 32.1-273, the state registrar keeps that centralized index and is responsible for its accuracy and preservation. This dual system means you can typically find a record at the county level or the state level, whichever is more convenient.

For general information on the Virginia court system, including how to reach the Nottoway County Circuit Court, the state courts website at vacourts.gov lists all circuit courts and their clerks. This resource can help you find current contact details, hours, and procedures specific to the court you need.

Nearby Counties

These counties border or are near Nottoway County. Each has its own circuit court clerk who handles marriage records for that county.