Free Marriage Records Search are a principal record category that is maintained at the state repository of Virginia through their Office of Vital Records. Together with those of divorce, birth and death, they form the vital record group and there are over 7 million Virginia marriage records currently on file under its charge. The office is part of the Virginia Department of Health which is tasked with providing the information as a public service.

Free Virginia Marriage Records from 1853 onwards are maintained at the State Vital Record Office. However, only those which are 50 years or more past the date of the event are considered as public information by Virginia laws. As such, they can be released only to the subjects themselves or their immediate family members namely parent, child, sibling or grandparent. Proof of identity is strictly required. Aunts, uncles, cousins, etc are not eligible.

Although the public can obtain Free Marriage Records Search from government agencies in Virginia, there is an admin fee of $12.00 per certificate/search which is not refundable or transferable in the event that no information is found. If there’s information located, a report will be prepared for collection in 1 to 2 week’s time. If it’s known, the records can also be extracted directly form the Circuit Court where the marriage occurred. Full name of groom, full maiden name of bride and the time and location of the marriage must be provided to activate the request.

Virginia Marriage records can be requested in 3 standard ways at the Virginia Record Office: walk-in, mail and express delivery. Walk-in has the fastest turn-around. Same-day is often possible. The waiting time for mail requests is 5 to 10 business day and that is the quoted processing time. An expedited option is the express service via the VitaChek Network but it comes with a price-tag of $49.25 plus additional fees where applicable.

At a basic level, Free Virginia Marriage Records derived from government departments contains the personal particulars in varying degree of the people involved namely the couple, their parents, witnesses and the conducting official of the ceremony. Other information surrounding the event such as the time and place and documents like marriage license and certificate are also included. Multiple marriages, as long as they took place in Virginia will all show up.

Again, its not the easiest thing to obtain vital records from government sources in Virginia. Fortunately, private record providers for that abound on the net. Specialist and review sites are also at your disposal offering recommendations and insights. This is a key factor as the pick will make all the difference in the service you get. Nevertheless, any professional worth its salt will provide money-refund guarantee so at least your money if not your efforts is protected.