Marriage records in Chesapeake, Virginia, can be accessed through several channels. ChesapeakeCourt.us can help you find publicly available marriage record information for the city. You can also request records directly from the Chesapeake Circuit Court Clerk's Office or the Chesapeake Health District's vital records office. Records are available online through state portals, in person at the issuing office, and by mail with the required documentation and fees.
Chesapeake Marriage Records Search
In Virginia, marriage licenses are issued by the Circuit Court Clerk's Office in the jurisdiction where the couple applies. The Chesapeake Circuit Court Clerk's Office issues marriage licenses and maintains local marriage records for ceremonies performed in the city. The collection includes marriage licenses issued, returned marriage certificates, and historical marriage records on file with the court.
The Virginia Department of Health's Office of Vital Records also maintains statewide marriage records from 1936 to the present. For older or locally recorded marriages, the Circuit Court Clerk is typically the primary source. In Virginia, marriage and divorce records become public information 25 years after the event.
The Chesapeake Health District Vital Records Services office can also assist with marriage record searches for records held at the state level.
Certified Marriage Record Copies and Fees in Chesapeake
Fees for marriage record copies depend on whether you request them through the Circuit Court Clerk's Office or the Virginia Department of Health. Below are the standard fees based on published schedules:
| Service | Fee | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Certified copy (VDH – state vital records) | $12 per search | Chesapeake Health District / VDH |
| Additional certified copy (same order, VDH) | $12 each | VDH fee schedule |
| Certified copy (Circuit Court Clerk) | Contact clerk for current fee | Chesapeake Circuit Court |
| Marriage license application fee | Contact clerk for current fee | Chesapeake Circuit Court |
The Chesapeake Health District charges $12 per record search, which includes one certified copy if a record is found. A valid ID is required for all requests. Circuit Court Clerk fees for certified copies of marriage records recorded locally may differ — contact the clerk's office at (757) 382-3000 to confirm the current amount before visiting or mailing a request.
Order Marriage Certificates Online or In Person in Chesapeake
There are three main ways to obtain a marriage certificate in Chesapeake:
Online
The Virginia Department of Health offers online ordering for marriage records from 1936 to the present through its Office of Vital Records website. You will need to provide:
- Full names of both spouses
- Date and place of the marriage
- Your relationship to the individuals on the record
- A valid form of identification
Processing times for online orders vary. Expedited options may be available through the state portal for an additional fee.
In Person
You can request a certified copy of a marriage record in person at either of these offices:
- Chesapeake Circuit Court Clerk's Office — 307 Albemarle Drive, Suite 300A, Chesapeake, VA 23322. Walk-ins are accepted during office hours (8:30 AM – 3:45 PM). Bring a valid photo ID and be prepared to pay the applicable fee.
- Chesapeake Health District Vital Records Office — Bring a completed application form (available at the office or on their website), a valid ID, and the $12 search fee.
By Mail
To request a marriage record by mail through the Chesapeake Health District or VDH, include:
- A completed vital records application form
- A photocopy of your valid government-issued ID
- A check or money order for $12 per search (payable to the appropriate office)
- A self-addressed stamped envelope
Mail requests to the Circuit Court Clerk should include the same documentation. Call (757) 382-3000 to confirm the clerk's mailing address, accepted payment methods, and current processing time before sending your request.
For additional information about the Virginia court system or to look up case information online, visit the Virginia Judicial System website. If you need help locating a specific record or are unsure which office holds it, ChesapeakeCourt.us provides tools to help you start your search.