Hollywood City Florida marriage records are public documents filed with the Broward County Clerk of Courts. These records cover every marriage license issued and every marriage ceremony recorded in Hollywood since the city was officially incorporated.
Residents, researchers, legal professionals, and government agencies can request these records for personal, legal, or historical reasons through the county clerk office in Fort Lauderdale, the Florida Department of Health, or approved third-party vendors.
The City of Hollywood does not maintain its own marriage records. All marriage license applications, certificates, and supporting documents fall under the jurisdiction of the Broward County Clerk of Courts, which serves Hollywood and every other city in the county. This centralized system makes record retrieval straightforward for anyone who knows where to look and which office handles each type of request.
Where Hollywood Marriage Records Are Stored
Hollywood marriage records exist in three main locations. Each location stores a slightly different set of documents based on the year of the marriage, the type of record requested, and the agency involved. Knowing which office holds which records saves time and avoids duplicate requests.
Broward County Clerk of Courts
The Broward County Clerk of Courts holds the most complete set of Hollywood marriage records. The clerk office has maintained marriage files since 1915, which covers every marriage recorded in Hollywood after the city was officially incorporated. The clerk office stores original marriage licenses, signed certificates returned by officiants, and certified copies that residents can request at any time.
The clerk office also maintains an online search portal that lets users look up marriages by name. The portal covers records from 1915 forward and is free to use. Users searching for older records that predate the online system can visit the clerk office in person to request a search of the paper archives stored in the county vault.
Florida Department of Health
The Florida Department of Health Bureau of Vital Statistics holds a statewide collection of marriage records starting from 1927. State records serve as a backup to county records and provide an alternate source for anyone who cannot travel to the Broward County clerk office in Fort Lauderdale. State records cost $5 for a search and one certified copy, with each additional copy priced at $4.
State records are also useful for individuals who need a certified copy that bears the state seal rather than the county seal. Some government agencies prefer state-certified copies for official filings. The state office can issue copies with both a state seal and an apostille for international use.
Third-Party Online Vendors
Approved third-party vendors such as VitalChek handle online requests for Florida marriage certificates. VitalChek charges the standard state fee plus a service fee for each transaction. Online ordering through a vendor can be faster than mailing a request to the state office, but the extra cost makes this choice less attractive for budget-conscious users.
Other vendors include GoCertificates and US Records Online. These vendors offer similar services with varying fees. Users should compare fees and delivery times before choosing a vendor, as prices and turnaround times can differ significantly between providers.
How to Get a Marriage License in Hollywood
Couples who want to marry in Hollywood must apply for a marriage license through the Broward County Clerk of Courts. The city itself does not issue marriage licenses, so all Hollywood residents travel to the county clerk office in Fort Lauderdale to complete the application. The clerk office is the only authorized source for marriage licenses in Broward County.
Marriage License Eligibility Rules
Florida law sets clear eligibility rules for marriage license applicants. Both parties must appear in person at the clerk office. Each person must be at least 18 years old to marry without parental consent. Applicants who are 17 years old can marry with written parental consent. No person under 17 can receive a marriage license under any circumstance in Florida.
Both parties must show valid photo identification. Acceptable forms include a driver’s license, state identification card, passport, or military identification. U.S. citizens must also provide their Social Security number. Applicants who were previously married must provide the date that the prior marriage ended through divorce or death.
Florida does not require blood tests or medical exams for marriage license applicants. The state also does not require residency in Florida to obtain a marriage license. Couples from any state or country can apply for a marriage license in any Florida county.
Documents Required at the Clerk Office
The Broward County Clerk office requires specific documents from each applicant. The clerk reviews these documents before issuing the marriage license. Applicants who arrive without the right paperwork will be turned away and asked to return with the correct items.
