Wedding Resources

"For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh.”    Ephesians 5:31 (NIV)

Register With The State

Why do we need to do this?

To perform legal wedding ceremonies (this does not apply to vow renewals) in the state of Virginia, you must be registered and recognized by the state with a certificate. The process is simple but is required by the state.

Ordination

You must hold a certificate of ordination that is recognized by the Lead Pastor of Church at Hampton Roads.  If this is not something you have and is something that you are being called to, contact your Campus Pastor to begin that process.  If you have it, you are one step closer to performing a wedding ceremony.  If you do not, please CLICK HERE

Signed Letter

A letter on CHR letterhead, signed by the Lead Pastor, is required that acknowledges and affirms your association with Church at Hampton Roads serving in the capacity of pastoral care.  Here you can find that letter as a template for you to fill out and provide to the Lead Pastor. Click Here to download the template.

Residency

You must provide a copy of your Virginia Drivers license that shows that you are a resident.

Step by Step Process

Ensure that the following has been completed:
  1. Obtain the signed letter on CHR letterhead, ensuring it has been filled out, from the Lead Pastor
  2. Make a copy of your Certificate of Ordination
  3. Make a copy of your valid Virginia Drivers License
  4. Send all three documents (signed letter, certificate of ordination, driver license) in an email from your @CHR email address to: [email protected] and CC [email protected]
  5. Once received, the city will process your request and establish an appointment for you to come to the court clerks office on the 3rd floor of the Chesapeake Court building
  6. Bring with you $10.00 CASH or CHECK for required payment

Performing A Ceremony

The below resources will help you in performing a wedding or vow renewal ceremony.  These templates can and should be customized to the couples wants and desires.  Have fun!

Vow Renewal Template

Click Here for a sample copy of a Vow Renewal

Wedding Vow Template

Click Here for a sample copy of wedding vows

Marriage License

Upon completing a wedding ceremony, you as the officiant will be responsible for returning two (2) copies of the marriage license back to the City Clerks office.  This must be done within five (5) days of completing the ceremony.

Marriage License - Sample

Click Here for a sample copy of what a marriage license will look like and follow the "How to complete the license"

How to complete the license

  1. Obtain the two (2) licenses from the newly married couple
  2. Ensure they have filled out sections 1 - 27 completely in black ink
  3. Fill out sections 28 - 31 completely in black ink only
  4. Return both copies to the City Clerks office within five days of the ceremony