Marriage license · Free to use

West Virginia marriage license: fee, waiting period and how to apply

What West Virginia's official pages say about getting married there: the fee, the waiting period, how long the license lasts, witnesses, officiants, ID and where to apply. Each rule links its source.

By Wedding RemedyPublished October 30, 2026

Editorial standards

West Virginia marriage license at a glance

Fee: $55 under state law. Waiting period: None stated. Fayette County says licenses are effective immediately after issue. How long it is valid: The license is void if the marriage is not solemnized within 60 days of issuance.

West Virginia marriage license rules

The rules below restate official pages, linked with the date they were read. Last checked October 30, 2026. Rules and fees change, and this is not legal advice: confirm with the clerk where you apply before you rely on a rule.

Fee: $55 under state law. (Source: code.wvlegislature.gov, checked October 30, 2026)
Premarital education discount: Fee drops to $35 with a premarital education course certificate issued under the state code and dated within one year. (Source: code.wvlegislature.gov, checked October 30, 2026)
Waiting period: None stated. Fayette County says licenses are effective immediately after issue. (Source: fayettecounty.wv.gov, checked October 30, 2026)
How long the license is valid: The license is void if the marriage is not solemnized within 60 days of issuance. (Source: code.wvlegislature.gov, checked October 30, 2026)
Where the license can be used: Fayette County says the license is effective only in West Virginia. (Source: fayettecounty.wv.gov, checked October 30, 2026)
Witnesses: Check with your county clerk. Official page
Who may officiate: Registered religious representatives, family court judges, circuit judges and Supreme Court of Appeals justices. (Source: code.wvlegislature.gov, checked October 30, 2026)
Officiants ordained online: Not stated here. Ask the county clerk before you rely on an online ordination. Official page
Age: Age of consent is 18. At 16 or 17, written consent is needed, and the partner cannot be more than 4 years older. (Source: code.wvlegislature.gov, checked October 30, 2026)
ID and documents to bring: The clerk requires evidence of each applicant age, such as a birth certificate, voter registration certificate or driver license. (Source: code.wvlegislature.gov, checked October 30, 2026)
Where to apply: Any county commission clerk in the state, regardless of residency. (Source: code.wvlegislature.gov, checked October 30, 2026)
Online application: Check with your county clerk. Official page
Certified copy of the marriage certificate: $5 per certified copy of a marriage license. (Source: code.wvlegislature.gov, checked October 30, 2026)

Common questions

How much is a marriage license in West Virginia?

$55 under state law. Fee drops to $35 with a premarital education course certificate issued under the state code and dated within one year.

Is there a waiting period to get married in West Virginia?

None stated. Fayette County says licenses are effective immediately after issue.

How long is a West Virginia marriage license valid?

The license is void if the marriage is not solemnized within 60 days of issuance.

Who can officiate a wedding in West Virginia?

Registered religious representatives, family court judges, circuit judges and Supreme Court of Appeals justices.

How do you get a certified copy of a West Virginia marriage certificate?

$5 per certified copy of a marriage license.

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