Fairfax County Marriage & Divorce Records provide official documentation for marriages, divorces, and related legal events in the county. These records are maintained by the Circuit Court and serve as reliable proof of marital status. Residents often use them for legal purposes, family history, or personal record-keeping. Accessing these records ensures accuracy and compliance with state requirements.
Fairfax County Marriage & Divorce Records include marriage certificates, divorce decrees, and marriage licenses. Each document offers important details such as dates, locations, and parties involved. These records are essential for legal processes, genealogy research, and personal documentation. They help verify relationships and provide trusted information for official matters.
Marriage & Divorce Records
Marriage records and Divorce records document the legal beginning and ending of marriages. These records include essential details about the individuals involved and are maintained by the county for legal, historical, and personal purposes.
What Are Marriage Records?
Marriage records in Fairfax County Court primarily include marriage certificates and marriage licenses, each serving distinct purposes.
- Marriage Certificates: These are official documents issued after a marriage ceremony, confirming that a marriage has legally taken place. They typically include:
- Full names of both parties
- Date and location of the marriage
- Signatures of officiant and witnesses
- Filing information from the Circuit Court
- Marriage Licenses: A marriage license is a permit issued before the wedding ceremony. It authorizes the couple to marry and records:
- Names of applicants
- Date of application
- Expiration date of the license
- Officiant information
Certified copies of marriage records are often requested for legal matters, name changes, insurance claims, or genealogical research. These documents are considered public records once issued, but official copies require verification through the Fairfax County Clerk’s office.
What Are Divorce Records?
Fairfax County maintains divorce records, which may include divorce certificates and divorce decrees:
- Divorce Certificates: These are concise documents confirming that a divorce has been finalized. They typically list:
- Names of both parties
- Date of divorce
- Court location
- Divorce Decrees (Court Orders): These are more detailed records issued by the court, containing:
- Terms of property division
- Child custody and support arrangements
- Alimony or spousal support details
- Legal rulings related to the marital dissolution
Divorce records fall under domestic relations filings and are critical for legal verification, genealogical research, and personal record-keeping. Unlike certificates, decrees provide complete insight into court decisions and obligations following a divorce.
Public Access & Eligibility Rules
In Virginia, marriage and divorce records are subject to privacy restrictions. Fairfax County follows state rules for public access limitations:
- Marriage and divorce records older than 25 years are typically accessible to the public.
- Records under 25 years are restricted to eligible parties, including the individuals named, their legal representatives, or authorized family members.
- Requests may require valid identification and a completed application form at the Clerk of Court.
These rules balance public transparency with privacy protection, ensuring sensitive information remains secure while supporting legitimate legal, genealogical, or personal needs. Fairfax County maintains secure archives and ensures proper verification for all record requests.
Get Fairfax County Marriage & Divorce Records
Fairfax County residents can obtain marriage licenses and divorce certificates through local offices, state agencies, or the Circuit Court Clerk. Each source provides specific services, from certified copies to official record verification.
Fairfax County Office of Vital Records
The Fairfax County Office of Vital Records is the primary local source for marriage licenses and certificates. This office maintains recent records and handles requests for certified copies.
- Locations & Hours:
- The office is centrally located and serves residents Monday through Friday, typically from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
- Some locations may offer weekend or evening services for appointments, depending on demand.
- Walk-In vs Mail Options:
- Residents can visit in person to submit requests and receive certified copies immediately in most cases.
- Mail requests require a completed application form, a photocopy of valid identification, and applicable fees. Processing times may vary from 5–10 business days.
Services include issuing marriage licenses Fairfax County for couples planning to marry, as well as providing divorce certificates Fairfax County when available locally. The office also verifies eligibility for record requests based on Virginia’s privacy rules.
Virginia Department of Health — Division of Vital Records
Some marriage and divorce records may not be available directly through Fairfax County, particularly older records or those requiring statewide verification. In these cases, the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) — Division of Vital Records is the next point of contact.
- This state-level office maintains comprehensive vital records across Virginia, including historical marriage and divorce documents.
- Residents may submit requests online, by mail, or in person, depending on the record type.
- Required information typically includes:
- Names of both parties
- Date and county of marriage or divorce
- Reason for the request (certified copy, genealogical research, legal use)
The VDH ensures official copies are legally recognized for all purposes, including court filings, insurance, and genealogy research.
Circuit Court Clerk’s Office
The Circuit Court Clerk in Fairfax County provides access to official court records, including certified divorce decrees and marriage license copies.
- Certified Copies:
- The Clerk’s office issues certified copies of both marriage and divorce records.
- Certified copies are essential for legal purposes, such as changing names, verifying marital status, or filing official documents.
- Record Requests:
- Requests can usually be submitted in person, by mail, or through certain online portals.
- Fees apply for certified copies, typically ranging from $10–$15 per document, depending on the type and quantity.
- Marriage License Copies & Fees:
- Couples applying for a marriage license Fairfax County must provide valid identification and pay a standard fee (often around $30–$40).
- The license becomes a public record after filing with the court, at which point certified copies can be requested.
