Per Virginia Code §20-23, every minister must be “registered” in the state in order to perform marriages within the Commonwealth. Registration of a minister is completed through the circuit court in which a minister’s license or papers of ordination are produced and an order authorizing such person to celebrate the rites of matrimony is entered.
If you are not registered, please bring the following documents to the Circuit Court Clerk’s Office, BEFORE you perform any marriage ceremony:
-Photo ID
-Proof of their ordination and proof that they are in regular communion with the religious society of which they are a member
-Proof that they hold a local minister’s license and are serving as a regularly appointed pastor in their denomination
-Proof that they are commissioned to pastoral ministry
If you have questions or are unsure of your registration status, please contact the Clerk’s Office at 276-645-7321.
Virginia Code §20-23