What Is a Marriage License? A Florida Couple’s Guide
A marriage license is the official government document that legally permits a couple to get married. In Florida, you apply at any county clerk’s office, pay a small fee, and receive a license valid for 60 days. Without one, no ceremony — even with an officiant — is legally recognised.
What is a marriage license and what does it actually do?
A marriage license is a legal permission slip from the state that lets you and your partner get married. It is issued by the county clerk’s office, not by your officiant, venue, or wedding planner. The license itself does not make you married — the ceremony does that. But without the license in hand on your wedding day, the ceremony has no legal weight.
Think of it as the green light. Once you have it, you can be legally married anywhere in Florida by an ordained officiant within 60 days. After the ceremony, your officiant signs the license, returns it to the issuing clerk’s office, and the state records your marriage.
Couples often confuse this step with the marriage certificate, but the two are separate documents at separate stages. The license comes first.
How do you get a marriage license in Florida?
You get a Florida marriage license by visiting any county clerk’s office in the state — together, in person — and applying as a couple. You do not have to apply in the county where you plan to marry. An Orlando couple can apply at the Orange County Clerk and marry on Clearwater Beach. The license is valid statewide.
Bring valid government-issued photo ID (driver’s license, state ID, or passport), your Social Security number if you have one, and the application fee. The fee in Florida is $86 for couples who have not completed a state-approved premarital course, and $61 if you have. Most clerks accept cash, card, or money order.
The license is usually issued on the spot the same day you apply. No appointments are typically required, but check your specific county clerk’s website first.
What are the legal requirements for a Florida marriage license?
The legal requirements for a Florida marriage license are straightforward. Both partners must be at least 18 (or 17 with parental consent and other conditions), neither can be currently married to someone else, and you cannot be closely related by blood. You also need to sign an affidavit confirming the information you provide is accurate.
Florida residents face a 3-day waiting period between getting the license and the ceremony — unless you have completed an approved 4-hour premarital preparation course, which waives the waiting period and reduces the fee. Out-of-state couples are exempt from the waiting period entirely.
Once issued, the license is valid for 60 days. If you do not marry within that window, the license expires and you must apply again.
This is where having an experienced officiant takes the pressure off. At Orlando Wedding Officiants, we handle the legal side of your ceremony from start to finish — checking your license, signing it correctly on the day, and returning it to the clerk so your marriage is officially recorded. Ready to make it simple? Explore our Wedding Officiant Services or book a free consultation — we’d love to hear your story.
What is the difference between a marriage license and a marriage certificate?
A marriage license is the document that allows you to get married. A marriage certificate is the document that proves you are married. The license comes first, before the ceremony. The certificate comes after, once your signed license has been processed by the clerk.
Most couples need the certificate, not the license, when they go to change a surname, update a passport, add a spouse to health insurance, or handle anything legal as a married couple. You request copies of your marriage certificate from the county clerk where the license was originally issued.
If you want a deeper dive on this, our guide on Florida wedding license vs marriage certificate explained walks through exactly when each document matters and how to request copies.
What happens with your marriage license on the wedding day?
On the wedding day, you bring your marriage license to the ceremony location and hand it to your officiant before the vows begin. Your officiant fills in the ceremony details — date, location, and their signature — and asks two witnesses (usually members of your wedding party) to sign as well.
After the ceremony, your officiant is responsible for returning the completed license to the issuing county clerk’s office within 10 days. The clerk then records the marriage and issues your official marriage certificate. You can usually request certified copies a few weeks later.
A good officiant treats this paperwork with the same care as the ceremony itself. Misplaced or incorrectly signed licenses cause real problems later — which is why working with a professional officiant matters.
Frequently Asked Questions About Florida Marriage Licenses
How much does a marriage license cost in Florida?
A Florida marriage license costs $86 if you have not completed an approved premarital preparation course, and $61 if you have. The fee is paid directly to the county clerk’s office when you apply. Most clerks accept cash, debit card, credit card, or money order.
Is there a waiting period for a Florida marriage license?
Yes — Florida residents must wait 3 days between receiving the marriage license and the wedding ceremony. The waiting period is waived if you complete a Florida-approved 4-hour premarital preparation course, which also lowers the fee. Out-of-state couples are exempt from the waiting period entirely.
How long is a Florida marriage license valid for?
A Florida marriage license is valid for 60 days from the date it is issued. The wedding ceremony must take place within that 60-day window, or the license expires. If your license expires before the ceremony, you must apply for a new one and pay the fee again.
Do both partners need to be present to apply for a marriage license?
Yes — both partners must appear in person at the county clerk’s office to apply for a Florida marriage license. Both must present valid government-issued photo ID and sign the application together. Florida does not allow proxy applications or one-partner applications for marriage licenses.
Can out-of-state couples get a Florida marriage license?
Yes — Florida marriage licenses are available to anyone, regardless of state residency. Out-of-state and international couples can apply at any Florida county clerk’s office, with no waiting period required. This is why Florida is one of the most popular destination wedding states in the US.
Ready to plan your Florida ceremony?
Getting the marriage license is just the start — what makes the day yours is the ceremony itself. At Orlando Wedding Officiants, we write every ceremony from scratch, handle the legal paperwork, and show up on your wedding day ready to make the moment feel exactly like you. Whether it’s a Disney-area celebration, a Cocoa Beach elopement, or a backyard ceremony at home, our Wedding Officiant Services cover everything from personalised vows to license handling. Book your free consultation — we’d love to hear your story and walk you through exactly what to expect.