Last Updated on July 3, 2024 by Dennis
This page intends to introduce you to the Virginia vital records that are available for genealogical research and show you where they may be found, whether online or via official departments. Vital records, as the name implies, pertain to significant life events: birth, marriage, divorce, and death. Managed by civil authorities, they are essential sources of genealogical information. However, official vital records are only available for relatively recent periods. Despite their more recent official origin in Virginia these records are crucial for genealogical research, often providing information on family members dating back to the seventeenth century.
Division of Vital Records
State Health Department
PO Box 1000
Richmond, VA 23208-1000
Virginia State Database
A large collection of databases of births, deaths, marriages, census, obituaries, directories, estate records, and service records. Get 14 Days Free Access!!!
Virginia Birth Records
Few births were recorded by civil authorities before 1853. However, information on births and deaths prior to 1853 can often be found in genealogies, historical accounts, church and Bible records, and collections of personal papers. The Virginia state office has records from January 1853 to December 1896 and beginning June 14, 1912. Only the cities of Hampton, Newport News, Norfolk, and Richmond have records between 1896 and June 14, 1912.
The Archives Division, The Library of Virginia, 800 East Broad Street, Richmond, Virginia, 23219-1905, has copies of surviving Virginia birth and death records for the period 1853 to 1896 and marriage records prior to 1936. These records are public information and are available on microfilm for use by the public. The Library of Virginia does not have copies of birth and death records from the Office of Vital Records for public use after 1896. There is no charge for viewing the microfilm of these records.
Virginia, Births and Christenings, 1853-1917
Name index to birth, baptism and christening records from the state of Virginia. Microfilm copies of these records are available at the Family History Library and FamilySearch Centers. Due to privacy laws, recent records may not be displayed. The year range represents most of the records. A few records may be earlier or later.
Birth records (Virginia), 1853-1950
The Old birth indexes were made by the Works Project Administration (1936-1939) from birth registrations and cover 1853-1896. The Birth indexes of slaves cover 1853-1866. Also included in this free dataset are the images from the county offices up to 1896. The commissioner of the revenue registered births for the county and then turned over his books to the clerk of the County Court. The clerk made abstracts to send to the state auditor and would also preserve the books in his office. While the actual records only go up to 1896, this dataset includes a delayed birth index up to 1950.
Virginia, Richmond City Birth Index, 1870-1912
Card index to births in the city of Richmond, Virginia, 1870-1912. The cards are generally arranged alphabetically by the surname and given name(s) of the individual.
The Register of Saint Paul’s Parish, 1715-1798
The “Register of Saint Paul’s Parish, 1715-1798: Stafford County, Virginia, 1715-1776; King George County, Virginia, 1777-1798” stands as an invaluable resource for genealogists and historians alike, documenting the early inhabitants of Virginia across two jurisdictions over eight decades. This publication, meticulously compiled and now presented in a handsomely bound volume thanks to the restoration efforts sponsored by the John Lee and Lillian Thomas Pratt Foundation in 1940. This book is free to read and download.
Virginia Marriage Records
Few Virginia marriage records prior to 1730 have survived. Those that exist may be found in various places, see the marriage records guide below. Starting in 1660, the colonial government mandated that church officials record all marriages in church registers. Prior to 1780, these marriages were rarely reported to the county clerk, though some were documented in county court order books. In 1780, a law was enacted requiring ministers to report all marriages to the county clerk. State office has records beginning January 1853.
Early Virginia Marriage Records Guide
Provides an overview of the types of marriage records available in Virginia before the systematic statewide recording of vital statistics began in 1853. It explains various forms of marriage documentation, including marriage licenses, publications of banns, consents, marriage bonds, and ministers’ returns. The document also covers the legal framework governing marriages in Virginia, including laws related to marriage licenses, consent requirements, and bans on interracial marriages. Additionally, it mentions resources and secondary sources useful for researching Virginia marriage laws and customs. The document highlights the importance of these records for genealogical research and provides historical context on marriage practices in Virginia.
Virginia, Marriages, 1785-1940
Name index to marriage records from the state of Virginia. Microfilm copies of these records are available at the Family History Library and Family History Centers. Due to privacy laws, recent records may not be displayed. The year range represents most of the records. A few records may be earlier or later.
Virginia County Marriage Registers, 1853-1935
County marriage registers from the Bureau of Vital Statistics in Virginia for years 1853-1935. The person who solemnized the marriages would then turn over the registered marriages to the clerk of the County Court. The clerk made abstracts to send to the state auditor and would preserve the books in his office. Microfilm of the original records is at the Virginia State Library in Richmond, Virginia. Marriage registers give the date and place of marriage, the full name of the parties, age, birthplace, residences, parents, husbands occupation, and who performed the marriage. Information is sometimes incomplete.
Augusta County Virginia Marriages, 1834-1846
Augusta County Virginia Marriages from 1834-1846 were copied from a list of marriages returned and recorded in the County Court of Augusta County, Virginia, “Record Book, 1813-1846”, with the exception of one marriage listed on page 31, which was taken from the Marriage Bond received from the County Clerk, Staunton, Va., the filing of this Marriage Bond is in File Drawer No. 211.