- Valid photo identification for both parties
- Social Security numbers for U.S. citizens
- Date of dissolution for any prior marriage
- Payment for the license fee
- Premarital course completion certificate (if applicable)
Marriage License Fees in Hollywood
The standard marriage license fee in Broward County is $86. This fee covers the license application and the handling of the marriage certificate after the ceremony. Couples who complete a registered premarital preparation course within the previous 12 months pay a reduced fee of $61.
The clerk office accepts cash and major credit cards at the service window. Personal checks are not accepted. Couples who want the clerk office to perform their ceremony pay an additional $30 fee on top of the license cost. The ceremony fee covers the officiant service only and does not include any additional items such as witnesses or photography.
The reduced fee of $61 requires proof of course completion. The premarital course must be registered with the clerk office before the certificate can be accepted. Couples should confirm that their course provider is on the approved list maintained by the Florida Department of Children and Families.
Waiting Period and License Validity
Florida law imposes a three-day waiting period between the issuance of a marriage license and the ability to use the license for a ceremony. This waiting period applies only to Florida residents who did not complete a premarital preparation course. Out-of-state visitors and Florida residents with a premarital course certificate can use the license immediately after issuance.
Once the waiting period passes, the license remains valid for 60 days. Couples must use the license within this window or apply for a new one. The signed license must be returned to the clerk office within 10 days after the ceremony. The clerk records the marriage and forwards the data to the state Bureau of Vital Statistics.
Searching for Existing Hollywood Marriage Records
Anyone can search for existing Hollywood marriage records through several official sources. The records are public under Florida law, so no proof of relationship or legal interest is required for a regular search. Certified copies, however, require a valid request and small fee.
Online Search Through Broward Clerk
The Broward County Clerk of Courts offers a free online lookup tool on its website. The search portal covers marriage records from 1915 to the present. Users can search by either spouse’s name and narrow the results by year of marriage. The search returns basic record data including the names of both parties and the date of the marriage.
The online portal does not display the full marriage certificate image. Users who want to view the certificate must request a certified copy through the clerk office. The portal also does not cover records that predate 1915 or records that are stored in restricted archives. These records require an in-person visit to the clerk office.
State Records Through Florida Department of Health
The Florida Department of Health maintains marriage records from 1927 forward. State records are useful for individuals who live outside Florida or who cannot visit the Broward County clerk office. The state office handles requests by mail and online through VitalChek.
A search and one certified copy from the state costs $5. Additional copies of the same record cost $4 each. State handling times run longer than county handling times. The state office can take up to 60 days to record a new marriage after the county clerk forwards the data.
In-Person Search at the Courthouse
Researchers who need older Hollywood marriage records can visit the Broward County clerk office in person. The clerk office stores paper archives in a secure vault on site. Staff members can pull records from the vault and provide copies for a small fee. Older records may take longer to retrieve because staff must locate them by hand rather than through the digital portal.
The clerk office is located at 540 SE 3rd Avenue, Room 02460, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301. Office hours run Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. The phone number for marriage services is (954) 831-7283. Visitors should bring photo identification and as much detail as possible about the marriage they are researching.
How to Get Certified Copies of Marriage Records
Certified copies of Hollywood marriage records carry the official seal of the issuing office. These copies are accepted for legal proceedings, immigration applications, name changes, and insurance updates. The clerk office and the state health department both issue certified copies that meet legal standards.
Who Can Request Certified Copies
Florida marriage records are public records under Florida Statutes Chapter 119. Any adult can request a certified copy of a Hollywood marriage record. The clerk office does not restrict access to certified copies based on the relationship between the requester and the people named on the record. Protected details such as Social Security numbers is removed before the copy is released.
Authorized representatives such as attorneys, genealogists, and private investigators can also request certified copies on behalf of their clients. Representatives must provide written authorization along with their own identification when submitting a request.
Costs for Certified Copies
The Broward County clerk charges $3 for each certified copy of a marriage record. The Florida Department of Health charges $5 for a search and one certified copy, with additional copies priced at $4 each. Third-party vendors add a service fee on top of the standard state fee.
