As a Virginia resident, I might be a little biased talking about this topic because I love this area. But Virginia is huge and full of amazing places to visit, explore, and of course, elope. You’ll find beautiful options just a short drive from Arlington, like Old Town Alexandria, Great Falls Park, Meadowlark Botanical Gardens, and the Blue Ridge Mountains if you're up for a little road trip.


And the best part? You can do it pretty much however you want. Just the two of you, with your closest people, or a small group of family and friends. That’s honestly my favorite thing about elopements.


And the good news is that making it legal in Virginia is simple. Here’s what you need to know



How to Legally Elope in Virginia


Step 1: Decide how you want to do it


You don’t have to be a Virginia resident to elope or get married here. That’s one of the reasons so many couples choose this state. The first thing to figure out is whether you want your Virginia elopement to be the legal ceremony, or if you’d rather make it official back home and treat this as a meaningful, personal celebration. If you do want to take care of the legal side here, your first step is getting a marriage license.


Step 2: Get your marriage license


You’ll need to visit any Virginia Circuit Court Clerk’s Office together in person. It doesn’t have to be in the same county where you plan to elope, which gives you some flexibility if you’re traveling or working with a specific timeline.


Here’s what you need to bring:


  • A valid photo ID (like a driver’s license or passport)
  • $30 for the marriage license fee (some courts accept cards, others only take cash, so check ahead online or call)


The process is quick. You’ll get the license the same day, and it’s valid immediately. There’s no waiting period, no blood test, and no need for witnesses at the ceremony. Once you have the license, you have 60 days to use it before it expires. After your ceremony, your officiant will sign it and return it to the same courthouse you got it from. You can also ask for certified copies if you need them for things like name changes or legal records.


Step 3: Finding an Officiant


Who can legally officiate in Virginia besides officiants:


  • Religious officiants (ordained through a recognized organization)
  • Judges or court-appointed civil celebrants
  • A friend or family member with one-time approval from the court


If you’re not sure where to start, I can recommend a few awesome officiants I trust, or help guide you through the steps if you want someone close to you to apply through the court.

A white rose boutonniere with delicate greenery is pinned to a navy suit jacket with a plaid tie.
Simple ring photos with delicate white flowers on a white background showcase an elegant wedding ring set.
Wedding first look moment captured on brick pathway with greenery and white building in background.
An outdoor wedding ceremony takes place in a garden setting with sunlight filtering through trees.
Group of wedding guests enjoying an outdoor garden reception on a sunny summer day amidst lush greenery and stone walls.
Four sequential photos show a romantic moment between a couple on a brick pathway with rustic stone walls and blue doors.
A bride and groom hold hands during their outdoor garden wedding ceremony with an officiant presiding.

Can we self-officiate?


Virginia doesn’t allow couples to self-officiate. You’ll need someone who is legally authorized to perform the ceremony and sign your marriage license.


Can a friend or family member officiate?


Yes, but they’ll need to be approved by the court first. Virginia allows one-time officiant authorizations, but the process can vary depending on the county. If you want someone close to you to officiate, they’ll need to apply through the circuit court in the same county where the ceremony will take place. Some counties are more flexible than others, so it’s best to check early.


Can someone who’s ordained online officiate in Virginia?


Not always. Virginia doesn’t automatically recognize online ordinations unless the officiant is also approved by the court. That means someone who got ordained through a website like Universal Life Church may still need to apply for one-time authorization from the court to make it official.


Do we need witnesses?


Nope. In Virginia, you do not need any witnesses to get legally married. It can be just the two of you and your officiant.


Step 4: Choosing your ceremony spot



One of the best things about eloping is that you're not tied to any specific type of location. Your ceremony can happen almost anywhere that feels right to you: a backyard, a public park, an Airbnb, or even a random little spot you both love. Whether it's just the two of you or a few close guests, your day can be simple, meaningful, or somewhere in between.


Keep in mind that some places have guest limits or need to be booked ahead of time, especially if you're thinking about eloping at a national park, public areas, or some spots in Washington DC. If you want to have guests on your elopement day, I advice on having 20 people or less,  but once you inquire, we can check everything for you during our call.

A black and white close-up photo of hands wearing wedding rings resting together on a white surface from Stefani Ribeiro Photography
A small tan Chihuahua puppy sits on a wooden floor and looks up at the camera with big brown eyes.
I'm ready!