Putnam County Florida marriage records are official documents held by the Putnam County Clerk of Court and the Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics. These records show when a couple got married, where the marriage took place, and who performed the ceremony.
People search these records for legal proof of marriage, name changes, genealogy research, and property or insurance matters. The clerk office in Palatka issues new marriage licenses and stores older paper records, while the state office in Jacksonville keeps certificates from June 6, 1927 forward.
How to Search Putnam County Marriage Records
Putnam County marriage records can be searched through the local clerk, the state Bureau of Vital Statistics, or third-party genealogy websites. The search method depends on whether you need a quick public lookup or a certified copy with a state seal.
Searching by Name
Searching by full legal name is the most common method used in Putnam County. The clerk office staff can pull the record by last name if the year of marriage is known. If the year is unknown, the state Bureau of Vital Statistics index allows name searches across all 67 Florida counties for a small fee. The Putnam County records index does not include maiden names for women who married before 1980.
Searching by Date Range
Date range searches help narrow large results when the full name is common. The clerk office in Palatka keeps bound books of marriage licenses indexed chronologically. Each volume covers one to two years. The state Bureau of Vital Statistics index lets you search by exact date or a year range from 1927 forward.
Searching by County or Location
All Putnam County marriages from 1927 forward appear in the state index because Florida started tracking marriages at the state level that year. Marriages before 1927 only exist in the Putnam County Clerk’s bound volumes. Cross-county searches work best through the My Florida County Records portal, which links records across most Florida counties.
Putnam County Clerk of Court Office Details
The Putnam County Clerk of Court handles all marriage licenses, ceremonies, and record keeping for the county. The office sits in the historic courthouse in downtown Palatka, the Putnam County seat.
Office Location and Contact
The clerk office address is 410 St. Johns Avenue, Palatka, FL 32177. The phone number is (386) 329-0361. Office hours run Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., closed on state and federal holidays. The clerk also serves as the county comptroller and recorder, so the same office handles many public record types beyond marriage records.
Applying for a Marriage License
Both applicants must appear in person together at the Putnam County Clerk office to apply for a marriage license. Each person needs a valid government photo ID such as a driver’s license, state ID, or passport. Both must know their Social Security numbers. If either party was previously married, the exact date the prior marriage ended is required. Divorce decrees, death certificates, or annulment papers may be asked for as proof.
Marriage Ceremonies at the Clerk Office
The Putnam County Clerk performs civil marriage ceremonies for $30. The ceremony is short and takes place at the courthouse during business hours. Couples must bring a valid marriage license and a witness is not required. Under Florida Statutes Chapter 741, Section 741.07, clerks and their deputies, along with ordained ministers, judges, and notaries, are authorized to perform marriages.
Marriage License Fees and Costs in Putnam County
Marriage license fees in Putnam County match the standard fees set across most Florida counties. The total cost depends on whether the couple completes a premarital course before applying.
Standard License Fee
The base marriage license fee in Putnam County is $86 without a premarital course. This fee includes a $2 application charge and $25 for the state Domestic Violence Trust Fund, as set by Section 741.01 of the Florida Statutes. The clerk accepts cash at the counter. Credit card acceptance varies, so calling ahead is a smart move.
Discounted Fee With Premarital Course
Couples who complete an approved premarital preparation course within one year of applying pay only $61. The course must come from a registered provider and lasts at least four hours. Section 741.0305 of the Florida Statutes gives the discount and also waives the three-day waiting period for Florida residents. Out-of-state couples skip the wait regardless.
License Validity and Waiting Period
A Putnam County marriage license stays valid for 60 days from the issue date under Section 741.041 of the Florida Statutes. The license works anywhere in the State of Florida. Florida residents face a three-day waiting period between getting the license and the ceremony, unless waived by the premarital course. The signed license must come back to the Putnam County Clerk within 10 days after the ceremony for recording.
| Cost Type | Amount | Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| Base License Fee | $86 | No course required |
| Discounted Fee | $61 | With premarital course |
| State Application Charge | $2 | Included in base fee |
| Domestic Violence Fund | $25 | Included in base fee |
| Civil Ceremony | $30 | Optional, at courthouse |
How to Get a Certified Copy of a Marriage Certificate
Certified copies of Putnam County marriage certificates come from the local clerk or the Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics. Each certified copy carries a raised state seal and works for legal matters such as name changes, insurance, Social Security, and immigration.
Ordering From the Putnam County Clerk
The Putnam County Clerk office can issue a certified copy of any marriage license recorded in the county. Walk-in requests are handled at the counter during business hours. The fee for a certified copy set by the clerk is usually a few dollars per copy under Florida Statutes Section 119.07. Calling (386) 329-0361 before visiting saves time and confirms the exact fee.
Ordering From the Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics
The Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics holds marriage certificates from June 6, 1927 forward for all Florida counties including Putnam. The state office charges $5 for a search and one certified copy. Each extra copy of the same record costs $4. The processing time runs 3 to 5 business days for records from 1970 forward. Older records take longer.
