How to Get Married in WV to Make the Most of Your Mountain State Wedding

There's a reason couples are researching how to get married in WV. If that sounds like you (which it probably is because you landed on this page), then you likely know that this Southern state is filled with plenty of indoor and outdoor venues (including those Blue Ridge Mountain venues) in addition to gorgeous mountains and rivers that can set the scene for your wedding day.

"As someone from West Virginia, I think there are many beautiful outdoor West Virginia ceremony locations," says Brittany Fink, owner and wedding planner at Brittany Anne's Events in Morgantown, West Virginia. "Getting married in West Virginia is also a lot more cost-effective and affordable than other states surrounding West Virginia and the country."

To learn more about West Virginia marriages, from marriage laws in West Virginia to how to obtain a West Virginia wedding license, we chatted with Fink who provided us with insights that you can utilize to execute your wedding day without a hitch.

In this article:

• How to Get a Marriage License in West Virginia
• Notable Wedding Locations in West Virginia
• How to Plan a Wedding in West Virginia Step-by-Step

How to Get a Marriage License in West Virginia

Although it is not challenging to obtain a West Virginia marriage license, you do need to ensure you're fulfilling the requirements and doing so within the proper timeline. One of the most important factors to remember when applying for your marriage license in West Virginia is that both you and your partner need to be present in person (and simultaneously) at the county clerk's office. Although you can apply and pay the $57 fee for your WV marriage license within the county in which you are getting married (such as Monongalia County or Kanawha County), you don't necessarily have to apply there. "However, you do have to do that within 60 days of your wedding so you can use that license," Fink explains. "If you do it more than 60 days out, it won't be valid which is why a lot of people do it a month or a couple weeks before." That said, there is no waiting period.

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As far as marriage laws in West Virginia go, both parties need to have a valid form of identification present (driver's license, state ID, birth certificate or passport) and Social Security numbers ready in addition to pertinent information about their parents including their names and birth information. Although two individuals need to be 18 years or older to apply for a West Virginia wedding license, 16 and 17-year-olds can apply as long as they have their birth certificate and written consent of parents and/or legal guardians. Minors may also have to incur a three-day waiting period.

Notable Wedding Locations in West Virginia

One of the first steps to getting married in WV is to figure out where your wedding will take place. We've rounded up some popular cities (including some West Virginia wedding venues) that can set the scene for your special day.

Morgantown

Although Morgantown is one of West Virginia's largest cities, "Morgantown is great because it's a college town so there are lots of offerings there," Fink says. "You're also only an hour from the Pittsburgh International Airport which makes it easy for people who may be traveling." This West Virginia city is home to many popular wedding venues including Tuscan Ridge, The West Virginia Botanic Garden and Hotel Morgan.

Charleston

If hosting your wedding in West Virginia's capital city is a non-negotiable for you, Charleston is a solid city for starting the next chapter of your love story. Although not all areas of Charleston are walkable, finding a venue in the city's Downtown, West Side or East End areas can be helpful so you don't have to worry about transporting your guests between venues. And, you might be able to even find a good partner hotel within walking distance to your wedding venue which will make it easier for you and your guests at the end of the night. Charleston also has an airport which makes it a suitable location for couples who may have guests traveling in to celebrate with them, Fink notes. Some local vendors in Charleston to utilize for your wedding include Young Floral Co. and The Boutique by B.Belle Events.

Martinsburg

Even though Martinsburg is a nearly five-hour drive from the West Virginia International Yeager Airport, many couples opt to tie the knot in this rural city because of its luscious greenery, scenic views, arts attractions and historical sites. You can say "I do" and celebrate at one of the area's many venues including Events at Bella Vista and Hilton Garden Inn Martinsburg.

Lewisburg

Whether you met your partner there or are looking to tie the knot in a city that contains one of the nation's Carnegie Halls, there are many options for tying the knot in the historic town of Lewisburg. Lewisburg also contains some luxury accommodation offerings such as The Greenbrier which you can reserve to unwind before and/or following your wedding day.

