Marriage records in Fairfax County, Virginia, can be accessed through several channels. FairfaxCourt.us can help you find publicly available marriage record information for the county. You can also request records directly from the Fairfax County Circuit Court Clerk's office, which issues marriage licenses locally. The Fairfax County Office of Vital Records and the Virginia Department of Health maintain marriage records at the county and state levels, respectively. Records are available online, in person, and by mail.
Fairfax County Marriage Records Search
In Virginia, marriage licenses are issued by the clerk of the circuit court in the jurisdiction where the couple applies. The Fairfax County Circuit Court Clerk's office issues marriage licenses and maintains records of marriages performed in the county. The collection includes marriage licenses issued, returned marriage certificates, and related documents dating back through the court's historical holdings.
For certified copies of marriage records, the Virginia Department of Health's Office of Vital Records holds statewide marriage records from 1936 forward. The Fairfax County Office of Vital Records can also assist with records for events that occurred within the county and the independent cities of Fairfax and Falls Church.
Fairfax County Circuit Court — Clerk's Office
Fairfax County Office of Vital Records
Certified Marriage Record Copies and Fees in Fairfax County
Fees for marriage record copies depend on whether you request them from the Fairfax County Circuit Court, the Fairfax County Office of Vital Records, or the Virginia Department of Health. The table below reflects standard fees established under Virginia law and agency fee schedules.
| Service | Fee | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Certified copy — Virginia Department of Health | $12.00 | VDH fee schedule |
| Additional certified copy (same order, VDH) | $6.00 each | VDH fee schedule |
| Certified copy — Circuit Court Clerk | $2.50 per page (certification fee may apply) | Code of Virginia § 17.1-275 et seq. |
| Search fee — VDH (if record not found) | $12.00 (non-refundable) | VDH fee schedule |
| Online order processing (via VitalChek for VDH) | Additional service/shipping fees apply | VDH online portal |
Processing times vary. In-person requests at the Circuit Court Clerk's office are typically handled the same day. Mail requests through the Virginia Department of Health may take several weeks. Expedited processing is available through VDH's online ordering system for an additional fee.
Order Marriage Certificates Online or In Person in Fairfax County
There are three ways to order a marriage certificate in Fairfax County:
Online
The Virginia Department of Health accepts online orders for certified marriage records through its VitalChek-powered portal. You will need:
- Full names of both spouses
- Date of marriage
- Place of marriage (county or city)
- Valid photo ID
- Credit or debit card for payment
Online orders include a third-party processing fee in addition to the state record fee.
In Person
You can request a copy of a marriage record at the Fairfax County Circuit Court Clerk's office or the Fairfax County Office of Vital Records. Walk-ins are accepted during regular business hours. Bring a valid government-issued photo ID. Payment methods accepted vary by office — confirm with the office before visiting.
For older or historic marriage records, the Circuit Court records division maintains documents at the courthouse and at offsite storage locations. Some historical records dating to 1742 may also be accessible through the Court Public Access Network.
By Mail
To order by mail from the Virginia Department of Health:
- Download and complete the vital records application from the VDH website.
- Include a copy of your valid government-issued photo ID.
- Enclose a check or money order for $12.00 (payable to "State Health Commissioner") for the first copy, plus $6.00 for each additional copy.
- Include a self-addressed stamped envelope.
- Mail to:Virginia Department of Health
To request a copy from the Fairfax County Circuit Court Clerk by mail, send a written request with the names of both spouses, approximate date of marriage, a copy of your photo ID, and the applicable fee to the Clerk's office at 4110 Chain Bridge Road, Fairfax, VA 22030. Contact the office at 703-246-4111 to confirm the current fee and accepted payment methods before mailing your request.
For questions about record availability or access, FairfaxCourt.us provides additional guidance on locating Fairfax County public records.