Mailing Address for State Requests
Mail requests for certified Florida marriage certificates go to the Bureau of Vital Statistics, P.O. Box 210, Jacksonville, FL 32231-0042. The request form must include the full names of both spouses, the date or year of marriage, the county of marriage, and a signed photo ID copy. Payment is by check or money order payable to the Florida Department of Health.
Online Orders Through VitalChek
The state works with VitalChek as the only official online vendor for Florida marriage certificates. The total online cost is $15 for the state search plus a $7 VitalChek processing fee, so $22 total before extras. Rush service adds more. The VitalChek phone line is 1-877-550-7330 and operates seven days a week. Online orders work well for Putnam County marriages from 1970 forward.
Records Before and After June 6, 1927
The year 1927 marks a clear boundary in Florida marriage records. Knowing this boundary saves time and points searchers to the right office.
Records Before June 6, 1927
Florida did not record marriages at the state level before June 6, 1927. Pre-1927 Putnam County marriages only exist in the bound volumes held by the Putnam County Clerk office. These older records often list more details than later certificates, including the names of parents and witnesses. Genealogists rely heavily on these bound books for Florida family history before 1927.
Records From June 6, 1927 Forward
All Florida marriage certificates from June 6, 1927 onward are on file with the Bureau of Vital Statistics in Jacksonville. This includes all Putnam County marriages since that date. The state index covers the full names of both spouses, the date of marriage, the county where the license was issued, and the certificate number.
Public Access and Florida Public Records Law
Marriage records in Putnam County are public records under Florida law. Any person can request a copy without giving a reason.
Florida Public Records Act
Florida Statutes Chapter 119 makes all state, county, and municipal records open for public inspection. Marriage records fall under this law. Section 119.07 caps copy fees at 15 cents per page for regular copies and $1 per certified copy under standard guidelines. The Putnam County Clerk may charge its own certified copy fees.
Information That Stays Private
Social Security numbers and financial account details on marriage applications are protected under Section 119.071 of the Florida Statutes. The rest of the record stays public, including full names, dates, county, and filing information. Names of both spouses appear on the public index. Sensitive personal details remain sealed by law.
Putnam County Marriage Records for Genealogy Research
Genealogy researchers use Putnam County marriage records to link family generations, confirm dates, and trace migration patterns. The records from the late 1800s and early 1900s are especially rich with family data.
Pre-1927 Bound Volumes
The Putnam County Clerk holds bound volumes of marriage records from the county’s earliest days. These volumes include the names of the bride and groom, the date of the marriage, the officiant, and often the names of parents and witnesses. Researchers visit the clerk office in person to use these books. Copies can be made for a small fee.
Statewide Marriage Index
The Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics statewide marriage index covers 1927 forward. The index lists every recorded marriage across all 67 Florida counties, including Putnam. Researchers can request a statewide search by name and date range. The fee is $5 per search period, with copies available for an extra charge.
Online Genealogy Platforms
Websites like Ancestry.com, FamilySearch, and MyHeritage host indexed Putnam County marriage records. These platforms help researchers search without visiting the clerk office. The indexed records link to digital images of original documents. Each platform charges a subscription fee for full access.
Marriage License Requirements in Florida
Florida marriage license requirements apply statewide, including in Putnam County. The state sets minimum age, identification, and waiting period rules.
Age and Identification Requirements
Both applicants must be at least 18 years old to marry without parental consent in Florida. Applicants aged 16 or 17 need written consent from both parents or a guardian, plus a court order in some cases. Each applicant must present a valid photo ID such as a driver’s license, passport, or state ID card. Non-U.S. citizens can apply with a valid passport and any U.S. government-issued ID.
Blood Test and Health Requirements
Florida removed the blood test requirement for marriage licenses years ago. No medical exam is needed. Applicants only need to sign the application under oath. The clerk office staff confirms the identity and signs the license on the spot if everything checks out.
Waiting Period Exceptions
Florida residents face a three-day waiting period between getting the license and the ceremony. The wait is waived for couples who complete a premarital course from a registered provider. Out-of-state residents skip the wait automatically. Active-duty military members and Florida judges can also waive the wait under Section 741.0305.
Apostille and Authentication of Marriage Certificates
Couples who married in Putnam County and need their certificate for use in a foreign country must get an apostille. The apostille is a state-level authentication that confirms the seal and signature on the certificate.
What Is an Apostille
An apostille is a certificate issued by the Florida Department of State under the Hague Apostille Convention. Countries that are part of the convention accept Florida apostilles without further legalization. The apostille attaches to the certified marriage certificate and proves the document is real for use abroad.
Where to Get an Apostille in Florida
Apostilles in Florida come from the Florida Department of State, Division of Corporations, located in Tallahassee. The fee is $10 per document. Mail requests take longer than walk-in visits. The Putnam County Clerk cannot issue an apostille but can provide the certified copy needed before the apostille process.