How to Plan a Wedding in West Virginia Step-by-Step

Once you've solidified the West Virginia city within which you want to tie the knot, it's time to start thinking about how to plan a wedding. As is the case with any state, keeping its nuances in mind with every step is key, which is why we've created this step-by-step guide to help you better navigate the process.

1. Outline Your Budget

The first step to executing a successful West Virginia marriage is to outline your budget. When creating your budget for your wedding day, aiming to be as comprehensive as possible is key. Regardless of whether you plan on an intimate wedding or a celebration with everyone you know, some factors that you want to consider when budgeting include the venue, catering (if not included), attire, decor (if needed), wedding entertainment and wedding photography. Use The Knot Budget Advisor to more efficiently and accurately outline your budget as it allows you to research the prices actual couples paid for various services in different cities throughout the state. After spending some time browsing through, you can adjust the initial prices you made accordingly.

2. Monitor Weather

When considering how to get married in WV, it is important to be aware of the weather conditions you'll likely experience during the season you choose to tie the knot. "Typically our wedding season is April–May to October–November as we do not have a lot of weddings in West Virginia in December through March because of the snow and the cold," Fink says. That said, West Virginia can experience temperatures upwards of 90 degrees in the summer. Ensuring you have water, access to air conditioning and indoor areas and/or fans for your guests during those times is crucial to ensure everyone remains comfortable and is having a good time.

"I do not like to take weddings in West Virginia (or in the surrounding areas of Pennsylvania or Ohio) during the winter months because of the unpredicted snowstorms that make it hard to plan and make it difficult if a snowstorm does happen during that time," Fink adds. That said, some couples still choose to have weddings during those colder months (when it can reach as low as 20 degrees), but often opt for indoor venues (as opposed to outdoor or hybrid ones), she adds.

3. Determine Your Venue

With so many different types of venue options throughout West Virginia from hotels to botanic gardens, you must narrow yours down as soon as possible to ensure you can reserve it for your dream wedding date. That said, The Knot Vendor Marketplace contains information about hundreds of venues as well as a place to contact them to schedule a tour, inquire about a quote and ask any questions you may have.

4. Utilize the Landscape

The landscape of West Virginia is one of the main reasons why many couples opt to tie the knot in this Southern state. "There are so many beautiful places in West Virginia with mountain views, mountain ranges, greenery, valleys and rivers and so many opportunities to experience those different views on your special day," Fink explains. "Considering which venues offer those sceneries and landscapes and discovering which ones speak to you is key." That said, opting for venues that are largely outside or hybrid venues containing floor-to-ceiling windows facing those various landscapes can help ensure the most picturesque backdrop for your wedding festivities.

5. Coordinate Transportation

With an area of just over 24,000 square miles, paying special attention to how you and your guests (especially those out-of-town ones) will be transported to your wedding location is essential. "Since there are some venues in West Virginia that are very rural or out in the country, considering whether transportation is needed, whether or not Uber and Lyft are available or if you need to hire a shuttle company to make sure people make it back and forth safely is essential," Fink says. "I always tell people not to just think about what your wedding day will look like, but what it will look like for your guests getting to and from your wedding venue because sometimes people don't think about whether or not it will affect their decision to come."

Scheduling transportation can be particularly important if you're hosting your wedding at a venue in a city far from an airport or the preferred hotel (especially if alcohol is involved). If you opt to hire a private wedding transportation service, many companies service West Virginia including Red Carpet Limousine and Elite Excursions West Virginia.

6. Embrace Unique (and Local) Vendors

From florists to bakers, West Virginia is filled with local vendors you can hire for your wedding. If you don't know where to start when it comes to researching local vendors, The Knot Vendor Marketplace can help. When using this platform, you'll be able to filter vendors by category in specific cities as well as by price, distance and earned awards.