Payment methods vary by location. The county clerk accepts cash, credit cards, and money orders. The state office accepts checks, money orders, and credit cards through its online portal. Personal checks are not accepted at the county clerk window for in-person requests.
Mail-in Requests for Certified Copies
Requesters who cannot visit the clerk office in person can submit a mail-in request. The mail-in request must include the full names of both parties, the approximate date of marriage, the applicant’s contact details, and payment for the certified copy fee. The clerk office handles mail-in requests in the order they are received and returns the certified copies by mail.
Mail-in requests should include a self-addressed stamped envelope for the return mailing. Requests without a return envelope may be delayed or returned without action. The clerk office recommends sending payment by money order to avoid issues with bounced checks.
Hollywood Marriage Records for Genealogy Research
Hollywood marriage records are valuable resources for genealogy researchers. The records document family connections, migration patterns, and community growth across the city’s history. Researchers can combine marriage records with census data, birth records, and death records to build a complete family tree.
Historical Records from the 1900s
Hollywood was incorporated in 1925, so marriage records for Hollywood residents begin around that time. The earliest marriage records in the Broward County system date back to 1915. Researchers tracing Hollywood ancestors who married before the city’s incorporation should search the broader Broward County records or the records of the predecessor county, which was part of Dade County until 1915.
Older Hollywood marriage records exist only in physical form at the clerk office. Researchers must visit the office in person or hire a local record retrieval service to access these files. The clerk office charges standard copy fees for any records pulled from the historical archives.
Using FamilySearch and Ancestry
FamilySearch and Ancestry.com both host indexed collections of Florida marriage records. These platforms let researchers search by name, year, and county. The indexed records may include scans of the original certificates, depending on the platform and the specific collection. Researchers who need official certified copies for legal purposes must still request them through the clerk office or the state health department.
FamilySearch offers free access to its collections through any of its family history centers or its public website. Ancestry.com requires a paid subscription for full access to its records. Both platforms offer tools for organizing research results, building family trees, and connecting with other researchers.
Special Use Cases for Hollywood Marriage Records
Hollywood marriage records serve many legal and administrative purposes beyond genealogy. The records establish spousal status for a wide range of official transactions. The following sections cover the most common special use cases.
Marriage Records for Immigration
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services accepts certified copies of marriage records as proof of a legal marriage for immigration applications. Applicants who need to prove a marital relationship for a spouse visa, green card application, or citizenship petition can request a certified copy of the Hollywood marriage record from the Broward County clerk office or the state health department.
Certified copies for immigration purposes must be recent. USCIS requires the certified copy to bear a current date stamp or seal from the issuing office. Some applicants request multiple certified copies to ensure they have a current version for each filing.
Name Change After Marriage
The Social Security Administration, the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, and other government agencies require certified copies of marriage records for legal name changes. The certified copy serves as proof of the new legal name. Most agencies accept certified copies that were issued within the previous 60 to 90 days.
Couples who change their names after marriage should request multiple certified copies at the time of their name change. Each agency involved in the name change procedure may require its own certified copy. Requesting several copies at once is faster and less expensive than requesting copies separately later.
Marriage Records After Divorce
Hollywood marriage records do not change after a divorce. The original marriage record remains on file with the clerk office and the state health department. Divorce decrees are filed separately with the Broward County Clerk’s civil division. Researchers who need both the marriage record and the divorce record must request each document separately.
The original marriage record can be useful after a divorce for purposes such as verifying the date of the marriage, updating personal records, or closing joint accounts that reference the marriage certificate.
Apostille for International Use
Couples who married in Hollywood and need proof of marriage for use in a foreign country must obtain an apostille. An apostille is a certificate issued by the Florida Department of State that authenticates the signature and seal on the marriage record for use in countries that participate in the Hague Convention.
