Do I need a state marriage license in order to marry in.
I f paying with a credit or debit card, a $2.00 convenience fee will be added. The following are the most often asked questions regarding a marriage license or courthouse wedding: 1.
The phone number for the Portsmouth Clerk's Office is 75 ext.
Virginia Code § 20-13.Īfter obtaining the license, the couple, to be legally married, must go before someone officially authorized to perform religious or civil marriage ceremonies. By statute, a marriage license is an essential prerequisite to the lawful solemnization of the marriage. If neither the Clerk nor his/her deputy is able to issue the license, it may be issued by the judge of the circuit court of such county or city. Every license for a marriage shall be issued by the Clerk or deputy clerk of a circuit court of any county or city. In either event, the actual cost of the ceremony together with travel expenses shall be given to the parties at least three days prior to the marriage ceremony.įor the fee for a marriage license, visit our Marriage License Information page or call 70.Any person wishing to get married in the Commonwealth of Virginia must obtain a marriage license. If the conveyance is by private transportation, reimbursement shall be at the rate specified in the current general appropriations act of the Commonwealth. If conveyance is by public transportation, reimbursement shall be at the actual cost thereof. Additionally, such person shall be permitted to charge the parties travel expenses to and from the marriage site. Marriage licenses are issued by the Clerk of Circuit Court in each city and county in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Such person and parties may negotiate payment for any additional services agreed to by the celebrant and the parties. Pursuant to § 20-27 of the Code of Virginia, any person authorized under § 20-25 to celebrate the rites of marriage shall be permitted to charge the parties a fee for the ceremony not to exceed $75 for each ceremony.