Kissimmee City Florida marriage records are filed and kept by the Osceola County Clerk of Court. Kissimmee is the county seat of Osceola County, so the main clerk office sits inside the city.
This office handles marriage licenses, civil ceremonies, and certified copies of marriage records for the entire county. Couples who live in Kissimmee, St. Cloud, Poinciana, or any Osceola County town all use the same office for their paperwork.
Osceola County Clerk Office Location
The Osceola County Clerk of Court runs the marriage records office in downtown Kissimmee. The office sits inside the Osceola County Courthouse. Walk-in customers can apply for a license, request a certified copy, or ask questions about past records without an appointment.
Courthouse Address
The full address of the clerk office is 2 Courthouse Square, Kissimmee, FL 34741. It is located right in the heart of Kissimmee’s historic downtown area, close to City Hall and the Osceola County Administration building. Free public parking sits near the building for short visits.
Phone Number and Office Hours
The clerk office can be reached at (407) 742-3500. Office hours for marriage license service run from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. The office closes on all state and federal holidays. Call ahead during bad weather to confirm the office is open before you visit.
Who Handles Marriage Records in Kissimmee
The Osceola County Clerk of Court is the main keeper of Kissimmee City Florida marriage records. The county clerk keeps the original paper documents on file. The Florida Department of Health, Bureau of Vital Statistics, also keeps a statewide copy for records filed after June 6, 1927.
County Clerk Role
The county clerk accepts marriage license applications, runs civil ceremonies, and stores signed licenses after the wedding. The clerk office also gives out certified copies of past records and runs an online search tool. Most Kissimmee couples start and finish all of their paperwork at this one office.
State Bureau of Vital Statistics Role
The Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics collects copies of every marriage record filed in the state. The state office creates state-level certified copies of marriage certificates. Records from before June 6, 1927 only exist at the county clerk office, since the state did not start collecting them until that date.
Marriage License Rules in Kissimmee
The state of Florida sets the main rules for marriage licenses. Osceola County follows these rules, along with a few local rules set by the clerk. Couples must meet state law before the clerk issues any license in Kissimmee.
Age and Legal Requirements
Both people must be at least 18 years old to marry without parental consent in Florida. If either person is 17, they need a parent or guardian to appear with them at the clerk office and sign the application. People who are 16 or younger need a court order. No one under 16 can legally marry in Florida.
Who Must Appear in Person
Both people must come to the clerk office together in person. The clerk will not issue a license if only one partner shows up. The clerk checks both IDs and watches each person sign the application. Couples with a deployed military member can use a special proxy form, but this needs extra paperwork.
Photo ID Requirements
The clerk accepts these forms of photo ID for a marriage license in Kissimmee:
- Driver license from any U.S. state
- U.S. passport or passport card
- Military ID card
- State-issued non-driver ID card
- Valid foreign passport with a U.S. visa
Social Security Number Rule
U.S. citizens must give their Social Security number on the application. The clerk checks the number against state records. Non-U.S. citizens must show a valid passport, visa, or immigration papers. The Social Security rule is part of Florida law and cannot be skipped.
Marriage License Cost in Kissimmee
The cost of a marriage license in Kissimmee is set by Osceola County under Florida law. The clerk accepts cash, Visa, Mastercard, Discover, and American Express. Personal checks are not accepted for marriage license payments.
Standard License Fee
A standard marriage license costs $86.00 in Osceola County. This fee applies to Florida residents who do not complete a state-approved premarital course. The full fee must be paid at the time of application. The license is printed and given to the couple the same day they apply.
Reduced Fee With Premarital Course
Couples who complete a premarital course from a Florida-approved provider pay a lower fee of $61.00. The course must be finished within one year of the application date. The course also removes the three-day waiting period for Florida residents. The provider must be registered with the Florida Supreme Court for the reduction to apply.
Civil Ceremony Fee
The clerk office performs civil ceremonies for $30.00. The ceremony lasts only a few minutes. Couples can ask for a civil ceremony when they apply for the license, or schedule one for a later date. The clerk office does not offer larger wedding services or receptions.
Other Costs and Fees
Couples should also expect these possible extra costs:
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Duplicate marriage license (lost or damaged) | $30.00 |
| Amending a marriage record (court order needed) | $30.00 plus court cost |
| Certified copy of marriage certificate (county clerk) | $3.00 each ($2.00 each additional) |
| Certified copy of marriage certificate (state office) | $5.00 each ($4.00 each additional) |
| VitalChek online order fee | $15.00 plus $7.00 processing |
Waiting Period and License Validity
Florida law sets a waiting period and a validity window for every marriage license. Kissimmee follows these same rules. The wait starts the day the clerk issues the license, not the day of the wedding.
