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.

*Before performing ceremonies, please watch this brief informational video for all Civil Celebrants.

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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 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.

Please read and abide by the Instructions and requirements to Perform the Rites of Marriage in Virginia (Civil Celebrants).

Please complete the Order and Petition to Perform Rites of Marriage in Civil Ceremony as a one-time celebrant.

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

*Please watch our Circuit Court Civil Celebrant Orientation Video for specific information and expectations.

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 celebrant's 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