The Library of Virginia

• 1). Search the Library of Virginia online database for records of marriages that took place prior to 1936. These records are free for public viewing and are available on microfilm. The records were created over many years by many individuals; they are not comprehensive and may not be entirely accurate, but the database is an easy place to start your search.
  
  
• 2). Request a copy of up to five reels of microfilm through an interlibrary loan from the Library of Virginia. The Library of Virginia loans its materials to a number of libraries throughout the country. You may keep the microfilm for up to 28 days with no renewal, at no charge.
  
  
• 3). Search the database in person at the Library of Virginia, 800 E. Broad St., Richmond, Va. 23219-8000. Microfilm of the library's vital statistics records is located in the West Reading Room. You may sign up to view microfilms for two hours at a time. For a small fee, you may copy the microfilm. The library is open to the public Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. Its telephone number is 804-692-3500.
  
  

The Virginia Office of Vital Records

• 1). Call the Virginia Office of Vital Records at 804-662-6200 to speak to a customer service representative about the best way to track down your particular marriage records. The office has marriage records from 1853 to the present. Marriage records become public 50 years after the event, but are available to immediate family members with valid identification prior to this time. Immediate family members include mother, father, husband, wife, child, brother, sister and grandparents.
  
  
• 2). Mail in your request for a certified marriage certificate. The mailing address is Virginia Department of Health --- Office of Vital Records, P.O. Box 1000,
  
  Richmond, Va. 23218-1000. Include a signed letter, photocopy of your identification, name of the bride and bridegroom, date and place of the marriage, your relationship to the persons on the certificate, the reason you want the certificate and your contact information. Include a check or money order for $12 payable to the state health department. Allow four weeks to receive your marriage certificate. You will be charged $12 for a search of the files, even when no certificate is found.
  
  
• 3). Request the marriage certificate in person. The Office of Vital Records is open Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. and Saturdays from 8 a.m. until noon. The address is 1601 Willow Lawn Drive, Suite 275, Richmond, Va. 3230, telephone 804-662-6200. Same-day service is available to walk-in customers. Complete an application, pay the $12 fee, present a valid photo ID and take the document with you when you leave.
  
  
• 4). Request express delivery through VitalChek Network online. Go to the VitalChek website or call the company at 877-572-6333. You may order a certified marriage certificate online using a major credit card. If you are not listed on the marriage certificate, you must fax proof of entitlement along with a copy of your photo ID. This service costs $20.80 per marriage certificate.