Marriages of Charlotte County Virginia, 1784-1815
This volume, “Marriages of Charlotte County, Virginia, 1784-1815,” compiles the marriage bonds and minister’s returns from Charlotte County during the specified period. The original work was painstakingly copied by Catherine Lindsay Knorr and published in 1951. The book spans 119 pages and includes a wealth of historical data on marriages that took place in this Virginia county. This publication presents several challenges for readers. Some pages are slightly tattered and torn, and the manuscript features irregular pagination. Additionally, there are tight or nonexistent margins, particularly at the bottom of the pages, and one page is typed on different paper than the rest.
Virginia, Isle of Wight County Records, 1634-1951
Images from original records at the Circuit Court in Isle of Wight, Virginia. Records include marriages, guardianships, military lists, court orders, dockets, bonds, fees, and judgments. This collection is being published as images become available.
Early Records of Lee County, Virginia
This manuscript is a compilation of various early records of Lee County, Virginia. It is suggested that you use the index liberally for your searches which starts on page 152. Surnames will appear under a variety of spellings so be sure to check them all. Contains marriage records from Book 1 and Book 1A as found in the Lee County, Virginia courthouse.
Virginia, Orange County Marriage Records, 1757-1938
Name index and images of marriage registers for Orange County, Virginia, 1757-1938.
The Register of Saint Paul’s Parish, 1715-1798
The “Register of Saint Paul’s Parish, 1715-1798: Stafford County, Virginia, 1715-1776; King George County, Virginia, 1777-1798” stands as an invaluable resource for genealogists and historians alike, documenting the early inhabitants of Virginia across two jurisdictions over eight decades. This publication, meticulously compiled and now presented in a handsomely bound volume thanks to the restoration efforts sponsored by the John Lee and Lillian Thomas Pratt Foundation in 1940. This book is free to read and download.
Virginia, Surry County Marriage Records, 1735-1950
Various marriage records for Surry County, Virginia. Records include certificates to obtain a marriage license, marriage bonds and consents, marriage licenses, and marriage returns. All records are from the Register of Deeds Office, Surry, Virginia.
Marriage Records of Sussex County, Virginia, 1754-1810
“Marriage Bonds and Ministers’ Returns of Sussex County, Virginia, 1754-1810” by Catherine Lindsay Knorr is a detailed compilation of marriage records from Sussex County, Virginia, spanning from 1754 to 1810. Published in 1952, this work provides a meticulous account of matrimonial bonds and ministers’ returns, offering valuable insights into the social and legal contexts of the time. Sussex County, established in 1754 from part of Surry County, holds significant historical importance. This book captures the essence of early Sussex County through its comprehensive documentation, ensuring the preservation and accessibility of these crucial historical records for future generations.
Virginia Divorce Records
Virginia divorce records become public information 50 years after the event. If these records are not available from the State office, they can be obtained from the Clerk of Court in the county where the divorce was granted. Divorce records less than 50 years old are accessible only to immediate family members who provide proper identification. State office has records beginning January 1918.
Virginia, Divorce Records, 1918-1988
Images of divorce records located at the Virginia State Department of Health.
Virginia Death Records
State office has records from January 1853 to December 1896 and beginning June 14, 1912. Only the cities of Hampton, Newport News, Norfolk, and Richmond have records between 1896 and June 14, 1912.
The Archives Division, The Library of Virginia, 800 East Broad Street, Richmond, Virginia, 23219-1905, has copies of surviving Virginia birth and death records for the period 1853 to 1896 and marriage records prior to 1936. These records are public information and are available on microfilm for use by the public. The Library of Virginia does not have copies of birth and death records from the Office of Vital Records for public use after 1896. There is no charge for viewing the microfilm of these records.
Virginia, Deaths and Burials, 1853-1912
Name index to death and burial records from the state of Virginia Deaths. Microfilm copies of these records are available at the Family History Library and Family History Centers. Death certificates give the name of the deceased, spouse’s name, last place of residence, cause of death and the attending physician. Sometimes information is incomplete. Names of the deceased are arranged by county and then by year until 1896. From 1900 to 1912 the deceased names are filed chronologically by year and alphabetically within the year.
Virginia, Fluvanna County Colbert Funeral Home Records, 1929-1976
Images of Colbert Funeral Home records. The funeral home was located in Bremo Bluff and served residents of Fluvanna County and surrounding counties. Each volume is indexed except for the one covering 1973-1976.
Death Records of Lee County, Virginia, 1853-1897
This is a transcription of the death records of Lee County, Virginia from 1853-1897. Over 36,000 records are transcribed in this free digital PDF book.
The Register of Saint Paul’s Parish, 1715-1798
The “Register of Saint Paul’s Parish, 1715-1798: Stafford County, Virginia, 1715-1776; King George County, Virginia, 1777-1798” stands as an invaluable resource for genealogists and historians alike, documenting the early inhabitants of Virginia across two jurisdictions over eight decades. This publication, meticulously compiled and now presented in a handsomely bound volume thanks to the restoration efforts sponsored by the John Lee and Lillian Thomas Pratt Foundation in 1940. This book is free to read and download.
Virginia, Winchester, Evening Star Obituaries, 1899-1909
Obituaries from the Winchester Evening Star arranged by year then alphabetically by name. Includes the years 1899-1909.