Florida Wedding

To get married in the State of Florida, you do not have to be a resident of Florida. Proxy marriages, same sex marriages, or common law marriages are not allowed in the State of Florida. Applying for a marriage license must take place in person at any Florida Clerk of Court office. To find the nearest Clerk of Court office in your area, please visit - http://www.stateofflorida.com/Portal/DesktopDefault.aspx?tabid=51. When applying for a marriage license, both parties must be present and have an acceptable form of picture identification, drivers license are preferred. If you are not a U.S. citizen, a valid passport must be presented. Social Security numbers will need to be provided. If either or both parties are not U.S. residents, then a valid passport will act in lieu of the Social Security number. 

It is required by Florida Law that a Family Law Handbook be read prior to issuance of the marriage license. A copy of the Family Law Handbook can be viewed and printed for free
at - http://www.clk.co.st-johns.fl.us/familyla.htm  

If either party has been previously married before, the exact date of the last terminated marriage must be known. If the divorce or spouse's death occurred within the past 30 days, a certified copy of the divorce decree or death certificate is required. 

If 16 or 17 years of age, both parents must sign and have notarized a Certificate of Consent for Marriage. If under 16 years, a court order must be obtained. Exception is a minor that has been married before, as they are considered an adult. 

The state of Florida now requires a 3-day waiting period if both parties are Florida residents and have not taken an approved marriage class. 

The license is good for 60 days from the effective date and can be used anywhere in the State of Florida. 

The cost of the license is $93.50. If the couple has attended an approved counseling class the price is reduced to $61.00. The provider of the class must be listed with the Clerks office. 

To obtain a copy of your marriage license contact: 

Department of Children and Families

Division of Vital Statistics 

P. O. Box 210 

Jacksonville, FL 32231-0042 

Tel: 904-359-6955 

Who can marry you? 

Any notary, Judge, Priest, Ordained Minister, or Deputy Clerk can marry you. If you wish to be married at the courthouse, just bring your marriage license back with you within the eligible time frame and the cost of the ceremony will be $30.00. 

Changing your name? 

If you change your name, be sure to tell Drivers License Bureau as well as
Social Security. Be sure to tell your employer about your name change too. Making sure all your records are correct now means you'll get the right Social Security benefits later. To get a new Social Security card, you'll need identification that shows your old name and your new name, such as a marriage certificate or divorce decree. If you were born outside the U.S., you will also need proof of U.S. citizenship or that you are living in the U.S. legally. The new card sent to you will have your new name and the same number. And it's free. You never need to pay for Social Security services like this. Just call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 for information on how to get your new Social Security Card. 

Need further information regarding a marriage license? Call any Clerk of Courts office in your area.
Click here to find the phone number and address of the closest Clerk of Court in your area. 

PLEASE NOTE: 

State and county marriage license requirements often change. The above information is for guidance only and should not be regarded as legal advice. 

It is important that you verify all information with your local marriage license office or the county clerk before making any wedding or travel plans.