Frequently Asked Questions
Get the answers to many FAQs below!
Frequently Asked Questions
What do I do first?
You first need to go to the Alexandria Circuit Court Clerk's office (520 King Street, Room 307, Alexandria, VA 22314) and apply for a marriage license. No appointment necessary. Once you have your marriage license from the clerk's office, an appointed marriage celebrant or the Clerk's office can perform your ceremony/sign your paperwork. See updated information on the clerk's office website here.
How long does it take to receive our complete marriage license back from the clerk's office?
Timing of when your completed marriage certificate will be ready for pick-up/mailed to you in your self-addressed, pre-stamped envelope can vary, but you can contact the clerk's office at 703-746-4044 to inquire more after Alex has filed it.
What forms of payment do you accept?
You can pay for Alex's civil marriage celebrant services via cash, check, Zelle, or Venmo. If you are paying in cash, please bring correct change. Alex does not carry change for safety purposes.
What are the clerk's office hours?
Please see the Alexandria Circuit Court Clerk's website for updated information on their opening hours (here), but they are generally open Monday - Friday from 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM (closed on all major holidays). You do not need an appointment to file for a marriage license.
Where do you perform ceremonies?
I can either meet couples at the courthouse (520 King Street, Alexandria, VA) free of charge, or travel to a location in the City of Alexandria to meet with couples for a small travel fee.
How long do ceremonies/signings take?
Signing of marriage licenses and the marriage certificate takes ~10 minutes (including pictures), while ceremonies can last anywhere from 15 minutes to 30 depending on the couple's desires and complexity of the ceremony.
What do we need to take with us to the clerk's office to get our marriage license?
Both persons getting married must appear together and bring their unexpired, government-issued picture identification (e.g., driver’s license, or passport) and the $30 fee in cash or check with them to the clerk's office. No appointment necessary. However, you CANNOT take your phone inside the courthouse with you (lockers provided at entrance). Please see the Alexandria Circuit Court Clerk's website for updated information here.
What are your business hours?
Monday - Friday : 7:00-9:00 AM
12:00-1:30 PM
5:00-7:00 PM
Saturday : 8:00 AM-8:00 PM
Sunday : 8:00 AM-8:00 PM
How do I change my last name after marriage?
While I cannot provide individual legal advice, you can use a certified copy of your marriage license in order to change your last name upon marriage in Virginia. The clerk's office charges $2.50 per certified copy, which can be mailed to you upon providing a self-addressed, pre-stamped envelope along with the fee when Alex files your licenses with the clerk's office. You can also get certified copies directly from the clerk's office or from the VDH Department of Vital Records here.
*Don't forget that once you change your name, you will need to update numerous agencies of your name change (E.g. SSA, DMV, passport, banks, utilities/bills)!*