How to Get Married in Virginia, According to Local Experts

Virginia is a great state for your wedding because of the variety of venue options and the caliber of wedding vendors throughout the state. No matter what kind of wedding you want to have, it's important to understand all the details of how to get married in Virginia. This includes obtaining your Virginia wedding license, where to get married in Virginia and how to plan your big day.

Kim Newton, owner and lead designer of Kim Newton Weddings based in Alexandria, Virginia, has planned many weddings in the state. "Virginia boasts an array of breathtaking locations. From the beautiful scenic mountains of Charlottesville to the charming wineries of Leesburg and the sun-kissed beaches of Virginia Beach, the state is a treasure filled with stunning venues," she says.

How to Get a Marriage License in Virginia

In order to have a legal marriage in Virginia you need to obtain a marriage license through the Virginia Circuit Court Clerk. You don't need to get the license in the specific city you're getting married in, as long as it's in Virginia. You must bring a copy of your birth certificate, a valid form of ID (driver's license, military ID, state ID, passport) and $30. The license is only valid for 60 days so you'll want to get it in the two months leading up to your wedding. Approved officiants are ordained ministers who can show proof of ordination, marriage commissioners, justices of the peace and judges.

Notable Wedding Locations in Virginia

Think about where in Virginia you actually want to get married. There are many kinds of Virginia wedding venues across the state. This includes city venues in the shadow of DC., gorgeous vineyards, historic mansions, beachfront venues and more. Think about the vibe you want your wedding to have and what time of year you want to get married and use that to guide your decision. Here are a few places to consider.

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Northern Virginia

There are plenty of venues just outside of DC that could serve as stunning backdrops for your wedding day. Depending on your location and the schedule of the day, arrange to have your wedding photos taken in DC before or after your ceremony. Getting married in Virginia so close to the nation's capital also means access to their wedding vendors. Many DC-based vendors do business in Northern Virginia as well.

Richmond

The state capital offers a wide variety of wedding venues from riverfront locations and industrial warehouses to glamorous ballrooms and historic mansions. Check our round-up of 13 swoon-worthy Richmond wedding venues to choose from.

Virginia Beach

If an oceanside celebration is your heart's desire, you can find that in Virginia as well. From beachfront hotels and marinas to charming inns and country clubs, the options are endless. See a bunch of options here.

Charlottesville

When you think of wine country, you might think of the West Coast or Europe but Virginia also has a notable wine region with lots of delicious varieties and stunning vineyards that make the perfect wedding backdrop, especially in Charlottesville and the surrounding area.

How to Plan a Wedding in Virginia Step-by-Step

Want to know exactly how to plan a wedding in Virginia? Keep these specific considerations in mind.

1. Set a Budget

No matter where you get married, creating a wedding budget is an essential part of the planning process. The Knot Budget Advisor helps couples learn more about wedding costs in their marrying location, based on data from real couples. Determining the amount you want to spend makes the rest of the planning process a little bit easier.

2. Guest Travel

"If your guest list is expecting many out-of-town guests who need to fly in to

your wedding it is nice to plan accordingly and keep them in mind," Newton recommends. "Choosing a venue near major airports with transportation access always makes the guest

experience more enjoyable." Luckily, Virginia has multiple airports including Dulles International Airport, which is about an hour outside of Washington, DC, but close to suburbs like Leesburg (another great area to get married).

3. Be Thoughtful About the Season

"One of the many wonderful things about Virginia is that we get to experience all four distinct seasons, each offering its own charm," Newton explains. So, if you're hoping to get married with a backdrop of fall foliage, in the spring surrounded by flowers or any time of year, it can happen in Virginia. "However, during the warmer months, the weather can become a significant factor in planning. It's essential to consider logistics such as providing tents for backup plans, hydration stations, and climate-controlled options to keep everyone comfortable and ensure your event runs smoothly, no matter the forecast. You can also hire a weather forecast support team."

4. Consider Local Events

There are always lots of events happening in Virginia including horse races, college football games, etc. "It is always key to know if there are any nearby events, such as a football game, race or parade to name a few that might impact your day," Newton says. "Vendor load-in, transportation to the ceremony location and guest transportation are a few items that might be affected." Look at a calendar and make sure there aren't any major events happening on your potential wedding weekend.

5. Book Early

"With all the beautiful venues and talented vendors Virginia has to offer, Virginia, especially the DC and Charlottesville market, becomes a destination," Newton explains. "Popular locations and vendors get booked quickly so it's important to get a head start on the planning journey." Head to The Knot Vendor Marketplace to book your vendors ASAP.