All parties need to be over the age of 18.
You may apply on-line at http://www.staffordmarriage.org or complete the application at the Circuit Court Clerk's Office. Once complete, the Clerk's Office will complete the application process and issue your marriage license.
*You will need to know both of your parent's full legal names, including middle names and your mother's maiden name as it is on her birth certificate.
To complete the process, you will need valid ID (driver's license, DMV issued Identification card, Military ID or valid passport-must be in English). No additional documents are required. The fee for the license is $30.00. You may pay with cash, check, money order or Master Card/Visa with a 4% convenience fee.
The marriage license issued in the County of Stafford may only be used in the Commonwealth of Virginia. If the ceremony conducted by the licensed minister is used outside of the Commonwealth, the marriage license is then invalid.
Unfortunately, we do not conduct "Courthouse Weddings" in the clerk's office. We can provide you with a list of Marriage Commissioners when you purchase your marriage license if you do not have someone to perform your ceremony or you may check the listing of Marriage Commissioners on the Circuit Court Clerk's page. You will contact the Marriage Commissioners directly to perform your ceremony.
The marriage license is valid for 60 days from issuance. After 60 days, you must purchase another. The cost is $30.00.Once the ceremony is completed, copies A&B must be returned to the Stafford Circuit Court Clerk's Office within 5 days. The officiant, family members or yourselves may return these and receive a certified copy of the completed license. You may obtain additional copies at $2.50 per copy.
No copies will be automatically mailed to the parties.
You may request mailed copies by sending a written request, self-addressed stamped envelope and $2.50 per copy.