Jacksonville City Florida marriage records are filed and kept by the Duval County Clerk of Court. The clerk office takes license applications, performs civil ceremonies, and gives out copies of marriage certificates for people who live in Jacksonville and all of Duval County.
Anyone who needs a record can order copies through the county clerk, the Florida Department of Health, or an online vendor.
Where to Get Jacksonville Marriage Records
The Duval County Clerk of Court is the main place for marriage records in Jacksonville. Jacksonville is a combined city and county, so one clerk office serves the whole area. The office runs all license services, stores signed certificates from officiants, and gives out certified copies when people ask for them.
Duval County Clerk of Court Role
The Duval County Clerk of Court manages every marriage record filed in Jacksonville. The office accepts license applications from new couples, stores signed marriage licenses from officiants, and gives out certified copies when people need them. The clerk also sends data to the Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics for the statewide marriage index. Records stay in the county file even after they go to the state.
Office Location and Building
The main clerk office sits at 501 West Adams Street in downtown Jacksonville. The building opens Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. People can walk in for license services or to order copies of marriage records. The office has self-service computers for online records searches. Parking is available in nearby garages and on the street.
Jacksonville Marriage License Costs
Marriage license fees in Jacksonville are set by Florida state law. Duval County charges $93.50 for a standard marriage license. Couples who finish a state-approved premarital course pay less. The license stays valid for 60 days from the date of issue. The clerk office accepts cash and major credit cards.
Standard License Fee
A regular marriage license in Duval County costs $93.50. This fee covers the license itself and the recording of the marriage certificate after the ceremony. The clerk office accepts cash, Visa, Mastercard, Discover, and American Express. Personal checks are not accepted at the counter. The fee must be paid at the time of application.
Premarital Course Discount
Couples save money when they finish a premarital course from a registered provider. The fee drops to $68.50 with proof of completion. Florida Statute 741.0305 sets the rules for course approval across the state. The course must be finished within one year of applying for the marriage license.
The table below shows the full fee schedule for marriage services in Duval County:
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Standard Marriage License | $93.50 |
| License With Premarital Course | $68.50 |
| Civil Ceremony by Clerk | $30.00 |
| Duplicate License | $30.00 |
| Certified Copy (First) | $9.00 |
| Certified Copy (Each Additional) | $7.00 |
| Record Search Fee (per year) | $2.00 |
| Name Change Amendment | $30.00 + Court Order |
Civil Ceremony Cost
The clerk office performs civil marriage ceremonies for $30. This is a low-cost choice for couples who want a simple legal wedding. Ceremonies take place during regular business hours on weekdays. Couples must have a valid license before the ceremony. The clerk serves as the officiant for civil ceremonies.
Steps to Apply for a Marriage License
Jacksonville couples follow a clear set of steps to get their marriage license. Both people must appear in person at the clerk office. The application process takes about 30 to 45 minutes when all paperwork is ready. Appointments are available but not required for license services.
Required Documents
Both people need to bring valid photo ID to the clerk office. Accepted forms of ID include a driver license from any state, a U.S. passport, military ID, alien registration card, state ID, or naturalization certificate. U.S. citizens must give their Social Security number. People who were married before need the exact date the last marriage ended.
- Valid photo ID for both applicants
- Social Security numbers for U.S. citizens
- Exact date last marriage ended (if applicable)
- Payment for the license fee
- Premarital course certificate (for discount)
Pre-Application Form
The Duval County Clerk website has a pre-application form couples can fill out before their visit. This form asks for names, addresses, dates of birth, and Social Security numbers. Filling it out ahead of time speeds up the visit. The clerk still needs to see both people in person to complete the application.
Waiting Period Rules
Florida residents wait three days after getting their license before the ceremony. This wait is waived for couples who completed the premarital course. Out-of-state couples do not need to wait at all. The license stays valid for 60 days after it is issued. Couples who let it expire must apply and pay again.
Premarital Course Providers
The premarital course must come from a provider registered with the Florida Department of Children and Families. Most courses take four to eight hours to finish. Couples receive a certificate after passing the course. The certificate must be shown to the clerk at the time of application to get the fee discount and skip the waiting period.
Marriage Ceremony Rules
Florida law allows several people to officiate weddings. Ordained ministers, judges, clerks of court, deputy clerks, and Florida notaries public can perform ceremonies. The officiant signs the license and returns it to the clerk within 10 days of the ceremony. Witnesses are not required by state law. The couple receives a certificate of marriage after the license is recorded.
Online Search for Marriage Records
The Duval County Clerk runs an online records search portal. This free search lets people look up marriage licenses by name. The portal shows basic data like the date of marriage and license number. Ordering certified copies through the portal costs an extra fee.
