Couples who want to get hitched in Virginia can now get same-day service at their local clerk of circuit court’s office.
Mathews Clerk of Court Beth Brown said she performed her first marriage ceremony last week under a new state law that gives all circuit court clerks in Virginia the authority to do so (Va. Code 20-25).
“You can go to the clerk’s office, get a marriage license, and get married the same day,” said Brown.
Unlike times past, when couples might be required to have a blood test or wait a certain length of time, the new law makes getting married a breeze. Divorced people don’t have to provide proof that they’re really divorced, no witnesses are required, and no person can be denied a marriage license on the basis of sex, gender, or race (Va. Code 20-13.2).
In fact, there are only two requirements. The officiant performing the ceremony must ask each person if they do, in fact, want to get married, and each person must be at least 18 years old. A new law set a minimum age for...