Marriage license · West Virginia
West Virginia marriage license: cost, where to apply, and when
Issued by the county clerk. Residents apply in the county where one of you lives.
When to apply, for your date
The license lasts 60 days and there is no wait, so apply any time in the 60 days before the wedding, including the day itself. Enter your date and we will do the arithmetic.
The course discount
A premarital course drops the fee by about $20. Ask the office which providers count before you sign up; the certificate has to come from a registered provider and be dated within a year of applying.
Where to apply in Charleston
The offices that serve the West Virginia cities Lazo covers. Both of you go, with government photo ID; check the office's own page for hours, appointments and what to bring.
What to bring
Both of you, in person, with government photo ID such as a driver's license or passport. Know your parents' full names and birthplaces, which most applications ask. If either of you was married before, know the date and how it ended; some offices ask for the decree. Bring the fee; not every office takes cards.
West Virginia marriage license FAQ
How much does a marriage license cost in West Virginia?
About $36 to $61, paid to the county clerk. A premarital course drops the fee by about $20. Fees change and differ by county; confirm with the office.
Where do you get a marriage license in West Virginia?
From the county clerk. Residents apply in the county where one of you lives.
Is there a waiting period in West Virginia?
No waiting period. You can marry the day the license is issued.
How long is a West Virginia marriage license valid?
Valid 60 days. Apply within 60 days of the wedding, after any waiting period.
Do you need witnesses in West Virginia?
No. Only the officiant signs.
Fees and rules are as published by the issuing offices for 2025 to 2026 and change without notice. This page is a planning aid, not legal advice; the office's own page is the last word. Planning a wedding in Charleston? Every vendor there is ranked by verified reviews, and your free wedding website is a click away. Every state.