Marriage records in Harrisonburg, Virginia, can be accessed through several channels. HarrisonburgCourt.us can help you find publicly available marriage record information. You can also request records directly from the Clerk of the Circuit Court, which issues marriage licenses and maintains marriage records for the city. The Virginia Department of Health, Office of Vital Records holds statewide marriage records from 1936 forward. Records may be obtained online, in person, or by mail.
Harrisonburg Marriage Records Search
In Virginia, marriage licenses are issued by the Clerk of the Circuit Court in the jurisdiction where the license is applied for. For the independent City of Harrisonburg, this is the Harrisonburg Circuit Court Clerk's Office. The clerk issues marriage licenses, records returned marriage certificates after the ceremony, and maintains these records as part of the court's permanent files.
The collection held locally includes marriage licenses issued in Harrisonburg, completed marriage returns (certificates) filed by officiants, and historical marriage records dating back through the city's record-keeping history. The Virginia Court System's online case and records portal provides remote access to certain circuit court records, including land records, though marriage record availability online may vary.
For statewide searches, the Virginia Department of Health maintains marriage records from 1936 to the present. Earlier records are typically held at the Library of Virginia or the local circuit court.
Certified Marriage Record Copies and Fees in Harrisonburg
Fees for marriage record copies in Virginia are set by state statute (Virginia Code § 32.1-273 and § 17.1-275). You can obtain certified copies from either the local Circuit Court Clerk or the Virginia Department of Health Office of Vital Records. Fees differ slightly depending on the source.
| Service | Circuit Court Clerk Fee | VA Dept. of Health Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Certified copy | $2.50 | $12.00 |
| Each additional copy (same order) | $2.50 | $12.00 |
| Search fee (state office) | N/A | Included in copy fee |
| Expedited processing (state office, optional) | N/A | Additional fee applies; check VDH site |
The Circuit Court Clerk's office generally charges per Virginia Code § 17.1-275 for copies of recorded documents. The Virginia Department of Health charges $12.00 per certified copy for records from 1936 onward. Contact the Office of Vital Records directly for current expedited service fees and processing times. Standard mail requests to the state office typically take several weeks.
Order Marriage Certificates Online or In Person in Harrisonburg
There are three main ways to obtain a marriage certificate connected to Harrisonburg:
Online
The Virginia Department of Health offers online ordering for marriage records from 1936 to the present through its vital records portal. You will need to provide the full names of both spouses, the approximate date of marriage, and the locality where the marriage took place. Payment is accepted online. The Circuit Court Clerk's office does not currently offer online ordering for marriage record copies.
In Person
Visit the Harrisonburg Circuit Court Clerk's Office during business hours. Bring a valid photo ID. Staff can search for and provide copies of marriage records on file with the court. Walk-ins are generally accepted.
By Mail
To request a marriage record copy by mail from the local court, send the following to the Clerk's Office:
- A written request including the full names of both spouses and the date (or approximate date) of marriage
- A copy of your government-issued photo ID
- A check or money order for the applicable fee, payable to the Clerk of Court
- A self-addressed stamped envelope
For state-level requests, mail your application to:
Include the completed state application form (available on the VDH vital records website), payment, and a copy of your ID. The City of Harrisonburg's public records page provides additional guidance on submitting records requests under the Virginia Freedom of Information Act.