Marriage License Requirements
Age requirement: You must be at least 18 years old or older to marry without parental consent. A birth certificate may be necessary to show proof of age.
If either partner is under 18, parental or guardian consent forms must be signed. You will need a certified copy of your birth certificate.
If you are under 16, you cannot marry without a court order.
A minor who is pregnant does not need parental consent as long as the pregnancy is verified in a written statement by a licensed physician.
Waiting period and expiration: You will receive your license immediately.
Licenses expire 60 days after issuance.
Residency: You do not have to be a resident of West Virginia to obtain a marriage license.
Non-residents may apply in any county.
If you are a state resident, you must apply in the county where you live.
ID requirement: You will need to present a photo identification, such as a driver's license, state ID or passport.
You will need your parents' full name, including your mother's maiden name, and their places of birth.
Both parties must be present when applying for a marriage license.
Fees: The fee for a marriage license is $56.00. If you present a certificate showing that you have received pre-marital counseling, you will receive a $20 discount.
Previous marriages: If previously married, the date of divorce or date of spouse's death must be provided. Bring a certified copy of the divorce decree or death certificate.
Legal name change: Your marriage certificate will serve as evidence of your marriage, which you will use when notifying several government agencies and non-government agencies of your name change.
Officiant: Any ordained minister who has received authorization to perform marriages in the State of West Virginia may officiate a wedding. Miscellaneous: A blood test or physical exam is not required.
Marriage by proxy is not allowed.
It is illegal to marry a cousin.
Common-law marriages are not recognized in West Virginia.
If either partner is under 18, parental or guardian consent forms must be signed. You will need a certified copy of your birth certificate.
If you are under 16, you cannot marry without a court order.
A minor who is pregnant does not need parental consent as long as the pregnancy is verified in a written statement by a licensed physician.
Waiting period and expiration: You will receive your license immediately.
Licenses expire 60 days after issuance.
Residency: You do not have to be a resident of West Virginia to obtain a marriage license.
Non-residents may apply in any county.
If you are a state resident, you must apply in the county where you live.
ID requirement: You will need to present a photo identification, such as a driver's license, state ID or passport.
You will need your parents' full name, including your mother's maiden name, and their places of birth.
Both parties must be present when applying for a marriage license.
Fees: The fee for a marriage license is $56.00. If you present a certificate showing that you have received pre-marital counseling, you will receive a $20 discount.
Previous marriages: If previously married, the date of divorce or date of spouse's death must be provided. Bring a certified copy of the divorce decree or death certificate.
Legal name change: Your marriage certificate will serve as evidence of your marriage, which you will use when notifying several government agencies and non-government agencies of your name change.
Officiant: Any ordained minister who has received authorization to perform marriages in the State of West Virginia may officiate a wedding. Miscellaneous: A blood test or physical exam is not required.
Marriage by proxy is not allowed.
It is illegal to marry a cousin.
Common-law marriages are not recognized in West Virginia.
