Marriage records in Newport News, Virginia, are available through several channels. NewportNewsCourt.us allows you to start searching for publicly available marriage record information. Additionally, records are maintained by the Clerk of the Circuit Court of Newport News — you can contact the office in person, by mail, or online through the Virginia Department of Health portal. Below is a step-by-step overview of the process for searching, obtaining copies, and paying fees.
Newport News Marriage Records Search
In Virginia, marriage licenses are issued and registered by the Clerk of the Circuit Court. For the city of Newport News, this function is performed by the office of the Circuit Court Clerk under the leadership of Angela F. Reason. The collection includes marriage licenses, marriage returns, and historical records stored in the court archives.
According to Virginia law, marriage records become public information 25 years after the event. Until this period, access is limited to the immediate participants or their family members. The Office of Vital Records of the Virginia Department of Health also maintains copies of marriage records at the state level.
To search for Circuit Court case information, including marriage records, use the Case Information system, selecting "Newport News Circuit" from the dropdown menu.
Certified Marriage Record Copies and Fees in Newport News
Fees for copies of marriage records are set by the Virginia Code and the policies of the Clerk's office. Below is an approximate fee schedule:
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Certified copy of marriage certificate (via state Office of Vital Records) | $12.00 |
| Each additional copy (in one order) | $6.00 |
| Certified copy via Circuit Court Clerk's office | Check with Clerk's office |
| Search fee (state-level) | Included in the cost of the first copy |
The source of state-level fees is the Virginia Department of Health, Office of Vital Records. Specific fees for copies issued directly by the Newport News Circuit Court Clerk's office should be confirmed by phone at 757-926-8561, as they may differ from state fees. The processing time for state-level requests is typically 2–4 weeks for standard mail orders.
Order Marriage Certificates Online or In Person in Newport News
Online Ordering
The Virginia Department of Health offers an online system for ordering certified copies of marriage certificates. Visit the Office of Vital Records page and select the appropriate section for a new order. The online system accepts payment by credit or debit card. Note: an additional service fee may apply for online orders.
In-Person Visit
You can visit the Circuit Court Clerk's office directly:
An appointment is not required, but it is recommended to call ahead (757-926-8561) to confirm the availability of the record you need. Bring a valid photo ID with you.
Copies of marriage licenses can also be obtained at any regional Vital Records office in Virginia.
Mail Order
To order by mail, prepare the following:
- A completed application for a copy of the marriage certificate (the form can be downloaded from the VDH website or requested from the Clerk's office).
- A copy of a valid photo ID.
- A check or money order for the appropriate amount, made payable to "State Health Commissioner" (for state-level requests) or "Clerk of Court" (for local office requests).
- A self-addressed stamped envelope.
Mailing address for state requests:
For mail requests directly to the local court, send documents to the Circuit Court Clerk's Office at the address listed above. The standard processing time for state-level mail requests is two to four weeks. If the record is older than 25 years, it is considered public, and applicant restrictions do not apply. For newer records, you must confirm a family relationship or legal interest.
Additional information about the Virginia court system and available resources can be found on the official Virginia Court System website. If you need information about divorce in Virginia, the court system's self-help section may be useful.