Marriage records in Hanover County, Virginia, can be accessed through several channels. HanoverCourt.us can help you find publicly available marriage record information for the county. The official issuing authority is the Hanover County Circuit Court Clerk's Office, which maintains local marriage records and issues marriage licenses. You can also request records through the Virginia Department of Health, Office of Vital Records. Records are available online, in person at the clerk's office, and by mail.
Hanover County Marriage Records Search
The Hanover County Circuit Court Clerk is the local authority responsible for issuing marriage licenses and maintaining marriage records in Hanover County. Under Virginia law, circuit court clerks record marriage licenses and retain the returned certificates after the ceremony is performed. The clerk's collection includes marriage licenses issued in the county, returned marriage certificates, and historical marriage records dating back through Hanover County's long recordkeeping history. For marriages that occurred elsewhere in Virginia, the circuit court clerk in the county where the license was issued holds the local record, while the Virginia Department of Health maintains statewide marriage records from 1936 to the present. Genealogical researchers may also find older Hanover County marriage records at the clerk's office, as the office supports genealogical research among its services.
Certified Marriage Record Copies and Fees in Hanover County
Fees for marriage record copies in Virginia are set by state statute (Code of Virginia § 32.1-267 and § 17.1-275). The table below reflects standard fees for records obtained through the Hanover County Circuit Court Clerk or the Virginia Department of Health. Contact the clerk's office directly to confirm current amounts before submitting a request.
| Service | Fee | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Certified copy (from Circuit Court Clerk) | $2.50 | Code of Virginia § 17.1-275 |
| Certified copy (from VA Dept. of Health) | $12.00 | Virginia Office of Vital Records |
| Additional certified copy (same order, from VDH) | $6.00 | Virginia Office of Vital Records |
| Search fee (Circuit Court Clerk) | Included in copy fee | Clerk's office policy |
Processing times vary. In-person requests at the clerk's office are typically handled the same day if the record is located. Mail requests through the Virginia Department of Health may take several weeks. VDH offers expedited processing for an additional fee — check the Office of Vital Records website for current expedited options and fees.
Order Marriage Certificates Online or In Person in Hanover County
There are three ways to obtain a marriage certificate connected to Hanover County:
Online
The Virginia Department of Health allows online ordering of certified marriage records for marriages recorded statewide from 1936 forward. Visit the Virginia Office of Vital Records to place an order through their online portal. You will need to provide:
- Full names of both spouses
- Date of marriage
- County or city where the license was issued
- Your relationship to the individuals on the record
- A valid form of payment
The Hanover County Circuit Court Clerk does not currently offer an online ordering system for marriage record copies.
In Person
Walk-in requests are accepted at the Hanover County Circuit Court Clerk's Office during regular business hours. Bring a valid photo ID. Staff can search for and issue copies while you wait if the record is on file.
By Mail
To request a marriage record copy by mail from the clerk's office, send the following to the address above:
- A written request including the full names of both spouses, the approximate date of marriage, and the purpose of your request
- A copy of your valid photo ID
- A check or money order for the applicable fee, payable to the Clerk of the Circuit Court
- A self-addressed stamped envelope
For statewide records, you may also mail requests to the Virginia Department of Health, Office of Vital Records, using their application form (available on the VDH website):
Mail requests to VDH should include a completed application, a copy of your photo ID, and a check or money order payable to the State Health Department. Allow several weeks for processing unless you select an expedited option.