How to Search Marriage & Divorce Records
Quick Answer: There are several ways to search Fairfax County marriage records and Fairfax County divorce records, including official online tools, in‑person visits, or third‑party services. Each method helps locate the information you need, but official sources provide the most accurate and legally recognized results.
Online Search Options
For broad online searches, official tools and county systems are the best starting point for looking up public records search results related to court filings and case details.
Circuit Court Online Tools
- eCaseSearch (Fairfax Circuit Court): This free online portal lets users search public case information across Circuit Court records. It’s designed to show non‑confidential case details by name or case number. Access eCaseSearch here: https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/apps/ECS_Public.
- Court Public Access Network (CPAN): CPAN provides a searchable index of official Circuit Court records, including historic civil documents, marriage license documents, and other county records. Note that CPAN may require a subscription or specific on‑site access options at the courthouse. Find CPAN via the Fairfax County Circuit Court site: https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/circuit/online-services/court-public-access-network.
Genealogical & State Index Tools
- Library of Virginia Marriage Records Card Index: For historical marriage entries across Virginia counties (including Fairfax), use this index to find where a record was originally filed. Search by bride or groom name and county at https://old.lva.virginia.gov/public/guides/marriage-records/search.asp.
Steps to Online Search
- Start with accurate full names and any known dates for the marriage or divorce.
- Use the eCaseSearch tool link above for case lookup if you believe the record is part of a court docket.
- Try CPAN if you need access to documents indexed in the court archive.
- Use the state card index for historic marriage information (especially pre‑digital era records).
- For certified copies, official request channels (not just search lookups) are required — see local county offices or the Virginia Department of Health.
In‑Person Searches
Some records aren’t available through online search tools and must be accessed in person at the Fairfax County Circuit Court Clerk’s Office or local record centers.
Visiting the Clerk’s Office
- Bring valid photo identification (driver’s license, passport, state ID).
- Write down full names and dates related to the marriage or divorce you’re searching for.
- Ask staff where records are stored — recent vs. older documents may be in different departments or at the Historic Records Center.
Filling Out On‑Site Forms
- You may need to complete a record request form or access terminals for CPAN on‑site.
- Ask for help with civil or domestic relations filings if accessing marriage license records or divorce decrees.
- For certified copies, request the correct form and pay the fee onsite. Certified copies are official, stamped documents suitable for legal use.
Third‑Party or Paid Search Services
Third‑party services like VitalChek provide online request options for certified copies of vital records (marriage certificates, divorce certificates). These services partner with state vital records offices to handle the processing and mailing of official documents for a fee. A common option is:
- VitalChek Network: Request certified marriage or divorce certificates Fairfax County online. Note that service fees apply in addition to government fees, and delivery may be expedited.
Step to Request Process
To request Fairfax County marriage records or Fairfax County divorce records, a person must provide specific details about the event and meet eligibility rules set by Virginia law. Requests can be made in person or by mail, with fees charged for certified copies and varying turnaround times depending on method and record age.
This section clearly explains how to request marriage or divorce documents, what information is needed, how to send requests by mail or in person, and what fees and timeframes to expect.
Requesting Marriage Records
When requesting marriage records from Fairfax County, the person must know key details about the record sought and verify eligibility under Virginia privacy rules.
Required Information:
To help the Clerk of Court or Vital Records staff locate the correct document, the request should include:
- Full names of both parties as shown on the record
- Date of marriage (exact date if known, or approximate year)
- Place of marriage (Fairfax County)
- A copy of valid photo identification (driver’s license, state ID, or passport)
- A reason for requesting the certified copy (legal use, personal records)
Eligibility Rules:
Fairfax County marriage records that are more than 25 years old are normally open to the public. For records less than 25 years old, only the couple named on the record or an immediate family member may request a certified copy. Proof of relationship may be required.
Mail Request Procedure:
- Download or print the marriage record request form from the Fairfax County Circuit Court website.
- Complete the form with accurate information.
- Include a copy of valid photo ID for the requester.
- Include a check or money order for the certified copy fee (often around $10–$15 per copy).
- Mail everything to the Clerk of Circuit Court at the address listed in Section 5.
- Provide a return envelope with correct postage if the office will mail the record back.
In‑Person Request Procedure:
- Visit the Fairfax County Clerk of Court’s office during open hours (listed in Section 5).
- Bring the completed request form and acceptable photo ID.
- Pay the fee at the counter.
- A certified copy is typically issued while the person waits.
Certified copies are official marriage certificates that can be used for legal purposes like name changes, passport applications, or insurance claims.
Requesting Divorce Records
Fairfax County maintains records of divorces that include both divorce certificates and full divorce decrees (court orders that state the terms of the divorce). The steps for requesting vary based on the type of document needed.
Certificate vs Decree:
- A divorce certificate is a brief document confirming that a divorce was finalized; it lists the names of the spouses and the date of divorce. This is the right choice when simple proof of divorce is required.
- A divorce decree is a detailed court order that sets out the terms of the divorce, such as property division, child custody, support obligations, and rulings by the judge. A decree is required when a person needs the complete legal document for detailed legal use.
