Union County Florida marriage records are official documents filed with the Union County Clerk of Court in Lake Butler, Florida. These records include marriage licenses, marriage certificates, and ceremony details for every couple married in this small north-central Florida county.
Anyone can request a copy of a public marriage record, apply for a new license, or order a certified certificate for legal use. This page explains where to go, what to bring, how much it costs, and how to search marriage records by name or date in Union County.
Where to Get Union County Florida Marriage Records
Marriage records in Union County are held at two main offices. The county-level office handles new licenses and recent ceremonies. The state-level office holds older records and statewide indexes. Knowing which office to contact saves time and money.
Union County Clerk of Court
The Union County Clerk of Court sits inside the courthouse at 55 West Main Street, Lake Butler, Florida 32054. This office issues marriage licenses, performs civil ceremonies, and stores all recorded marriage documents for the county. The clerk is the first stop for new license applications and certified copies of recent Union County marriages.
Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics
The Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics in Jacksonville keeps marriage records filed statewide since June 6, 1927. This state office works through the Florida Department of Health. The Bureau is the right place to request older Union County certificates or records when the county clerk cannot locate them. Mail and online orders go through this office.
Statewide vs County-Level Records
County clerks keep original documents. The state office keeps certified copies and a statewide index. For marriages from the last few months, the county clerk is faster. For genealogy research, older records, or records from other counties, the state office or FamilySearch offers more search options.
How to Apply for a Marriage License in Union County
Couples who want to marry in Florida must apply for a marriage license first. The license is a legal document that authorizes the wedding. Union County follows the same rules as the rest of the state under Florida Statute Chapter 741.
Who Must Apply in Person
Both parties must appear together at the Union County Clerk of Court office. No one can apply on behalf of another person. The clerk will check photo identification, collect signatures, and witness the oath from each applicant. Out-of-state residents can apply at any Florida county clerk office and use the license anywhere in Florida.
Documents and IDs Required
Couples must bring valid photo identification for both people. Accepted forms include a Florida driver license, a state-issued ID card, a U.S. passport, or a military ID. U.S. citizens must also provide their Social Security number. Anyone previously married must know the exact date the prior marriage ended, whether by divorce, annulment, or death of a spouse. A written document is not required, but the date must be correct on the application.
- Photo ID for each applicant
- Social Security number (U.S. citizens)
- Date prior marriage ended (if applicable)
- Cash or check for the fee
- Completed Family Law Handbook reading
Marriage License Fees in Union County
The base marriage license fee in Union County is $86.00 for couples who have not completed an approved premarital preparation course. Couples who finish an approved course pay a reduced fee of $61.00. Both fees include a $2.00 application charge and a $25.00 contribution to the Domestic Violence Trust Fund under Florida Statute 741.01.
| License Type | Fee | Waiting Period |
|---|---|---|
| Standard License | $86.00 | 3 days |
| With Premarital Course | $61.00 | Waived |
| Out-of-State Residents | $86.00 | Waived |
Waiting Period and License Validity
Florida residents face a three-day waiting period between getting the license and the ceremony. The clock starts the day after the license is issued. The waiting period drops to zero for couples who complete an approved premarital course or for couples where either party lives outside Florida. Each marriage license stays valid for 60 days from the issue date under Florida Statute 741.041. Couples must hold the ceremony before the license expires, or they must pay for a new one.
After the Wedding Ceremony
The person who performs the ceremony must sign the marriage license. The officiant then returns the signed license to the Union County Clerk of Court within 10 days of the ceremony. The clerk records the document and sends the data to the Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics. The couple receives one free certified copy of the marriage certificate by mail. Extra copies cost money.
How to Request Certified Copies of Marriage Records
Certified copies carry a raised seal and a signature from the official custodian. These copies work for name changes, insurance updates, immigration paperwork, and legal proof of marriage. Union County offers three ways to order certified copies.
In Person at the Clerk’s Office
Walk into the Union County Clerk of Court at 55 West Main Street, Lake Butler. Ask for a certified copy of a marriage record at the recording desk. Bring a photo ID. The clerk can search the records on-site and print the certificate right away for recent marriages. This method is the fastest for marriages filed in Union County within the past few years.
