Golden Glades City Florida marriage records are held by the Miami-Dade County Clerk of Court. Golden Glades is a census-designated place in north-central Miami-Dade County.
It does not run its own marriage office. Every license, search, and certified copy for people who live in Golden Glades goes through the county clerk. This page covers how to apply, search, and order copies of marriage records in Golden Glades. It also covers fees, waiting periods, and old records.
Where to Apply for Marriage Records in Golden Glades
Golden Glades residents apply for marriage records at the Miami-Dade County Clerk of Court. The clerk runs all marriage services for the county. Six district court locations serve residents. Each location can process new licenses and copy requests. The main office sits in downtown Miami. It is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Miami-Dade County Clerk of Court Role
The clerk office issues marriage licenses and records all marriages in Miami-Dade County. This includes every marriage that takes place in Golden Glades. The clerk also sends marriage data to the Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics. The Bureau is part of the Florida Department of Health. The state office keeps a master index of all Florida marriages from June 6, 1927 to today.
The clerk handles three main jobs. First, it issues new licenses to couples. Second, it records signed licenses after the wedding. Third, it provides certified copies of marriage records. You can walk in or book an appointment online to save time.
Office Location and Hours
The main Marriage License Bureau is at Overtown Transit Village South. The address is 601 NW 1 Court, Suite 1900, Miami, FL 33136. Phone: (786) 469-2400. The office is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Walk-ins are welcome. Appointments can be booked on the clerk website. Five other district court locations also process licenses. Check the clerk website for the closest branch to Golden Glades.
Required Documents
Both partners must show up together. Each person must bring a valid photo ID. Accepted IDs include a driver license from any state, a U.S. passport, a military ID, a state ID card, an alien registration card, or a naturalization certificate. U.S. citizens also need to provide a Social Security number. People who were married before must give the exact date their last marriage ended. This can be a divorce date, annulment date, or spouse death date.
If one partner cannot speak English, a translator is allowed. The translator does not need to be a certified professional. A friend or family member can help with forms. Both partners must still sign documents in person.
Marriage License Fees and Costs
Marriage license fees in Golden Glades are set by Florida law. The standard fee covers the license itself. Extra fees apply for ceremonies, copies, and amendments. All fees are paid to the clerk. Cash, Visa, Mastercard, Discover, and American Express are accepted. Personal checks are not accepted at most clerk locations.
Standard License Fee
The standard marriage license fee is $86.00. This fee applies to all Miami-Dade County residents. It also applies to non-residents who plan to marry in Florida. The fee is the same at every clerk location. A $30 ceremony fee applies if the clerk performs the wedding at the office. A duplicate license costs $30. Amendments to an existing record need a court order plus a $30 processing fee.
Reduced Fee with Premarital Course
Couples who finish a Florida-approved premarital course pay a lower fee. The reduced fee is $61.00. The course also removes the three-day waiting period for Florida residents. The course must be from a registered provider under Florida Statute 741.0305. A completion certificate must be turned in at the clerk office within one year of taking the course. Many online and in-person providers are available across Florida.
Certified Copy Costs
Certified copies of a marriage record cost $9.00 for the first copy and $7.00 for each extra copy. A search across multiple years costs $2.00 per year if the exact marriage date is unknown. The state Bureau of Vital Statistics charges $5.00 for one certified copy and $4.00 for each additional copy. VitalChek charges $15.00 plus a $7.00 processing fee for online orders.
| Service | County Fee | State Fee | Online Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Marriage License | $86 | N/A | N/A |
| License with Course | $61 | N/A | N/A |
| Clerk Ceremony | $30 | N/A | N/A |
| First Certified Copy | $9 | $5 | $15 + $7 |
| Each Extra Copy | $7 | $4 | $7 |
| Year Search | $2 per year | N/A | N/A |
Online Search for Marriage Records
Golden Glades marriage records can be searched online for free. The Miami-Dade Clerk runs an online search tool. The Florida Department of Health also runs a statewide system. Each system covers different date ranges. Old records may not be online and require a manual search.
Miami-Dade Online Marriage Bureau
The Miami-Dade Online Marriage License Bureau is free to use. The website is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. It covers records from 1971 to the present. Users type in a name or license number. The system shows both spouse names and the marriage date. The site does not show full document images. It only shows index data. For a full certified copy, users must order one through the clerk or the state.
State-Level Records via Florida DOH
The Florida Department of Health runs the Bureau of Vital Statistics. State records cover marriages from June 6, 1927 to today. The state offers an online ordering system. The site shows index data and lets users order certified copies. The state fee is $5.00 for the first copy and $4.00 for each additional copy. VitalChek is the official online vendor. It charges $15.00 plus a $7.00 processing fee. State orders take longer than county orders.
