Religious Appointment

It is required that the Clerk (or Judge) denies or grants a Petition authorizing a Religious Celebrant to perform a marriage.

Required items to complete and file:

  1. Coversheet for Filing Civil Actions (PDF): (checking Marriage Celebrant in the 3rd column under Miscellaneous Heading)
  2. Petition (PDF)
  3. Letter of good standing from the congregation with which you are in current communion.
  4. Proof of ordination
  5. Order (PDF)
  6. Filing fee: $61.00.

**NOTE: Online Ordinations may not be recognized in Virginia

SEE: Cramer v. Commonwealth (PDF) and Attorney General Opinion (PDF)

* Please note that this is not legal advice or representation. Any questions regarding the process, forms, and their completion should be directed to an attorney. Please review VA20-23 for law. The Clerk's office is prohibited from offering legal advice. (Code 19.2-392.2)

Payment of filing and copy fees may be made by cash, personal check, money order or, with a VISA/MASTERCARD, credit/debit card. Make checks payable to: Clerk of Court. Effective July 1, 2012, the following service fees will apply if using a VISA/MASTERCARD, credit/debit card: The service fee for charges $50.00 and under will be $2.00. The service fee for charges over $50.00 will be assessed at 4%.