By Mail Through the State Office
Mail orders go to the Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics at P.O. Box 210, Jacksonville, FL 32231-0042. Include a signed application, a copy of photo ID, and a check or money order. A state search costs $5.00. The first certified copy costs $5.00. Each extra copy costs $4.00. Allow 2 to 4 weeks for delivery by mail.
Online Orders Through VitalChek
VitalChek is the only online vendor contracted with the State of Florida. Visit the VitalChek Florida marriage records page to place an order any time. The state fee for the search and first certified copy is $15.00. VitalChek adds a $7.00 processing fee for online orders. Credit and debit cards work on the site. Orders for records from 1970 to the present process in 3 to 5 business days once the state office receives everything.
Phone Orders
Call VitalChek at 1-877-550-7330 to place a phone order. The same fees apply as online orders. Phone agents can take credit card details over the phone. This option helps people without internet access or who prefer to talk to a live person. Phone orders also process in 3 to 5 business days for recent records.
Marriage Records Cost and Fee Breakdown
Costs vary based on the type of record, how it is ordered, and where the search happens. The table below shows the full fee schedule for Union County marriage records and related services.
| Service | Fee | Office |
|---|---|---|
| Marriage License (no course) | $86.00 | Union County Clerk |
| Marriage License (with course) | $61.00 | Union County Clerk |
| Civil Ceremony by Clerk | $30.00 | Union County Clerk |
| Certified Copy (in person) | Varies | Union County Clerk |
| State Record Search | $5.00 | Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics |
| First Certified Copy (state) | $5.00 | Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics |
| Additional Certified Copies | $4.00 each | Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics |
| Online Order Total Fee | $22.00+ | VitalChek |
| Rush Processing | Extra fee | VitalChek |
Public Access and Privacy Rules for Marriage Records
Florida marriage records are public records under Chapter 119 of the Florida Statutes. Most details on the certificate can be viewed and copied by anyone. Some sensitive data stays protected.
Who Can Request Marriage Records
Any member of the public can request Union County marriage records. The requester does not need to be related to the couple on the record. The requester does not need to give a reason. Florida law treats these records the same as other public documents. Photo ID is required to prove the requester’s identity.
What Information Stays Private
Section 119.071 of the Florida Statutes protects certain personal data. Social Security numbers, bank account numbers, and similar financial details stay sealed. Marriage certificates do not normally show this data anyway. The public version of the certificate shows full names, the date of marriage, the county, and the officiant’s name.
How to Search Florida Marriage Records by Name
Searching marriage records by name is possible through several online and in-person tools. The right tool depends on the age of the record and the level of detail needed.
My Florida County Records Portal
The My Florida County Records portal lets users search official records across many Florida counties at once. Users can search by name, date range, or document type. The portal covers marriage records, divorce records, and other county filings. Some records on the portal are free to view. Certified copies must still be ordered through the clerk or the state office.
FamilySearch for Genealogy Research
FamilySearch.org offers free access to Florida marriage records indexed by volunteers. Records from many Florida counties are searchable by name. FamilySearch works well for genealogy projects and older records. The images are not always official certified copies, but they help confirm marriages for family trees. FamilySearch is a free service run by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Clerk Office Online Search Tools
Some Florida clerks offer online search tools on their official websites. The Union County Clerk’s website may link to public record search tools. Users should check the clerk’s site for the latest search options. Older Union County records may not appear in online indexes and may require an in-person search or a state-level request.
Florida Marriage License Requirements and Special Cases
Most couples follow the standard process. Some cases need extra steps or different paperwork.
Premarital Preparation Course Providers
An approved premarital course must be at least four hours long. The course must be taught by a registered provider. The certificate of completion must be presented at the clerk’s office when applying for the license. The course must be finished within one year of the license application date. Approved providers include licensed counselors, clergy, and registered online course companies.
Marriage License for Minors
Florida allows minors age 16 and 17 to marry with parental consent and a judge’s approval. Anyone under 16 needs a court order. Union County follows the same rules. The parents must appear in person with the minor at the clerk’s office. A birth certificate or proof of age is required.
Name Changes After Marriage
A marriage certificate works as legal proof of a name change in Florida. The certified copy received after the ceremony can be used to update Social Security records, driver licenses, passports, and bank accounts. The free copy from the clerk works for most name change needs. Extra copies cost extra if the same certificate is needed multiple times.