Records Before 1971
County records from before 1971 are not online. To search old records, call the clerk office. Staff can search paper indexes for a small fee. State records from 1927 to 1971 are also not always indexed online. Some records may require a manual search. Records before June 6, 1927 exist only at the county level. Florida did not collect marriage data statewide before that date.
How to Get Married in Golden Glades
The marriage process in Golden Glades is the same as in all of Miami-Dade County. Couples apply for a license, wait the required time, have a ceremony, and the officiant files the signed license. Each step has clear rules under Florida law.
Step-by-Step Process
Couples follow six steps to get married in Golden Glades. First, complete the pre-application form on the clerk website. This form saves time at the office. Second, both partners visit the clerk office together. Each must bring photo ID and a Social Security number if a U.S. citizen. Third, pay the $86 fee or $61 with a course certificate. Fourth, Florida residents wait three days unless they have a course certificate. Non-residents do not wait. Fifth, the license is valid for 60 days. The wedding must happen during this window. Sixth, the officiant files the signed license with the clerk within 10 days.
- Complete the online pre-application form
- Visit the clerk office together with photo ID
- Provide Social Security number for U.S. citizens
- Pay $86 or $61 with premarital course
- Wait three days if a Florida resident without a course
- Hold the ceremony within 60 days
Who Can Officiate
Florida Statute 741.07 lists who can perform a marriage. Ordained ministers, rabbis, priests, and other clergy can officiate. Florida judges, clerks, and deputy clerks can also perform weddings. Florida notary publics can officiate. The officiant does not need to live in Florida. Witnesses are not required by law. Many couples still use two witnesses as a backup record. After the ceremony, the officiant and the couple sign the license. The officiant returns the signed document to the clerk.
After the Ceremony
The signed license must be returned to the clerk within 10 days of the wedding. The clerk then records the marriage. It takes about 60 days for the data to reach the Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics. After recording, the marriage appears on the state index. Certified copies can then be ordered. Couples who need proof sooner can request an expedited copy from the clerk office. The county office is faster than the state office for new records.
Certified Copy Requests
Golden Glades residents can order certified copies of any marriage record. Three methods are available. Online, in person, or by mail. Each method has the same fee. Delivery times vary by method.
Online Orders
The clerk website accepts online orders. Users pay with a credit card. Certified copies are mailed to the address on file. Standard mail takes 5 to 10 business days. Rush options are not always available online. Online orders through VitalChek are accepted for state-level records. Rush shipping is available for an extra fee. Online orders are the most convenient option for Golden Glades residents.
In-Person Requests
Walk-in requests are accepted at the Marriage License Bureau. The office is at 601 NW 1 Court, Suite 1900, Miami, FL 33136. Hours are Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Bring a valid photo ID. Pay by cash or credit card. Walk-in copies are issued the same day in most cases. This is the fastest method for Golden Glades residents who live near downtown Miami.
Mail-In Requests
Mail-in requests must include a completed order form, a copy of photo ID, and a cashier’s check or money order. Make the payment out to the Clerk of the Courts. Mail the packet to the Marriage License Bureau address. Processing takes 2 to 4 weeks. Mail-in orders work well for Golden Glades residents who live far from the office.
Public Access and Privacy
Marriage records in Florida are public records. Anyone can view or request a copy. Some personal details are redacted for privacy. Confidential filings are allowed in limited cases.
Florida Public Records Law
Florida Statutes Chapter 119 makes marriage records public. Spouse names, marriage date, and license number are open to the public. Social Security numbers are redacted. The clerk will not release a Social Security number. Other private data, such as a home address, is also redacted. Anyone can view index data online. Certified copies require a small fee. Genealogists and researchers use these records often.
Confidentiality Requests
Florida law allows some confidential filings under Section 119.071. Victims of domestic violence, stalking, or other crimes can file a Request for Confidentiality form. The form removes the home address from public records. It does not remove the marriage record itself. The form must be filed at the clerk office. A valid court order or police report is required. The protection lasts five years and can be renewed.
Genealogical Research with Old Records
Genealogists often need old marriage records. Golden Glades marriages before 1927 only exist in county archives. Records between 1927 and 1971 may require manual searches. Several tools help researchers find old records.
Records Before 1927
Florida did not collect marriage records at the state level before June 6, 1927. Pre-1927 records exist only at the county level. Miami-Dade County keeps paper indexes for these old records. Researchers must contact the clerk office to schedule a search. Fees apply for each year searched. Some church records and family Bibles also hold marriage data. Local historical societies can help with old records.
Local Libraries and Archives
The Miami-Dade Public Library System has genealogy resources. The Main Library in downtown Miami has a genealogy section. It holds census records, newspaper archives, and local history books. The University of Miami also has special collections with Florida history records. Online tools like Ancestry.com and FamilySearch.org have indexed many Florida marriages. These tools charge a fee for full access. Free indexes are also available on the FamilySearch website.