State Resources for Putnam County Records
Several state-level resources help Putnam County residents and researchers access marriage records.
My Florida County Records Portal
The My Florida County Records portal lets users look up official records across many Florida counties through one search. The portal includes marriage licenses, deeds, court cases, and liens. Putnam County participates in this statewide system. Searches by name or document type work through the portal’s search tool.
Florida Department of Health Marriage Certificates Page
The Florida Department of Health marriage certificates page hosts all official state forms and instructions. The page lists fees, processing times, and contact details for the Bureau of Vital Statistics. Online, mail, and in-person request options all appear on this page with step-by-step directions.
VitalChek Online Ordering
VitalChek is the only vendor officially authorized by Florida for online marriage certificate orders. The VitalChek site accepts credit cards and processes orders faster than mail in most cases. The service works 24 hours a day for online orders and has a toll-free phone line for those who prefer to call.
The Florida Department of Health portal shown above gives Putnam County residents a direct path to request certified marriage certificates through the state Bureau of Vital Statistics.
Nearby Counties for Marriage Records
Several counties border Putnam County and share similar record systems. Researchers sometimes need to search nearby counties when family members moved or got married across county lines.
- Alachua County Clerk of Court handles marriage records for Alachua County
- Clay County Clerk of Court serves Clay County residents
- Flagler County Clerk of Court covers Flagler County marriages
- Marion County Clerk of Court holds Marion County marriage records
- St. Johns County Clerk of Court manages St. Johns County records
- Volusia County Clerk of Court stores Volusia County marriage files
Frequently Asked Questions
Putnam County marriage records raise many common questions about searches, fees, and access. The answers below cover the most frequent questions from residents, genealogists, and people who need legal proof of marriage. Each answer pulls from current Florida law and Putnam County Clerk practice as of 2026.
How Long Does It Take to Get a Marriage Certificate in Putnam County?
The signed marriage license returns to the Putnam County Clerk within 10 days of the ceremony. After recording, a certified copy is available at the counter the same day. State-level orders through the Bureau of Vital Statistics take 3 to 5 business days for recent records, and longer for older records from before 1970. Online orders through VitalChek add about one business day for online processing before state review. Mail requests through the state office run 2 to 4 weeks depending on volume.
Can I Get a Putnam County Marriage Certificate Without Going to the Clerk?
Yes. The Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics accepts mail, online, and phone requests for Putnam County marriage certificates from 1927 forward. Mail requests go to P.O. Box 210, Jacksonville, FL 32231-0042. Online orders go through VitalChek at vitalchek.com. Phone orders use the VitalChek line at 1-877-550-7330. Marriages before 1927 must be ordered from the Putnam County Clerk office directly.
Are Putnam County Marriage Records Free to Search?
Free name searches exist through the Putnam County Clerk public access terminals at the courthouse. The My Florida County Records portal also offers free basic searches across participating counties. Certified copies always carry a fee, even for older records. The state Bureau of Vital Statistics charges $5 per search period for certified copies regardless of whether the search finds a record.
What If I Don’t Know the Exact Date of the Marriage?
A date range helps narrow the search. The clerk office can search bound volumes by year if the full date is unknown. The state Bureau of Vital Statistics accepts year ranges for $5 per search period. Genealogy platforms like Ancestry and FamilySearch let users search by name and a year range without an exact date. Family members or wedding announcements in local newspapers can help pin down the year.
Is There a Difference Between a Marriage License and a Marriage Certificate?
Yes. The marriage license is the application and permit to marry, signed before the ceremony. The marriage certificate is the final recorded document signed by the officiant and witnesses after the ceremony, then filed with the clerk. The certificate carries the state seal and serves as legal proof of marriage. The license alone does not prove the marriage took place.
Can I Use a Putnam County Marriage Certificate in Another State?
Yes. Certified marriage certificates issued by the Putnam County Clerk or the Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics work in all U.S. states. Other states accept the certified copy without extra authentication. For foreign countries, an apostille from the Florida Department of State is needed for Hague Convention countries. Some non-Hague countries require consular legalization instead of an apostille.
What Happens If a Marriage Record Is Missing From the Index?
Missing records usually trace back to incomplete index entries or older records not yet digitized. Contact the Putnam County Clerk office to check the original bound volumes. The state Bureau of Vital Statistics can run a manual search for an extra fee. Some older Putnam County marriages exist only in church or family records and were never filed with the county, so those will not appear in any official index.
Putnam County Clerk of Court: 410 St. Johns Avenue, Palatka, FL 32177. Phone: (386) 329-0361. Office hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics: P.O. Box 210, Jacksonville, FL 32231-0042. Phone: 1-877-550-7330. Official sources: flclerks.com, floridahealth.gov/certificates-records, myfloridacounty.com, vitalchek.com.