Who Issues Marriage Licenses in Loudoun County?
Marriage licenses in Loudoun County are issued by the Loudoun County Circuit Court Clerk at 18 E. Market Street, Leesburg, VA 20176. Hours are Monday–Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM.
In Virginia, marriage licenses are issued by circuit court clerks rather than county clerks. Loudoun County encompasses Leesburg, Ashburn, Sterling, and Purcellville — the heart of Virginia's wine country and a major DC-area destination for weddings and elopements.
The $30 Fee
Loudoun County's marriage license fee is $30.00. This is the standard Virginia statutory base fee. Certified copies of the marriage certificate cost $10.00 each from the Virginia Department of Health after recording.
Required Documents — What to Bring
Both applicants must appear together and each bring:
- Valid government-issued photo ID: Driver's license, state ID, U.S. passport, military ID, or other government-issued photo ID. Must not be expired. Foreign passports accepted.
- Social Security Number: Required on the application. Physical card generally not required — just know your number.
- Prior marriage documentation: If either party has been divorced, provide the exact date and state of the divorce. For divorces within the past 6 months, bring a certified copy of the divorce decree.
Waiting Period
Virginia has no waiting period. Your Loudoun County license is valid immediately. The license must be used for a ceremony performed in Virginia — a Virginia license cannot be used for a ceremony in DC or Maryland.
Loudoun County is home to over 40 wineries and is one of the most popular elopement destinations in the DC metro area. Many Loudoun wineries host intimate civil ceremonies. With no waiting period and a $30 fee, couples can apply in the morning and have a ceremony at a vineyard that afternoon — all within 40 miles of Washington DC.
License Validity — 60 days
Your Loudoun County marriage license is valid for 60 days from the date of issue, for ceremonies performed anywhere in Virginia. Plan your application date carefully. Use our expiration calculator and Wedding Date Planner to find your exact window.
After the Ceremony
Your officiant must complete and return the signed marriage license to the Loudoun County issuing office within the timeframe required by Virginia law (typically 10–30 days). After recording, certified copies of the marriage certificate are available for $10 each. Order at least 4–6 copies — you'll need them for Social Security, driver's license, passport, and bank account name changes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Virginia has no residency requirement for marriage license applicants. DC and Maryland residents frequently apply in Loudoun County. The license is valid for ceremonies performed in Virginia only — not in DC or Maryland.
Virginia Code §20-23 authorizes ordained ministers of any religious denomination, judges, justices, magistrates, and certain government officials to perform marriage ceremonies. Online ordinations (Universal Life Church) have had inconsistent recognition in Virginia — verify with the officiating person and your county clerk before relying on this option.
The Loudoun County Courthouse in Leesburg is approximately 35 miles from downtown Washington DC — about 45–60 minutes by car via Route 7 or the Dulles Greenway. There is no direct Metro service to Leesburg.
Government offices change hours, fees, and appointment policies without always updating their websites. Call the Loudoun County office directly the day before your visit to confirm current hours, fees, and whether you need an appointment.
Planning Your Visit to the Circuit Court Clerk
The Circuit Court Clerk handles marriage license applications for Loudoun County. Important: a Virginia marriage license is only valid for ceremonies performed in Virginia. This matters for DC-area couples: a Virginia license cannot be used for a ceremony in DC or Maryland.
Virginia issues licenses through circuit court clerks. No waiting period, 60-day validity, $30 fee — one of the lowest fees in the country.
Step-by-Step: Application to Certified Copies
Here is the complete sequence for a Loudoun County marriage license, from the day you apply through receiving certified copies for name changes:
- Gather documents: Both parties need valid, unexpired photo IDs and their Social Security numbers. If either party has been previously married, have the divorce date and state ready (bring a certified decree if divorced within the past 6 months).
- Visit the office: Both parties appear together at the Circuit Court Clerk. The application takes 15–25 minutes. Pay the $30 fee.
- License issued: You receive a physical paper marriage license. Keep it safe — it is the document your officiant will sign after the ceremony.
- Waiting period: None from the moment of issuance. Plan your ceremony date accordingly.
- Ceremony anywhere in Virginia: Your license is valid for ceremonies performed anywhere in Virginia within the 60 days validity window. Your officiant signs immediately after the ceremony.
- Return the license: The signed license must be returned to the issuing office within the timeframe required by Virginia law (typically 10–30 days). Confirm responsibility — you or your officiant.
- Order certified copies: After the marriage is recorded (2–4 weeks post-ceremony), order certified copies from the Circuit Court Clerk or through VitalChek. Order at least 4–6 copies at once.
- Name changes: Use certified copies for Social Security, DMV, passport, and financial accounts. Start with Social Security first — other agencies verify against SSA records. See our name change guide for the complete sequence.
Use our Wedding Date Planner to calculate the exact window for applying in Virginia. Download the Day-Of Checklist PDF to bring to your appointment. Use the Cost Calculator to estimate your total expenses including certified copies and name change fees.