The apostille is attached to the certified copy of the marriage record. Requesters must first obtain a certified copy from the clerk office or the state health department and then submit it to the Florida Department of State for the apostille. The apostille office charges a separate fee for each document it processes.
Walker and Other Surname Searches
Researchers searching for ancestors with common surnames such as Walker, Smith, or Johnson face more challenges when working through online indexes. The volume of matching results requires additional filters such as year, county, and spouse name. Researchers can narrow results by combining marriage records with census data, land records, and church documents.
The Florida State Archives holds additional marriage records that may not appear in the county clerk system. Researchers who cannot locate a specific record through the clerk office can request a search through the State Archives. The State Archives charges a small fee for each record search and copies.
Hollywood Marriage Records Contact and Location Details
The main office that handles Hollywood marriage records is the Broward County Clerk of Courts in Fort Lauderdale. The office handles license applications, certified copy requests, and online record searches. The clerk office is the primary contact for all marriage-related services in Hollywood.
Broward County Clerk of Courts – Marriage Records Division
Address: 540 SE 3rd Avenue, Room 02460, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
Phone: (954) 831-7283
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Website: www.browardclerk.org
Florida Department of Health – Bureau of Vital Statistics
Address: 1217 N Pearl Street, Jacksonville, FL 32202
Phone: (904) 359-6900
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Website: www.floridahealth.gov/certificates-records
Hollywood Marriage Records FAQ
The following questions address common concerns about Hollywood marriage records. These answers cover the most frequent questions received by the Broward County clerk office and the Florida Department of Health about marriage records in Hollywood. Each answer reflects current Florida law and clerk office procedures as of 2026.
How do I find a Hollywood marriage record from the 1940s?
Hollywood marriage records from the 1940s are stored at the Broward County Clerk of Courts. These records predate the online portal, so requesters must visit the clerk office in person or submit a mail-in request. Staff members can pull paper records from the historical archive vault. The standard certified copy fee of $3 per copy applies to these older records. Mail-in requests should include the full names of both spouses, the approximate year of marriage, and a self-addressed stamped envelope for the return mailing.
Can I get a Hollywood marriage record the same day I request it?
Same-day service is available at the Broward County clerk office for records that are already in the digital system. Records from 1915 forward are typically available the same day. Records stored only in the paper vault may require additional retrieval time. The clerk office handles all in-person requests on a first-come, first-served basis during regular business hours. Requesters who arrive before 3 p.m. can usually receive their certified copy the same day.
Are Hollywood marriage records available to non-residents?
Hollywood marriage records are public under Florida law. Any adult can request a certified copy of a Hollywood marriage record regardless of state or country of residence. Non-residents can submit mail-in requests to the county clerk office or use the online ordering service through the Florida Department of Health and its approved vendors. International requesters should also obtain an apostille from the Florida Department of State if the certified copy will be used in a foreign country.
What is the difference between a marriage license and a marriage certificate?
A marriage license is the legal document that authorizes a couple to marry. The license is issued before the ceremony and signed by the officiant, the couple, and any witnesses. A marriage certificate is the official record of the completed marriage, filed with the clerk office after the ceremony. The certificate is what most legal agencies require as proof of marriage. The license becomes a certificate once the officiant signs it and returns it to the clerk office for recording.
How long does it take to get a certified copy by mail?
Mail-in requests to the Broward County clerk office typically take 7 to 10 business days to handle and return. Mail-in requests to the Florida Department of Health can take 4 to 6 weeks depending on the volume of requests. Online orders through VitalChek are handled faster than mail but include an extra service fee. Requesters who need a certified copy quickly should visit the clerk office in person for same-day service.
Can a Hollywood marriage record be corrected?
Marriage records can be corrected through the Broward County clerk office. Common corrections include fixing misspellings, updating dates, and correcting clerical errors. The correction procedure requires supporting documentation and a small handling fee. Major changes to a marriage record may require a court order. Requesters should contact the clerk office before submitting correction paperwork to confirm what documentation is required.