How to Get a Marriage License in Orlando, Florida

The clerk or minister presiding over the wedding ceremony should return the completed marriage certificate within 10 days after the ceremony.

While obtaining a marriage license may seem daunting, particularly if you're in the middle of planning a wedding ceremony, the process can be cut short by being prepared with the necessary paperwork and documents. Obtaining one a few weeks to a month before your ceremony will put you at ease and check another item off your list.

Things You'll Need

• Driver's license, Florida state ID, passport or military ID
• Documentation of end date of any former marriages
• Social security card
• $93.50 license fee

Instructions

1. Download the Florida marriage license application from the Orange County Clerk of Courts website. Fill it out and bring it with you to the county clerk's office. You also will need a valid Florida driver's license, passport, Florida state ID card or a military ID card; a social security card; and proof of any former marriages and the date they ended.

2. Fill out Form DH743A if you and your partner have children together in the state of Florida. You will have to get it notarized, which can be done for a $7 fee at the clerk's office, as of July 2010.

3. Take a marriage preparation course if you and your partner are Florida residents. Bring the certificate with you to the clerk's office. If you do not bring a course certificate, the valid date of your license will be delayed three days. The county clerk's office has a registry of certified course providers on its website.

4. Read the marriage license handbook given to you at the county clerk's office. Sign the form that states you've read it and you understand it. You can do this the same day you apply for a marriage license.

5. Take all forms, identification and documents to one of the following offices to obtain a license. The license fee is $93.50, as of July 2010; however, the fee is reduced by $32.50 if you show a certificate of completion from a marriage preparation course. You can pay by cash, Mastercard, American Express, Discover or money order. The offices are open from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, except holidays.

   425 North Orange Avenue

   Room 355

   Orlando, FL 32801

   450 North Lakemont Avenue

   Winter Park, FL 32792

   1111 North Rock Springs Road

   Apopka, FL 32712

   475 West Story Road

   Ocoee, FL 34761

6. Solemnify the marriage license within 60 days, meaning your marriage must take place within that time. You can get married by a court county marriage clerk for a $30 fee, as of July 2010. Otherwise, the person presiding over the wedding must send the marriage license back with appropriate signatures within 10 days after the ceremony. You will receive your license in the mail. Should you need to obtain another copy, contact:

   Orange County Comptroller's Office

   Attn: Official Records Department

   P.O. Box 38

   Orlando, FL 32802

References

• Orange County Clerk of Courts: Marriage Licenses and Ceremonies

Resources

• Orange County Clerk of Courts: Premarital Preparation Course Providers