How to Officiate a Wedding in Virginia

Performing weddings in Virginia is more accessible than you might think. Here's exactly how to get authorized — then list your services and start getting booked.

⚠️ Virginia requires officiant registration

Officiants must be authorized by a Virginia Circuit Court (minister or civil celebrant) before officiating.

Step-by-step

Get ordained or otherwise authorized to solemnize marriages. Many officiants become ordained online through a recognized organization (e.g., Universal Life Church or American Marriage Ministries); others qualify as clergy, a judge, a justice of the peace, or — where allowed — a notary.
Check your state and county rules below — confirm whether you must register or file your credentials before performing a ceremony.
If registration is required, complete it with the office indicated (do this well before the wedding date). In Virginia, this is required (see above) — apply at the Circuit Court Clerk.
Obtain the couple's marriage-license details and confirm the license is valid for your ceremony date and location.
Perform the ceremony and sign the marriage license; make sure any required witnesses sign as well.
Return the signed license to the issuing office by the deadline — this is the step that legally records the marriage.

Find your Virginia clerk / registration office →

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General information, not legal advice — confirm current requirements with your county/state office. Last reviewed: June 2026. Virginia marriage-license guide · all states