How much do you save on a West Virginia marriage license with this course?

By completing this approved 4-hour premarital education course, West Virginia Code § 48-2-701 mandates that your County Clerk apply a flat $20 discount to your marriage license fee.

Is there a waiting period for a marriage license in West Virginia?

No. There is no waiting period to get married in West Virginia for adults 18 and older. You can apply for your marriage license and have your ceremony on the exact same day, and the license remains valid for 60 days.

What are the requirements for the West Virginia premarital course?

Under West Virginia Code § 48-2-701, the course must be a minimum of 4 hours long. It must be conducted by a licensed professional or an active member of the clergy. You must present a signed, dated Certificate of Completion to the County Clerk.

Will the West Virginia County Clerk accept a printed PDF certificate?

Many West Virginia County Clerks are strict and prefer an original, physically signed certificate. To guarantee acceptance across all 55 counties, Cadenza Counseling physically mails you a notarized, original document with a live signature.

Are there different versions of the West Virginia premarital course available?

Yes. Cadenza Counseling offers four fully-approved variations of the 4-hour course: a Standard secular track, a Faith-Friendly track incorporating Christian principles, an Inclusive track for LGBTQ+ couples, and a fully translated Spanish (En Español) track.

West Virginia Code § 48-2-701 Compliant

West Virginia Online Premarital Course

Complete your state-required 4-hour course online and save $20 on your WV marriage license fee.

Enroll Now for $17.97

Mailed & Notarized Certificate Included

Available in: Standard • Faith-Friendly • Inclusive • Español

The Course That Pays For Itself

West Virginia law financially rewards couples who complete premarital education. By taking our 4-hour approved course, you receive a guaranteed $20 discount on your marriage license at the County Clerk's office.

Without Course

Base

Full County License Fee

Net Positive Savings

With Our Course

-$20

State-Mandated Discount

Gross WV Discount: -$20.00

Course Cost: +$17.97

Total Cash Saved: $2.03

Get Your $20 WV Discount in 3 Simple Steps

Take the 4-Hour Course

Enroll for $17.97. The course is self-paced and 100% online. You must spend a minimum of 4 hours reviewing the material to satisfy West Virginia state law.

We Mail Your Notarized Certificate

Because County Clerks expect an authentic document, we physically sign, notarize, and mail your original certificate directly to your home via USPS.

Apply at the County Clerk

Present your physical, notarized certificate to any County Clerk in West Virginia to instantly have the $20 discount applied to your marriage license.

Personalized Education

Tailored to Your Unique Relationship

We believe premarital counseling isn't one-size-fits-all. When you enroll, you can choose from four distinct, fully-approved course tracks designed to match your specific values and dynamics.

Standard

Our traditional, secular evidence-based curriculum. Focuses on core communication skills, financial planning, and modern conflict resolution.

Select Standard

Faith-Friendly

Integrates Christian principles and biblical foundations alongside clinical relationship tools. Perfect for couples seeking a faith-based approach.

Select Faith-Friendly

Inclusive

A modern, affirming curriculum specifically designed for LGBTQ+ couples, addressing unique relationship dynamics and community support.

Select Inclusive

Español

Nuestro curso completo traducido al español. Cumple con todos los requisitos del estado de West Virginia para el descuento de la licencia.

Inscribirse (Español)

Guaranteed Acceptance in All 55 WV Counties

Whether you apply at the County Clerk in Kanawha, Berkeley, Monongalia, or any other county, our curriculum fully satisfies the legal requirements of West Virginia Code § 48-2-701.

Authorized Provider: Taught by Kristen Franzen, a West Virginia Ordained Minister from the Universal Life Church.

Notarized Originals: We physically mail your live-signed, notarized document to ensure County Clerk acceptance.

Your Course Instructor

Meet Kristen Franzen

Licensed Psychotherapist West Virginia Ordained Minister

Kristen Franzen is a highly experienced licensed psychotherapist (LMHC & LPC) and an Ordained Minister with the Universal Life Church. Under West Virginia law, an "active member of the clergy" is legally authorized to administer your premarital education course.

With a passion for helping couples build resilient, lifelong marriages, Kristen designed this 4-hour curriculum to go beyond just satisfying state requirements. She personally reviews every completion and physically signs and notarizes your certificate to guarantee a seamless experience at your local County Clerk's office.

West Virginia Marriage License FAQs

Is there a waiting period to get married in West Virginia?

No. For applicants 18 and older, West Virginia has no waiting period. You can apply for your marriage license at the County Clerk's office and get married on the exact same day. The marriage license is valid for 60 days from the date it is issued.

How long does the premarital course take?

West Virginia law strictly requires a minimum of 4 hours of premarital education. Our online course is self-paced, meaning you can log in and out over several days, but you must accumulate 4 hours of coursework before your completion certificate is generated.

Why is my certificate mailed instead of emailed?

Many West Virginia County Clerks mandate that you present an original, physically signed document to claim your $20 discount. They will often reject printed PDFs. To protect you from being turned away, Kristen Franzen personally signs, notarizes, and mails your original certificate via USPS.

Where do we go to get our marriage license?

In West Virginia, marriage licenses are issued by the County Clerk in each of the 55 counties. Both you and your partner must apply together in person, bringing valid photo IDs, social security numbers, and your original, notarized premarital course certificate.

Are all four course variations accepted by the state?

Yes! Whether you choose the Standard, Faith-Friendly, Inclusive, or Spanish track, your 4-hour curriculum is fully compliant with WV Code § 48-2-701 and guarantees your $20 license discount.

Strengthen Your Bond. Save on Your License.

Join thousands of couples who have built a stronger foundation with Cadenza Counseling. Only $17.97 per couple.

Start Your Course for $17.97

Official Provider • 100% County Clerk Acceptance