Common Issues and Solutions
Couples and researchers often face problems when working with marriage records. Common issues include missing records, name changes, and out-of-state data. Each issue has a clear solution.
Missing Records
If a marriage record cannot be found, the clerk office can run a multi-year search. The fee is $2.00 per year searched. The search covers county records. If the record is still missing, the state Bureau of Vital Statistics can run a similar search. Old paper records may have been damaged or lost. Church records or newspaper announcements can serve as backup proof. A court order may also establish a marriage date.
Name Changes
A name change after marriage does not change the marriage record itself. The record shows the names used on the wedding day. To change a name on a record, a court order is required. The clerk office processes name change amendments for $30 plus the court order fee. Most couples do not need to change the record. They only need to update their Social Security card, driver license, and passport.
Out-of-State Records
Couples who marry outside Florida cannot use the Florida clerk for records. Each state has its own system. The bride and groom should contact the county clerk where the wedding took place. For records needed in Florida, an out-of-state certified copy is usually accepted. Apostille stamps are needed for international use. The Florida Department of State handles apostille requests.
Contact Information and Office Details
The Marriage License Bureau serves all Golden Glades residents. The office handles new licenses, certified copies, and record searches. The main office is open Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Phone lines are open during the same hours. Email support is available through the clerk website.
Official Website: https://www.miamidadeclerk.gov/clerk/marriage-licenses.page
Phone: (786) 469-2400
Address: 601 NW 1 Court, Suite 1900, Miami, FL 33136
Hours: Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Appointments: Available online through the clerk website
Payment Methods: Cash, Visa, Mastercard, Discover, American Express
Frequently Asked Questions
Below are answers to common questions about Golden Glades City Florida marriage records. These cover search methods, fees, old records, and special cases. Each answer gives clear steps and current rules. These questions match common search queries and People Also Ask results for this topic.
How do I search Golden Glades marriage records by name?
The Miami-Dade Online Marriage License Bureau lets users search by name. The site covers records from 1971 to today. Users type a last name and first name into the search box. The system shows spouse pairs and marriage dates. Records before 1971 require a phone call to the clerk office. Staff search paper indexes for a small fee. The FamilySearch website also has free indexes for Florida marriages from the 1800s forward. State records from 1927 onward are searchable through the Florida Department of Health website. Each tool covers different date ranges and fees.
Can I get a free copy of a Golden Glades marriage certificate?
Free copies of certified marriage certificates are not offered by the clerk or the state. Index data is free to view online. Certified copies require a fee. The county charges $9 for the first copy and $7 for each extra copy. The state charges $5 for the first copy and $4 for each extra copy. Online vendors charge more for processing. Some genealogy sites offer free indexes but not certified copies. A certified copy is the only version accepted for legal purposes like name changes or passport applications.
How long does it take to receive a certified marriage copy?
Walk-in requests at the clerk office are issued the same day in most cases. Online orders take 5 to 10 business days for standard mail. Mail-in requests take 2 to 4 weeks. State orders take 4 to 6 weeks. Rush options are available through some online vendors for an extra fee. New marriages take about 60 days to appear on the state index. Couples who need proof faster should order from the county clerk instead of the state.
What ID is needed to apply for a marriage license in Golden Glades?
Both partners must show up together at the clerk office. Each must bring a valid photo ID. Accepted IDs include a driver license from any U.S. state, a U.S. passport, a military ID, a state ID card, an alien registration card, or a naturalization certificate. U.S. citizens must also give a Social Security number. People who were married before must give the exact date their last marriage ended. Divorce decrees, annulment papers, or death certificates can serve as proof.
Are old Golden Glades marriage records from the 1800s available?
Marriage records from the 1800s exist only at the county level. Florida did not collect state-level marriage data until June 6, 1927. Pre-1927 records are kept in paper archives at the Miami-Dade Clerk office. Researchers must schedule a search with staff. Some records have been indexed on FamilySearch.org for free. Other genealogy sites charge a subscription. Church records and newspaper archives also hold old marriage data for the Golden Glades area.
Can a Florida notary officiate a marriage in Golden Glades?
Yes. Florida notary publics can perform marriages under Florida Statute 741.07. The notary must be a current Florida notary in good standing. The notary signs the license after the ceremony and returns it to the clerk within 10 days. Ordained ministers, judges, clerks, and deputy clerks can also officiate. Witnesses are not required by state law. Couples often use two witnesses for backup records. The officiant must be at least 18 years old.
What if my marriage record is wrong or has an error?
The clerk office processes amendments to marriage records. A correction requires a court order plus a $30 fee. Common errors include misspelled names, wrong dates, or missing data. The clerk will not change a record without proof of the error. Documents like a birth certificate or divorce decree can support the correction. Online corrections are not available. All amendments must be filed in person or by mail at the Marriage License Bureau in Miami.