History and Record Availability
Union County keeps one of the oldest sets of marriage records in north-central Florida. Records go back more than 100 years.
Records Before 1927
Florida marriage records before June 6, 1927, are held only at the county level. The state did not start keeping statewide copies until that date. For Union County marriages before 1927, the Union County Clerk of Court is the only source for original documents. Some early records are available on microfilm at the clerk’s office or through FamilySearch.
Records From 1927 to Present
Florida began collecting marriage records at the state level on June 6, 1927. Records from this date forward are available through both the county clerk and the Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics. Records from 1970 to the present process fastest through the state office. Older records take longer due to manual search methods.
Apostille and Out-of-State Use
A Florida marriage certificate may need an apostille for use in another country. An apostille is a state-level certification that proves the document is real and legal for international use.
When an Apostille Is Needed
An apostille is needed when a Florida marriage certificate will be used in a country that signed the Hague Apostille Convention. The Florida Department of State issues apostilles for documents signed by Florida officials. The Bureau of Vital Statistics can certify a copy first, and then the apostille goes on top of that certification.
How to Request an Apostille
Send the certified marriage certificate to the Florida Department of State, Division of Corporations, or use their online service. The apostille fee is currently $10.00 per document. Allow several weeks for processing. The same certified copy can be apostilled for use in multiple countries.
Civil Ceremonies Performed by the Clerk
The Union County Clerk can perform a civil wedding ceremony for a fee of $30.00. The clerk performs ceremonies during regular business hours. Both parties must already have a valid Union County marriage license. Witnesses are not required in Florida, but the couple can bring up to two guests. The civil ceremony option is popular for couples who want a simple, quick wedding without a religious officiant.
Who Can Officiate Weddings in Florida
Florida Statute 741.07 lists who can legally perform a marriage ceremony in the state. Any ordained minister, priest, rabbi, or other clergy of any religion can officiate. Judges, retired judges, and clerks of court can also perform ceremonies. Florida notaries public can also officiate weddings. The officiant must sign the marriage license after the ceremony and return it to the clerk within 10 days.
Contact Information for Union County Marriage Records
Use the contact details below to reach the Union County Clerk of Court and the Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics for marriage record questions, license applications, and certified copy orders.
Union County Clerk of Court
Address: 55 West Main Street, Lake Butler, FL 32054
Phone: (386) 496-3711
Office Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM (Eastern Time)
Website: unionclerk.com
Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics
Address: P.O. Box 210, Jacksonville, FL 32231-0042
Phone: (904) 359-6900
Office Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM (Eastern Time)
Website: floridahealth.gov/certificates-records/marriage-certificates
VitalChek (Online and Phone Orders)
Phone: 1-877-550-7330
Website: vitalchek.com
Frequently Asked Questions About Union County Florida Marriage Records
This FAQ section answers the most common questions about marriage licenses, certificates, and records in Union County, Florida. These questions reflect real concerns from couples, genealogists, and legal professionals who contact the clerk’s office and the state Bureau of Vital Statistics every year. The answers below use current Florida law and 2026 procedures from the official state and county websites.
How long does it take to get a marriage certificate after the wedding in Union County?
The signed marriage license must be returned to the Union County Clerk of Court within 10 days of the ceremony. Once the clerk records the document, the couple receives one free certified copy of the marriage certificate by mail. Delivery takes 2 to 4 weeks in most cases. The clerk then forwards the data to the Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics in Jacksonville, where the record enters the statewide index. Couples who need the certificate faster should request extra certified copies at the time of application or contact the clerk about rush handling.
Can I get a copy of a Union County marriage record if I am not the person on the record?
Yes. Florida marriage records are public records under Chapter 119 of the Florida Statutes. Any member of the public can request a copy. The requester does not need to be related to the couple. A photo ID is required to verify the requester’s identity. The clerk or the state office will release names, dates, and county information. Social Security numbers and bank details stay sealed under Section 119.071.
What if I lost my marriage certificate in Florida?