Duval County Records Portal
The records portal lives on the Duval County Clerk website. Users click the records search link and pick marriage records from the dropdown menu. They enter one or both names to see results. The search shows records from 1987 to the present day for most cases. Older records may need a phone call to the clerk office.
Records Before 1927
Florida started keeping state marriage records on June 6, 1927. Marriage records from before that date only exist at the county level. Some early records may be incomplete or missing. The Duval County clerk office holds the original documents for older marriages in Jacksonville. Researchers can call the office to check if older records are available.
Statewide Search Tool
The Florida Department of Health runs a statewide marriage index. This index covers marriages from 1927 to the present day across all counties. People can search by name and year. The state office charges $5 for the search plus $4 for each certified copy ordered. State searches work best when the exact year of marriage is known.
Ordering Certified Marriage Copies
Certified copies of marriage records are official documents. People need them for name changes, immigration, insurance, and many other legal purposes. Three ways exist to order copies in Jacksonville: online, by mail, or in person. Each method has its own fees and processing times.
Online Order Method
The fastest way to get a certified copy is through the clerk website. People create an account, search for the record, and pay with a credit card. The fee is $9 for the first copy and $7 for each extra copy. Most orders ship within five business days through the U.S. Postal Service. Tracking numbers are sent by email.
Mail Order Method
Mail orders need a written request with both full names and the date of marriage. The request must include a cashier’s check or money order for the right amount. Mail the request to the Duval County Clerk of Court at the downtown address. Add a self-addressed stamped envelope for the return of the certified copies.
In-Person Requests
Walk-in customers can order copies at the clerk office counter. Bring a valid photo ID. Pay the fee with cash or a credit card. In-person orders give same-day copies in many cases. The clerk staff helps fill out the request form at the counter. Plan a 15 to 30 minute visit for in-person orders.
VitalChek Service
VitalChek is the third-party vendor the clerk office uses for online orders. The service charges $15 plus a $7 processing fee per copy. Orders placed through VitalChek ship faster than mail orders. The clerk office approves the request before shipping the certified copy. VitalChek accepts credit cards and debit cards.
Florida State Marriage Records
The Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics keeps state marriage certificates from 1927 to the present. The office is part of the Florida Department of Health. People can order copies from the state office when local records are not available. State orders take longer than county orders.
Florida Department of Health Office
The state vital records office sits in Jacksonville at 1217 Pearl Street. The office handles birth, death, marriage, and divorce certificates. People can order copies online, by mail, or in person. The state office is slower than the county clerk for new records because of the two-month recording delay for new marriages.
Processing Times
State orders take about four to six weeks to ship. Mail orders take longer than online orders. Rush service is available for an extra fee. The clerk office is faster for recent marriages. People who need a quick copy should order from the county clerk first. State copies work well for older marriages that are no longer at the county level.
Marriage Records for Special Needs
Some people need marriage records for specific legal or personal reasons. Special cases include genealogy research, immigration paperwork, international moves, and legal name changes. Each case may need a different type of certificate. Knowing the right order helps save time and money.
Apostille for International Use
Couples who need their Florida marriage certificate for use in another country must get an apostille. The Florida Department of State issues apostilles from its office in Tallahassee. The apostille proves the signature on the marriage certificate is real. This step is needed for moves to countries that follow the Hague Convention. The apostille costs $10 per document.
Immigration Proof of Marriage
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services accepts certified marriage copies as proof of a legal marriage. The copy must show the raised seal of the clerk office. The record must show both full legal names as they appear on immigration paperwork. USCIS does not accept uncertified copies as proof. Plan ahead because certified copies can take weeks to arrive.
FamilySearch and Genealogy
FamilySearch.org has a free index of Florida marriage records. The site covers many counties and years across the state. Users can search by name to see marriage dates and locations. The site links to images of original records on FamilySearch when they are available online. FamilySearch is run by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and is free to use.
Public Access Rules
Marriage records in Florida are public under Florida Statutes Chapter 119. Anyone can look them up. Social Security numbers and certain personal details get redacted from public copies. People who want to keep their marriage record private can file a Request for Confidentiality under Section 119.071. The form is available at the clerk office.
Name Change on Records
To change a name on a marriage record, the person must file a court order. The clerk office needs the court order plus a $30 fee. Common reasons for changes include spelling errors on the original license. The corrected certificate replaces the old one in the official file. New certified copies show the corrected data.
Jacksonville Clerk Contact Details
The Duval County Clerk of Court is the main office for marriage records in Jacksonville. People can reach the office by phone, online, or in person. The clerk staff answers questions about marriage licenses, copies, and ceremonies. The office serves all of Duval County and the city of Jacksonville.
