How to Get a Marriage License in Orange County, Florida

Get your marriage license at the Orange County Clerks office.

In Orange County, Florida, you can get your marriage license at the Orange County Clerk of Courts office. To get a license, you and your partner will need proof that each of you are either over the age of 18, age 16 or 17 with parental or guardian consent, a minor with no parents or guardian, a minor parent or expectant parent of a child or a previously married minor. Florida residents must complete a premarital preparation course before applying or wait three days for the license to become effective. Non-Florida residents applying for a marriage license in Orange County do not have to take a premarital course or wait three days.

Instructions

1. Print and fill out the marriage license information sheet located on the Orange County Clerk of Courts website. This will include names, addresses, dates of birth, Social Security numbers and dates of when any previous marriages ended. Bring the completed information sheet to the Marriage License Department located in the Clerk's office.

2. Show a valid driver's license, Florida State identification, passport or military identification card for each person applying for a marriage license.

3. Show a certificate of completion of a premarital preparation course for Florida residents. You can get a list of approved premarital counselors from the Orange County Clerk of Courts office or on their website.

4. Read the Family Law Handbook supplied by the Clerk and sign a statement that you have read the handbook before applying. You can read the handbook the same day as applying for the marriage license.

5. Pay the marriage license fee by cash, money order, cashiers check or credit card. As of 2010, the fee for a license is $93.50. You can get a $32.50 fee reduction if you present a certificate of completion for a premarital preparation course.

Tips & Warnings

• Both parties must apply together.

• The certificate of completion of a premarital course is valid for one year.

• The marriage must take place within 60 days of the license being issued.

• The person who performs the marriage has 10 days to return the license to the Clerk of Courts for recording.

References

• Orange County Clerk of Courts: Marriage Licenses and Ceremonies

Resources

• Orange County Clerk of Courts: Where to Apply
• Orange County Clerk of Courts: Marriage License Information Sheet
• Orange County Clerk of Courts: Premarital Counselors
• Florida Association of Court Clerks and Comptrollers: Florida Family Law Handbook