Steps to Request a Divorce Certificate:
- Complete a divorce certificate request form.
- Include the full names of both spouses and the date of divorce.
- Provide a copy of valid photo ID.
- Pay the set fee with a check or money order.
- Submit by mail to the Clerk of Court or in person at the office.
Steps to Request a Divorce Decree:
- Contact the Clerk of Circuit Court to confirm that the decree is available for public access.
- Complete a records request form.
- Provide full case details if known (case number, names, date of divorce).
- Show photo ID and pay the fee.
- Request a certified copy if the document will be used for legal purposes.
A decree may take longer to retrieve if the case is older or archived offsite. Call ahead to confirm availability before an in‑person visit.
Fees & Turnaround Times
Requesting certified copies of marriage or divorce records in Fairfax County has associated fees. These costs help cover administrative processing and certification. Exact amounts can change, so confirming current fees with the Clerk of Circuit Court or Vital Records office is recommended. Below are typical amounts based on recent practices:
| Record Type | Typical Fee (per copy) | Typical Turnaround Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Marriage Certificate (in person) | ~$10–$15 | Same day | Issued at the office |
| Marriage Certificate (by mail) | ~$10–$15 | 5–10 business days | Depends on mail service |
| Divorce Certificate (in person) | ~$10–$15 | Same day | At Clerk’s office |
| Divorce Certificate (by mail) | ~$10–$15 | 7–14 business days | Varies with mail |
| Divorce Decree (certified) | ~$15–$20 | 7–21 business days | Variable if archived |
Mail requests have longer turnaround due to postal delivery and office processing. In‑person requests often result in same‑day issuance, especially for certificates. Decrees may require additional retrieval time.
Locations & Contact Info
People seeking official certified copies of marriage or divorce documents can visit the Fairfax County Vital Records Office, the Fairfax County Circuit Court Clerk’s Office, or contact the Virginia Department of Health for statewide requests. Each office location, hours, and contact details are listed below.
Fairfax County Vital Records Office
The Fairfax County Vital Records Office issues certified marriage license copies and maintains recent marriage and divorce records. Staff can assist with questions about eligibility for records.
Address:
Fairfax County Vital Records Office
12000 Government Center Pkwy, Suite 330
Fairfax, VA 22035
Hours:
Monday–Friday: 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Closed on state holidays
Contact:
Phone: (703) 324‑7400
Tip: Visit early in the day to avoid crowds if requesting in person.
Fairfax County Circuit Court Clerk’s Office
The Circuit Court Clerk’s Office holds certified records for both marriage and divorce documents and issues official copies. Staff can help locate older files that may be archived.
Address:
Fairfax County Circuit Court Clerk’s Office
4110 Chain Bridge Rd
Fairfax, VA 22030
Hours:
Monday–Friday: 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Closed weekends and legal holidays
Contact:
Phone: (703) 691‑7320
For on‑site record searches, bring a list of names and approximate dates to help staff locate records more quickly.
Virginia Department of Health — Division of Vital Records
For records not available locally or statewide certified copies, the Virginia Department of Health Division of Vital Records can process requests for events that occurred anywhere in the state.
Address:
VDH Division of Vital Records
PO Box 1000
Richmond, VA 23218
Hours:
Monday–Friday: 8:15 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Contact:
Phone: (804) 662‑6200
FAQs
Fairfax County marriage and divorce records are accessible through official online tools, in-person requests, and authorized third-party services. Knowing the differences between certificates, decrees, and eligibility rules ensures proper access.
Can I get a record online?
- Yes, many recent records can be searched online using official Fairfax County tools:
- eCaseSearch: Search public case information including marriage and divorce filings.
- CPAN (Court Public Access Network): Provides indexed court records.
- Certified copies must be requested via mail or in-person through the Clerk’s office or Vital Records. Online portals only provide search access, not legal copies.
What is the difference between a certificate and a decree?
- Marriage or Divorce Certificate:
- Confirms that a marriage or divorce occurred.
- Lists basic information: names, date, and location.
- Suitable for legal proof, genealogy, or personal records.
- Divorce Decree (Court Order):
- Full legal document issued by the court.
- Includes property division, custody arrangements, support obligations, and other rulings.
- Required when detailed legal evidence is needed.
How long does processing take?
- In-Person Requests: Usually same-day issuance for certificates.
- Mail Requests:
- Marriage certificates: 5–10 business days
- Divorce certificates: 7–14 business days
- Divorce decrees (certified): 7–21 business days, longer if archived
- Turnaround may vary depending on holidays, request completeness, and document age.
Can third-party services request records?
- Authorized services like VitalChek can process certified copies for a fee.
- Must provide complete information and proof of eligibility.
- Unofficial websites may display record details but are not valid for legal use. Always use county or state-approved portals.
What if the divorce happened outside Fairfax County?
- Records are maintained by the county or state where the divorce was finalized.
- For Virginia divorces outside Fairfax:
- Contact the Circuit Court Clerk of the original county.
- Statewide copies can be requested from the Virginia Department of Health – Division of Vital Records if certified copies are needed.
- Out-of-state divorces require contacting the relevant state’s vital records office.