Office Location
The main clerk office is at 501 West Adams Street, Jacksonville, FL 32202. The building sits in downtown Jacksonville near the St. Johns River. Parking is available in nearby garages. The office has a public counter on the first floor for marriage services.
Phone Number
Call (904) 255-2000 to reach the clerk office during business hours. The phone line is open from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday. The clerk staff can answer questions about license fees, record searches, and certified copies. The phone line is busiest right when the office opens.
Official Website
The clerk office website is duvalclerk.com. The site has the records search portal, pre-application forms, fee schedules, and office hours. People can also order certified copies through the website. The site works on phones, tablets, and computers. Website access is free.
Visiting Hours
The clerk office opens Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The office closes on weekends and state holidays. The clerk office has the longest wait times right after lunch. Early morning visits work best for short wait times. The office closes for lunch from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM on some days.
Frequently Asked Questions
People ask many questions about Jacksonville marriage records every day. The answers below cover the most common issues that come up. These facts help couples save time and money when getting their license or copies. Reviewing this list before visiting the clerk office can prevent common mistakes and delays in the process.
How Long Does It Take to Get a Certified Copy?
Online orders through the clerk website ship in five business days on average. Mail orders take two to three weeks because of postal delivery times in both directions. In-person orders give same-day copies in most cases when the record is already in the computer system. VitalChek orders take about seven business days from the order date. State office orders take four to six weeks to ship from the Florida Department of Health. People who need a certified copy right away should visit the clerk office in person. Bring a valid photo ID and payment for the fees. The clerk staff looks up the record at the counter. Most copies print in about 10 minutes at the public counter for known records.
Can I Get Married the Same Day in Jacksonville?
Yes, but only with a premarital course certificate from a Florida-approved provider. The course must be from a registered provider on the state list. Out-of-state couples do not need to wait the three-day period. Florida residents without the course wait three days after the license is issued. The premarital course waives both the fee and the waiting period. Couples who want a same-day wedding should take the course before applying for the license. The course certificate must be shown to the clerk at the time of application. The civil ceremony by the clerk costs an extra $30 on top of the license fee. Couples can pick their own officiant for the ceremony too.
What If I Lost My Marriage Certificate?
Order a certified copy from the Duval County Clerk of Court to replace a lost certificate. The fee is $9 for the first copy and $7 for each extra copy of the same record. Online orders through the clerk website are the fastest method. Mail and in-person orders work too for people who need a replacement. The certified copy has the same legal power as the original certificate. Most places that need proof of marriage accept the certified copy without question. Banks, insurance companies, and government agencies all take certified copies. Keep at least one certified copy in a safe place to avoid needing another replacement later.
Are Marriage Records Public in Florida?
Yes, marriage records are public under Florida law. Chapter 119 of the Florida Statutes makes most government records open to the public. Anyone can search the records portal on the clerk website. Personal details like Social Security numbers get redacted from public copies for safety. People can file a Request for Confidentiality under Section 119.071 if they have a safety concern. The form is free at the clerk office. Filing the form limits who can see the record in public searches. The record still exists for legal purposes but does not show in regular online searches.
How Do I Get a Florida Marriage Certificate for Immigration?
Order a certified copy from the Duval County Clerk of Court for immigration paperwork. The copy must have the raised seal of the clerk office to be valid. Send the copy with your immigration paperwork to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. USCIS does not accept uncertified copies as proof of marriage. The certified copy must show both full legal names exactly as they appear on immigration forms. Apostilles are not needed for U.S. immigration paperwork. Apostilles are only needed when the marriage certificate goes to a foreign country. Plan ahead because certified copies can take weeks to arrive by mail.
Can Non-Citizens Get Married in Jacksonville?
Yes, non-citizens can apply for a marriage license in Jacksonville. They must show a valid passport, alien registration card, or other accepted photo ID. A Social Security number is not required for non-citizens who do not have one. The license works for any legal ceremony in the state of Florida. The couple needs an officiant who is authorized under Florida law. The officiant signs the license after the ceremony. The clerk sends the data to the state Bureau of Vital Statistics for the index. Non-citizen couples follow the same waiting period rules as everyone else in Florida.
What Happens If My License Expires?
The license expires 60 days after issue. Couples must apply for a new license if the old one expires before the ceremony. The new license needs a new fee and a new application. No refunds are given for expired licenses. Couples should plan the ceremony date before applying for the license to avoid paying twice. The license is valid for ceremonies anywhere in the state of Florida. The ceremony does not have to happen in Jacksonville even if the license came from Duval County. The officiant sends the signed license back to the Duval County Clerk for recording.