Marriage records in Chesterfield County, Virginia, can be accessed through several channels. ChesterfieldCourt.us can help you find publicly available marriage record information for the county. You can also request records directly from the issuing authority — the Chesterfield County Circuit Court Clerk's Office — which issues marriage licenses and maintains local marriage records. In-person visits, mail requests, and the Virginia Department of Health's Office of Vital Records are additional options for obtaining certified copies.
Chesterfield Marriage Records Search
In Virginia, marriage licenses are issued by the clerk of the circuit court in the locality where the license is applied for. The Chesterfield County Clerk of the Circuit Court is the local authority responsible for issuing marriage licenses and recording the returned marriage certificates after the ceremony takes place. The clerk's office maintains marriage records that include licenses issued, certificates of marriage filed by the officiant, and historical marriage records for the county.
Separately, the Virginia Department of Health, Office of Vital Records, maintains a statewide index of marriages recorded in Virginia. For marriages that occurred in Chesterfield County, both the local circuit court clerk and the state vital records office may hold relevant documentation.
Chesterfield County Circuit Court Clerk's Office
The clerk's office can assist with marriage license applications, copies of recorded marriage records, and general research inquiries about marriages that took place in the county.
Certified Marriage Record Copies and Fees in Chesterfield
Virginia has two main sources for certified marriage record copies, each with its own fee structure. The Chesterfield County Circuit Court Clerk charges fees based on the Code of Virginia, while the Virginia Department of Health charges separately for state-issued certified copies.
Circuit Court Clerk Fees
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Certified copy of a marriage license or certificate | $2.50 |
| Search fee (if a search of records is required) | $5.00 |
Fees at the circuit court clerk's office are set by the Code of Virginia (§ 17.1-275). Contact the clerk's office directly to confirm current fees before submitting a request, as additional charges may apply for extended searches.
Virginia Department of Health – Office of Vital Records Fees
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Certified copy of marriage record | $12.00 |
| Each additional copy (same order) | $6.00 |
| Search fee (included in certified copy fee) | Included |
The state office processes requests for marriages recorded statewide from 1936 to the present. Processing typically takes several weeks for mail orders. Expedited service may be available through the online application portal for an additional fee.
Order Marriage Certificates Online or In Person in Chesterfield
There are three main ways to obtain a marriage certificate copy from Chesterfield County or from the state of Virginia:
Online
The Virginia Department of Health offers an online application for vital records, including marriage certificates. This system accepts credit card payments and processes requests for marriages recorded in Virginia from 1936 forward. The Chesterfield County Circuit Court Clerk's office does not currently offer online ordering for marriage record copies; those requests must be made in person or by mail.
In Person
Visit the Chesterfield County Circuit Court Clerk's Office at the Chesterfield County Courthouse:
Bring a valid government-issued photo ID. Staff can search for the record and provide a copy while you wait, depending on the age and availability of the record. Payment is typically accepted by cash, check, or money order — call ahead at 804-748-1241 to confirm accepted payment methods.
By Mail
To request a marriage record copy by mail from the circuit court clerk, send the following to the address above:
- A written request including the full names of both spouses, the approximate date of marriage, and your relationship to the individuals on the record
- A photocopy of your valid government-issued photo ID
- A check or money order payable to the Clerk of the Circuit Court for the applicable fee
- A self-addressed stamped envelope
For state-level requests, mail your completed application and fee to:
Application forms are available on the Virginia Vital Records website. Mail orders through the state office generally take several weeks to process.