Marriage records in Portsmouth, Virginia, are maintained at the Circuit Court Clerk's Office and the State Department of Health. PortsmouthCourt.us allows you to begin searching for publicly available marriage record information online. Additionally, certified copies of certificates can be ordered directly from the Portsmouth Circuit Court Clerk's Office by visiting the office in person or by mail through the Virginia Division of Vital Records in Richmond.
Portsmouth Marriage Records Search
In Virginia, marriage license records are maintained by the Circuit Court Clerk's Office of the city or county where the license was issued. The Portsmouth Circuit Court Clerk's Office is the official custodian of local marriage documents—from licenses and applications to returned marriage certificates. The collection includes both modern records and historical documents dating back to the city's founding. To search for a specific record, the clerk will need the names of the spouses and the approximate date of the marriage.
Certified copies of marriage certificates are also issued by the Virginia Department of Health Division of Vital Records, which maintains records dating back to 1853 statewide.
Portsmouth Circuit Court Clerk's Office
Certified Marriage Record Copies and Fees in Portsmouth
The fees for copies of marriage records depend on where you order them—from the local court clerk's office or at the state level. Below is an approximate fee schedule according to current rates.
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Certified copy of marriage certificate (through State Division of Vital Records) | $12.00 |
| Each additional copy of the same document (in one order) | $6.00 |
| Certified copy through Circuit Court Clerk's Office | Check with the clerk's office |
| Record search (state) | Included in the copy fee |
State fees are set by the Virginia Code. The Portsmouth Circuit Court Clerk's Office may charge a separate fee for copying and certification—confirm the exact amount by calling (757) 393-8671 before visiting. The processing time for a state-level request is typically several weeks by mail; when visiting the local clerk's office in person, a copy is often issued the same day.
Order Marriage Certificates Online or In Person in Portsmouth
There are several ways to obtain a marriage certificate registered in Portsmouth.
Online
The state of Virginia allows ordering certified copies of vital records through the online portal of the Division of Vital Records. To do this, you need to:
- Visit the official Vital Records Portsmouth Health District website or directly the state ordering portal.
- Fill out the online application form with the names of the spouses, date, and place of marriage.
- Pay the fee with a credit or debit card.
The copy will be mailed within a few weeks.
In Person
Visit the Portsmouth Circuit Court Clerk's Office at 601 Crawford Street. Bring a valid photo ID. Note: The clerk's office stops accepting payments after 4:00 PM for most transactions, except for document copy requests.
By Mail
To order through the State Division of Vital Records, prepare:
- A completed application for a copy of the certificate (the form can be downloaded from the Portsmouth Vital Records website).
- A check or money order for the appropriate amount, made payable to "State Health Department."
- A copy of the applicant's ID.
- A self-addressed stamped envelope (optional for expedited delivery).
Send the document package to the Division of Vital Records in Richmond, Virginia—the exact mailing address is indicated on the application form. If you need a copy specifically from the local court, send the request directly to the Portsmouth Circuit Court Clerk's Office at the address listed above.