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Circuit Court Clerk's Office

Celebrant Information

Religious Celebrants

Section 20-23 of the Code of Virginia articulates the requirements for authorization as a religious celebrant.

The Prince William Clerk's Office approves ministers of any religious denomination who minister or live in Prince William/Manassas/Manassas Park to perform the Rites of Marriage. The Clerk's Office also issues one time authorization for religious celebrants who minister out-of-state and will perform a marriage for a Prince William/Manassas/Manassas Park resident and within Prince William/Manassas/Manassas Park. It is not the practice of the Clerk’s Office to approve an individual to perform the Rites of Marriage solely on the basis of an Internet ordination.

Application to Perform the Rites of Marriage in Virginia (Religious Celebrants) There is a $24 filing fee.

Civil Celebrants

Section 20-25 of the Code of Virginia articulates the requirements for authorization as a civil celebrant. The Prince William Court maintains a list of Civil Celebrant List (July 2023) who are available to perform marriage ceremonies by appointment. In addition, an individual can petition the court for approval as a one-time civil celebrant.

Instructions to Perform the Rites of Marriage in Virginia (Civil Celebrants). For the Court's Public Parking Locations Map, please CLICK HERE.

Celebrant Instructions for Completing, Signing, and Returning a Marriage License

  • Use BLACK INK ONLY when completing the documents.

  • Type or print legibly all information

  • Complete the following:
    Section 28 - the date of the marriage
    Section 29 - the place of the marriage
    Section 30 - type of ceremony (religious or civil)
    Section 31 - Signature, Title of officiant, City or County where authorized to perform marriage, year of authorization, Officiant's name and address

  • It is the celebrants responsibility to make sure the license is not more than 60 days old.

  • Complete both copies (A & B) and return them within five days to the Clerk of Court that issued the marriage license. The name and address of the Court is written in the left hand margin of the marriage license.

  • Order and Petition to Perform Rites of Marriage in Civil Ceremony

PWC Civil Marriage Celebrants (July 2023)

Please contact the celebrant to make arrangements. This is not handled by the Clerk's office.