One of the functions the Clerk of Court’s Official Records Department is responsible for is issuing marriage licenses pursuant to F.S. 741 and F.S. 382.021. Licenses issued in the State of Florida are only valid in the State of Florida and the marriage ceremony must be conducted in the State of Florida by an officiant per Florida Statute 741.07.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I obtain a marriage license?
To begin the process for a marriage license, first, a marriage application must be completed. This can be started at home on your PC or you can come into our office. To fill out at home, simply click on: http://www.wakullaclerk.com/landmarkweb/marriagekiosk. *This is the start of the Marriage License process. Both you and your Fiancé must come into the office together to complete the process.*
Second, once the marriage kiosk information is completed correctly, a transaction number will appear at the top of the screen. Print or write down this number.
Third, print and fill out the Premarital Statement Affidavit form. Write the transaction number on the form and bring it with you when applying for your marriage license. DO NOT SIGN THE FORM UNTIL PRESENT AT THE CLERK’S OFFICE. If you cannot print this form, simply write the transaction number down and bring it with you so the form can be filled out in the office.
Finally, all applicants who do not complete a premarital counseling course are required to read the Family Law Handbook. To save time we recommend reading it online. All applicants are required to verify they have taken a pre-marital course or read the Family Law Handbook. This information is also available in the Clerk’s Office if needed.
Do I need to be present to obtain a marriage license?
Yes, BOTH parties must come into the Clerk’s Office to complete the marriage license process together.
How long is a marriage license valid for?
Once a marriage license is issued, it is valid for 60 days and the marriage ceremony must be performed within that time or the license will expire. Marriage ceremonies may be performed by a variety of officials which are listed in F.S. 741.07.
Effective October 1, 2014, the Wakulla County Clerk’s office no longer performs wedding ceremonies.
What identification is required to obtain a marriage license?
To obtain a marriage license BOTH parties must be present and must complete a marriage application. Both applicants are required to present a photo ID, which has the legal name, correct date of birth, and signature of the applicant. The following identification is acceptable:
- Driver’s license
- State ID cards
- Military ID cards
- Passports, foreign passports
- Alien registration cards issued by the Immigration and Naturalization Service if the applicant is not a U.S. citizen.
Please note that expired ID cards will not be accepted. Information found on the ID presented must match the information you enter in the name field of the application.
How old do I have to be to get married?
Applicants must be 18 years old or older. If either applicant is 17 years of age, a valid ID is required along with a notarized written consent form of the parents or guardians. If one applicant is 17 years old, the older applicant to the marriage cannot be more than two years older than the younger applicant, per F.S. 741.04. No one under the age of 17 will be issued a marriage license.
How much does it cost to obtain a marriage license?
The fee for a marriage license is $86.00 with a 3-day waiting period for Florida residents. Florida residents who have completed a pre-marital preparation course and can provide a completion certificate from one of the approved course providers will only be required to pay $61.00 with no waiting period. The Clerk’s office accepts cash, check, credit card, or money order. Note: when using a debit/credit card there is a 3.5% vendor fee added to the cost of the transaction.
Is there a waiting period between the application process and when I can get married?
It depends. First, there is no waiting period for non-residents of Florida. Second, there is a 3 day waiting period for Florida residents who have not completed a pre-marital preparation course. If only one applicant took the pre-marital course, the waiting period is still required. Third, Florida residents who have completed a pre-marital preparation course and can provide a completion certificate from one of the approved course providers will have no waiting period.
How do I obtain a copy of a marriage license?
To obtain a certified copy of a recorded marriage license please call 850-926-0322 or you can purchase it directly from https://www.myfloridacounty.com/ or https://www.clerkecertify.com/.
Are there specific instructions for the person officiating our marriage?
Yes. There are specific instructions that must be followed regarding completing the marriage license. You should print and provide the person officiating your marriage with the Notice to Marriage Officiant Instructions.