Marriage records in Bedford County, Virginia, can be accessed through several channels. BedfordCourt.us can help you find publicly available marriage record information for Bedford County. You can also request records directly from the issuing authority — the Bedford County Circuit Court Clerk's Office — in person or by mail. Additionally, the Virginia Department of Health, Office of Vital Records maintains statewide marriage records from 1936 to the present and offers online ordering.
Bedford County Marriage Records Search
In Virginia, marriage licenses are issued by the Circuit Court Clerk's Office in the county or city where the couple applies. The Bedford County Circuit Court Clerk's Office is the local authority responsible for issuing marriage licenses and maintaining marriage records for the county. The office's collection includes marriage licenses issued in Bedford County, returned marriage certificates, and older historical marriage records that may date back to the 19th century.
The Virginia Office of Vital Records also holds marriage records from 1936 forward. For marriages that took place before 1936, the Circuit Court Clerk's Office is typically the only local source. You can also search for basic case information through the Virginia Court System's online case information portal, though marriage license details may not appear in that system.
Bedford County Circuit Court Clerk's Office
Certified Marriage Record Copies and Fees in Bedford County
Fees for marriage record copies in Virginia are set by state statute and local fee schedules. The following table reflects standard fees for obtaining marriage records from the Bedford County Circuit Court Clerk's Office and the Virginia Office of Vital Records.
| Service | Circuit Court Clerk | VA Office of Vital Records |
|---|---|---|
| Certified copy | $2.50 | $12.00 |
| Additional certified copy (same order) | $2.50 | $12.00 |
| Search fee (if no record found) | Varies — contact office | $12.00 |
The Circuit Court Clerk's fee for certified copies of marriage records is established under Virginia Code § 17.1-275. The Virginia Office of Vital Records fee applies to orders placed through the state. Processing times at the Clerk's Office are typically same-day for in-person requests. Mail requests through the state vital records office may take several weeks.
Order Marriage Certificates Online or In Person in Bedford County
There are three main ways to order a certified copy of a Bedford County marriage record:
Online
The Virginia Office of Vital Records offers an online ordering system for marriage records from 1936 to the present. Orders are processed through a third-party vendor and require payment by credit or debit card. You will need to provide:
- Full names of both spouses
- Date of marriage
- County where the marriage license was issued
- Your relationship to the individuals on the record
- A valid photo ID
In Person
Visit the Bedford County Circuit Court Clerk's Office at the address listed above during regular business hours. Bring a valid government-issued photo ID. Staff can typically process certified copy requests the same day. Payment methods accepted may include cash, check, or money order — call ahead to confirm.
By Mail
To request a marriage record by mail from the Circuit Court Clerk's Office, send the following:
- A written request including the full names of both spouses, the approximate date of marriage, and your contact information
- A copy of your valid government-issued photo ID
- A check or money order for the applicable fee, payable to the Bedford County Circuit Court Clerk
- A self-addressed stamped envelope
Mail your request to:
You can also mail requests to the Virginia Office of Vital Records for marriages recorded from 1936 onward. The Blue Ridge Health District vital records page provides additional guidance on obtaining certified copies through local health departments. For older or hard-to-find records, contact the Clerk's Office directly — staff can advise whether the record is available and what documentation you will need to provide.