Authorization to Perform - Minister

Pursuant to § 20-23 of the Code of Virginia, “ordained” members of religious organizations --such as ministers, priests, priestesses, rabbis, reverends, imams, monks, etc.-- expecting to perform marriage ceremonies in the Commonwealth of Virginia must receive authorization through the Court prior to performing the ceremony.  Authorization will be for a period of time set by the Court.  The authorization is only valid for couples with a Virginia-issued marriage license and for a ceremony located in the Commonwealth of Virginia. 

Please allow at least 3-4 weeks prior to any ceremony to complete the authorization process.

The Clerk’s office must receive the following items to initiate the authorization process:

1. Petition and Religious Qualification Questionnaire. Petition and questionnaire must be typed or printed in legible handwriting.
2. Original letter of good standing.  A letter must be submitted on official stationery, signed by an official of the Petitioner’s religious society, stating that the prospective celebrant is in good standing with the religious society. 
3. Filing fees - $56.00.  The filing fee must be paid at the time of filing the petition.  We accept cash, check, money order or credit card.  (There is a 4% convenience fee when using a credit card). 

The required documentation and fee can be mailed or hand delivered to: 

Fluvanna County Circuit Court

Post Office Box 550

72 Main Street

Palmyra, VA  22963

Once the petition, questionnaire, and all required documentation have been submitted, all information will be provided to the Judge for consideration.  No hearing is required unless directed by the Judge.  Once approved, a Court Order will be entered, and a certified copy of the signed Order will be sent to the home address provided on the petition, unless the petitioner specified otherwise.  The petitioner is not authorized to perform a marriage ceremony until after the entry of a Court Order. 

For additional information or if you have any questions, please call 434-591-1970.