Marriage records in the city of Norfolk, Virginia, are available through several channels. The website NorfolkVACourt.us provides public information about marriage records. Additionally, copies of documents are issued by the Norfolk Circuit Court Clerk's Office and the Norfolk Health Department (Vital Records). Requests can be submitted in person, by mail, or through the state's online portal.
Norfolk Marriage Records Search
In Virginia, marriage licenses are issued by the Clerk of the Circuit Court in the city or county where the application is submitted. For Norfolk, this is the Norfolk Circuit Court Clerk's Office. The clerk retains the original marriage licenses, returned marriage certificates, and related documents.
The collection includes licenses issued in Norfolk, as well as registered certificates confirming the ceremony. Historical marriage records in Virginia have been maintained since 1853 at the state level, although individual local archives may contain earlier data.
The Office of Vital Records at the Virginia Department of Health also retains copies of marriage records starting from 1936. This means that requests can be directed to either the local clerk or the state office.
For records older than 1936, contact the Clerk's Office directly, as the state archive may not have these documents.
Certified Marriage Record Copies and Fees in Norfolk
The cost of services depends on whether you contact the local clerk or the state Office of Vital Records. Below are the standard fees according to current rates.
| Service | Cost (Circuit Court Clerk) | Cost (VA Vital Records) |
|---|---|---|
| Certified copy | $2.50 | $12.00 |
| Additional copy (same order) | $2.50 | $12.00 |
| Search fee | Included in copy cost | Included |
| Expedited processing | Not available | Additional shipping fee |
The local clerk charges significantly less — $2.50 for a certified copy according to § 17.1-275 Code of Virginia. The state office charges $12.00 for each copy. If ordering by mail through Vital Records, processing usually takes 2–4 weeks. A personal visit to the Clerk's Office allows you to obtain the document the same day if the record is available.
Order Marriage Certificates Online or In Person in Norfolk
There are three main ways to order a copy of a marriage certificate.
Online
The state of Virginia offers online ordering through the Office of Vital Records portal. This applies to records maintained at the state level (since 1936). Payment is made by credit or debit card, and the copy is sent by mail.
In Person
Visit the Norfolk Circuit Court Clerk's Office at:
Bring a valid photo ID. Payment is accepted on-site. You can also contact the Norfolk Health Department (Vital Records division), which issues copies of birth, death, marriage, and divorce certificates.
By Mail
To order by mail through the state office:
- Download and complete the application from the Virginia Department of Health website.
- Include a copy of a photo ID.
- Enclose a check or money order for $12.00 per copy, made payable to "State Health Department."
- Include a self-addressed stamped envelope.
- Send to:
For ordering through the local clerk, contact 757-664-4380 to confirm acceptable payment forms and necessary documents for a mail request. State-level mail requests typically take two to four weeks to process. The local office may process faster, but it's best to confirm directly with the clerk.
If the marriage was registered in another city or county in Virginia, the request should be directed to the Circuit Court Clerk of that locality or the state Office of Vital Records. The website NorfolkVACourt.us can help determine the correct direction for the search.