Lost certificates can be replaced through the Union County Clerk of Court for recent marriages or through the Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics for older ones. State-level replacement costs $5.00 for a search plus $5.00 for the first certified copy. Online replacement through VitalChek costs $22.00 or more. The replacement certificate is a legal copy with the same weight as the original for all legal purposes, including name changes, immigration, and insurance.
Do I need an appointment to apply for a marriage license in Union County?
Walk-in applications are accepted at the Union County Clerk of Court during regular business hours. No appointment is needed for most couples. Calling ahead at (386) 496-3711 is smart for special cases, such as minor applicants, language needs, or large weddings with many guests. The clerk staff can also confirm current fees, accepted payment methods, and any updates to state rules.
Are Union County marriage records from the 1800s available?
Union County was created in 1921 from Bradford County. Marriage records from this county go back to that date. Earlier marriage records for the same geographic area are held by the Bradford County Clerk of Court. The Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics only holds records statewide from June 6, 1927. Records before that date stay at the county level. FamilySearch has indexed many older Florida marriage records for free online searching.
Can I use a Florida marriage certificate from another county?
A Florida marriage license issued by any county clerk works anywhere in the state. The license does not have to be from the county where the ceremony takes place. A license issued in Union County can be used in Miami-Dade, Orange County, Hillsborough County, or any other Florida location. The signed license must return to the issuing clerk within 10 days. The county where the ceremony occurs does not matter for the legal validity of the marriage.
What forms of payment does the Union County Clerk accept?
The Union County Clerk of Court accepts cash for marriage license fees. Many Florida clerk offices also accept money orders, cashier’s checks, and credit or debit cards. Personal checks are often not accepted for marriage licenses. Call (386) 496-3711 before visiting to confirm current payment options and to avoid delays. Certified copy fees may have separate payment rules.
Nearby Counties for Marriage Records
Couples who live near Union County borders may use a different county clerk. Researchers looking for older records may also need to search nearby counties. The following counties border Union County in north-central Florida.
Alachua County Clerk of Court
Alachua County sits west of Union County. Gainesville is the county seat. The Alachua County Clerk handles marriage licenses and records for residents of Gainesville and surrounding areas. Phone: (352) 374-3636.
Baker County Clerk of Court
Baker County sits east of Union County. Macclenny is the county seat. The Baker County Clerk handles marriage licenses and records for that county. Phone: (904) 259-8113.
Bradford County Clerk of Court
Bradford County sits south of Union County. Starke is the county seat. The Bradford County Clerk handles marriage licenses and records for that county. Many pre-1921 Union County-area records are held by Bradford County. Phone: (904) 966-6280.
Columbia County Clerk of Court
Columbia County sits west of Union County. Lake City is the county seat. The Columbia County Clerk handles marriage licenses and records for that county. Phone: (386) 758-1342.
Related Florida Marriage Record Resources
Beyond Union County, several state and national resources help with Florida marriage record searches. These tools expand search options for genealogy projects, legal cases, and personal record updates.
Florida Court Clerks and Comptrollers Directory
The Florida Court Clerks and Comptrollers website lists every county clerk in Florida with contact details, addresses, and website links. This directory is the easiest way to find the right county clerk when searching for an older record or applying for a license in another county. The site is run by the statewide clerks’ association and reflects current office hours and fees.
Vital Records Online Search Portals
The Florida Department of Health runs an online portal for vital record requests, including marriage certificates. Users can start an order, pay the state fee, and upload ID copies. The portal links directly to VitalChek for credit card processing. Records for all 67 Florida counties can be requested through this portal, including Union County.
National Archives and Genealogy Libraries
The National Archives and regional genealogy libraries hold microfilm copies of older Florida marriage records. The Florida State Library in Tallahassee and the Tampa Bay History Center also hold marriage record indexes. These resources help researchers find records that are not online or not held at the county level.
Final Notes on Union County Florida Marriage Records
Union County Florida marriage records are simple to access for anyone who follows the right steps. New licenses come from the Union County Clerk of Court in Lake Butler. Certified copies of older records come from the Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics in Jacksonville. Online and phone orders go through VitalChek. Costs stay low, fees are set by state law, and most records process in a few business days. Call the clerk at (386) 496-3711 for current hours and exact fees before visiting. The state office at P.O. Box 210, Jacksonville, FL 32231-0042 handles mail requests for the entire state.