Three-Day Waiting Period
Florida residents face a three-day wait after the clerk issues the license. The license becomes active on the fourth day. The clerk does not perform a civil ceremony during the wait. Couples who travel from out of state do not need to wait.
Waiving the Wait With a Course
A Florida-approved premarital course removes the three-day wait for everyone, including Florida residents. Couples need to bring proof of completion to the clerk office. The course must be taken within one year of applying for the license.
Sixty-Day License Validity
Every marriage license in Florida stays valid for 60 days from the issue date. If the wedding does not happen within 60 days, the license expires. Couples must reapply and pay the fee again if the old license runs out before the ceremony.
The Wedding Ceremony in Kissimmee
Couples can choose who performs their wedding, where it happens, and what details they want. Florida law sets basic rules about who can officiate and how the signed license gets returned to the clerk.
Who Can Officiate the Wedding
Florida law lets these people officiate a wedding:
- Ordained ministers, rabbis, priests, and other clergy
- Judges and retired judges of any court
- Clerks and deputy clerks of any Florida court
- Florida notaries public
- Quakers and other members of recognized religious societies
Witness Rules for Kissimmee Weddings
Florida does not require witnesses for a legal wedding. Two witnesses are still a good idea, especially for religious ceremonies. Witnesses must be old enough to understand the event. Witnesses do not need to sign the marriage license, but the officiant must.
Sending the Signed License Back
The officiant has 10 days after the ceremony to sign the marriage license and return it to the clerk office. The clerk records the license, scans it, and sends a copy to the state Bureau of Vital Statistics. Full state processing takes around 60 days from the wedding date.
How to Search Kissimmee Marriage Records
Kissimmee City Florida marriage records can be searched in several ways. The right option depends on the age of the record and whether the searcher needs a legal copy or just wants to confirm a past marriage.
Free Online Search at the Clerk Office
The Osceola County Clerk website has a free records search tool. Users can look up marriage records by name without paying a fee. The search shows both party names and the date the license was recorded. The online index covers records back to 1927 and runs around the clock.
State Records from June 1927 to Today
The Florida Department of Health keeps marriage certificates from June 6, 1927 to the present. The state website lets users check basic index data for free. A certified copy of a state record costs more than a county copy. State processing time runs around 10 to 14 business days for mailed orders.
Records Before 1927
Marriage records from before June 6, 1927 only exist at the Osceola County Clerk office in Kissimmee. These older records often include handwritten entries. Call (407) 742-3500 before visiting to confirm the clerk can pull the file. Older records may take longer to retrieve.
Ordering a Certified Copy of a Marriage Certificate
A certified copy of a Kissimmee marriage certificate has a raised or stamped seal from the clerk office. Banks, courts, immigration offices, and name change agencies accept these certified copies. Orders can be placed in person, by mail, or online through VitalChek.
In-Person Orders at the Courthouse
Walk in to the Osceola County Courthouse at 2 Courthouse Square, Kissimmee, FL 34741. Bring a photo ID and the date of the marriage. The clerk prints the certified copy the same day, most of the time within 15 minutes. In-person is the fastest way to get a record.
Mail-In Orders for Certified Copies
Send a written request to the Osceola County Clerk of Court, 2 Courthouse Square, Kissimmee, FL 34741. Include the full names of both spouses, the date of marriage, and a check or money order for the fee. Mail orders usually take 7 to 10 business days to be processed and returned.
Online Orders Through VitalChek
VitalChek is the official online vendor for Florida vital records. Orders can be placed at vitalchek.com. VitalChek charges a $7.00 service fee on top of the regular certified copy cost of $15.00 per record. Online orders also take about 10 to 14 business days.
Certified Copy Fees Compared
Couples can compare the cost at each source before ordering:
| Source | First Copy | Each Extra Copy |
|---|---|---|
| Osceola County Clerk (in person) | $3.00 | $2.00 |
| Osceola County Clerk (by mail) | $3.00 | $2.00 |
| Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics | $5.00 | $4.00 |
| VitalChek (online) | $15.00 | $15.00 |
Florida State vs County Records
Couples and record seekers often wonder whether to use the state or the county office. Both offices issue certified copies, but the prices, speed, and record coverage differ.
Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics
The state office sits in Jacksonville and accepts mail orders, online orders, and walk-in orders. The state office is the best choice for people who do not live near Kissimmee. State fees run higher than county fees. State records only go back to 1927.
Osceola County Clerk Office
The county clerk office is the first stop for anyone in Kissimmee or Osceola County. County fees run lower than state fees. The county office holds older records not found at the state level. In-person orders at the county office are faster than state mail orders.
Which Office Should You Use
Use the county clerk for any record filed in Osceola County and for older records before 1927. Use the state office when the searcher lives outside Florida and cannot visit Kissimmee. Use VitalChek for online orders outside regular business hours.
Other Helpful Details for Kissimmee Records
Couples and record seekers often need extra help beyond the basics. The Osceola County Clerk office also handles related services that come up before or after the marriage.
Marriage License Replacement
If a signed marriage license gets lost before it reaches the clerk, the officiant can request a replacement. The clerk charges $30.00 for a duplicate license and asks for a signed affidavit from the officiant. Couples who lost their copy after recording must order a certified copy from the records section.
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 handles apostille requests in Tallahassee. Apostille orders take about 10 to 15 business days. The cost is $10.00 per document plus postage.
Marriage Verification Letters
The clerk office can issue a short marriage verification letter for employers or insurance companies. The letter confirms the marriage took place and lists both names and the date. The fee for a letter is the same as a certified copy. Letters are often faster than full certified copies.
Genealogy and Historical Records
FamilySearch.org and Ancestry.com hold many older Florida marriage records from Osceola County. These third-party websites are free to search at FamilySearch with an account. Ancestry.com requires a paid subscription for full records. Older handwritten records may not be readable in the online index.
Frequently Asked Questions About Kissimmee Marriage Records
The questions below cover the most common concerns people have when searching Kissimmee City Florida marriage records. Each answer gives clear steps and explains the rules that affect the request.
Can Anyone Search Kissimmee Marriage Records Online
Yes, anyone can search the Osceola County Clerk online index for free. Florida law makes marriage records public under Chapter 119. Searchers do not need to give a reason. The clerk redacts Social Security numbers and some other private data from the online view. Certified copies do cost money, but the basic search does not.
How Long Does It Take To Get a Certified Copy
In-person orders at the Osceola County Courthouse take about 15 minutes. Mail orders from the county clerk take 7 to 10 business days. Orders from the Florida state office take 10 to 14 business days by mail. VitalChek online orders take 10 to 14 business days. Walk-in orders are still the fastest option in Kissimmee.
Do I Need To Be a Florida Resident To Get Married in Kissimmee
No, Florida does not require residency for a marriage license. Out-of-state couples can apply at the Osceola County Clerk office. Out-of-state couples also skip the three-day waiting period. Many couples travel to Kissimmee and Orlando each year to use this rule for destination weddings.
What Happens if the Officiant Forgets To File the License
The officiant must file the signed marriage license with the clerk within 10 days of the ceremony. If the officiant forgets, the couple can ask the clerk for help. The clerk may need a signed statement from the officiant. This is why couples should confirm the filing a few weeks after the wedding.
Can I Change My Name on a Kissimmee Marriage Certificate
Florida marriage certificates only show the legal name at the time of marriage. The clerk cannot change names on a recorded certificate. The Social Security Administration and DMV handle name changes after marriage. A certified copy of the marriage certificate is the proof needed for a name change.
Are Online Florida Marriage Records Search Sites Free
The Osceola County Clerk search tool is free for the basic index view. FamilySearch.org is also free with a free account. Ancestry.com charges a subscription fee for full records. VitalChek charges a $7.00 processing fee on top of the record cost. Watch for third-party sites that charge high fees for public data.
Kissimmee Clerk Office and Visit Information
Couples and record seekers should bring photo ID, payment, and any paperwork the clerk office might need. Below is the full visit and contact information for the Osceola County Clerk office in Kissimmee.
- Office: Osceola County Clerk of Court
- Address: 2 Courthouse Square, Kissimmee, FL 34741
- Phone: (407) 742-3500
- Marriage License Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
- Records Office Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
- Official Website: www.osceolaclerk.org
- Florida Department of Health: www.floridahealth.gov/certificates-records/marriage-certificates
- Online Records Search: www.osceolaclerk.org (records search portal)
- Mail Orders: Osceola County Clerk of Court, 2 Courthouse Square, Kissimmee, FL 34741