How do I obtain a wedding license? What do I need to know about the marriage license?
You may get your marriage license at your local Circuit Court Clerk's Office. Any court in Virginia is fine. It does not have to be where you live or the location of the ceremony. Paste the following link into your browser for information on the court closest to you.
www.courts.state.va.us/courts/circuit.html
You must go together to the court with valid picture IDs and be at least 18 years of age. There is a fee for the license and it should be posted on the Circuit Court's website and varies slightly among localities. Bring the addressed envelope and both copies of the license with a valid picture ID to the rehearsal or wedding as I must sign and return both copies and see your IDs. The Clerk's office should also provide you with a marriage certificate that I can sign for you as a keepsake. Check with them about how to obtain a certified copy of your marriage license (This is your official copy processed by the Court). There will probably be information in the packet they give you on how to pick it up or request it by mail. It is normally ready within 5-10 business days after the ceremony.
What forms of payment do you accept for your services and when is payment due?
*** I am now able to accept Pay Pal. There is a $10 charge for this to cover PayPal's fees. This one time charge with the deposit covers both deposit payment and final payment. Thank you.
I am also able to accept checks or cash. Please make checks payable to Rev. Jennifer M Ashcraft or Faith in Marriage. A deposit is required to reserve the day and is refundable up until 6 months prior to the ceremony date. The remainder of the full amount is due one week prior to the wedding and is nonrefundable at that time. However, it is transferable should there be a postponement to a date I am available. [Travel fees will be refunded if cancelled prior to the ceremony day.]
How do I change my name legally if I so choose?
I provide a detailed account of this on a one page information sheet to any couple who is interested.
How important is the rehearsal and does the Officiant really need to be there? Do you attend the dinner as well?
That is truly up to you and your personality. The rehearsal dinner is certainly a great reason to get together with your family and friends and let the fun begin. If you are more relaxed and are not concerned about going with the flow, I have a short Rehearsal Guide I can provide so that you and your bridal party can do a walkthrough hitting the high points and that is no problem at all. If you like to have things more formatted and organized, it can be helpful for me to be there and then everyone will know precisely what is expected of them. It is what feels good to you and what you can fit into your budget.
As wonderful as it would be to attend a fabulous dinner every weekend, it is not feasible with my family life. I appreciate so much that couples often ask me to attend the celebration after the ceremony, but it is rare that I am free to accept and I have no expectations of an invitation. Thanks so much for your understanding.
