Lauderdale Lakes City Florida marriage records are public documents stored by the Broward County Clerk of Courts and the Florida Department of Health. Anyone can request copies of these records for legal use, family history, name changes, or insurance purposes.
This page explains how to search, request, and obtain certified marriage records in Lauderdale Lakes, Florida.
How Lauderdale Lakes Marriage Records Work
Lauderdale Lakes sits inside Broward County, Florida. The Broward County Clerk of Courts handles all marriage license applications and marriage record storage for Lauderdale Lakes residents. The clerk office keeps paper records from 1915 forward and digital records from the 1990s onward.
Who Handles Marriage Records in Lauderdale Lakes
The Broward County Clerk of Courts is the main office for Lauderdale Lakes marriage records. The Florida Department of Health also keeps statewide marriage data starting from 1927. Both offices can issue certified copies of marriage records, but the county clerk usually has records ready faster for recent marriages.
Where the Broward County Clerk Office Is Located
The Broward County Clerk of Courts main office sits at the Central Courthouse, Midrise Building, located at 540 SE 3rd Avenue, Room 02460, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301. Lauderdale Lakes is roughly 15 minutes from this office by car. Visitors can park at the courthouse garage for a daily fee.
Office Hours and Contact Details
The marriage license office opens Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. The office closes on weekends and state holidays. Phone support is available at (954) 831-7283 during business hours. Walk-in service only with no appointment required.
Marriage License Requirements for Lauderdale Lakes Residents
Couples who want to marry in Lauderdale Lakes must apply in person at the Broward County Clerk office. Both people must appear together. The clerk checks each person’s ID and documents before issuing the license.
Documents You Need to Apply
Each person must bring valid photo ID. A driver license, passport, state ID card, or military ID all work. U.S. citizens must provide a Social Security number. Non-citizens must show a passport, visa, or other immigration documents. The clerk keeps copies of all submitted IDs.
Age and Identification Rules
Both people must be at least 18 years old to marry without parental consent. Florida law allows marriage at 16 or 17 with written consent from both parents or legal guardians. Applicants under 16 need a court order. The clerk checks age through the photo ID provided.
Social Security Number Requirements
U.S. citizens must give their Social Security number during the application. The clerk uses the SSN to check state and federal databases. This helps the office confirm identity and check for prior marriages. Non-citizens do not need an SSN but must show valid immigration papers instead.
Prior Marriage Disclosure
If either person was married before, the clerk asks for the end date of that marriage. The couple must also state how the prior marriage ended. Divorce, death, or annulment are the only three accepted reasons. Paperwork like a divorce decree or death certificate is not required at the application stage.
Marriage License Fees in Lauderdale Lakes
Marriage license fees in Lauderdale Lakes follow Broward County rates. Florida state law sets a base fee for all counties. Broward County adds a small county fee. The clerk accepts cash, credit cards, debit cards, and money orders.
Standard License Cost
The standard marriage license fee in Lauderdale Lakes is $86.00. This fee covers the license itself and the recording of the marriage after the ceremony. The fee is the same for all Florida residents and non-residents who apply in Broward County.
Reduced Fee With Premarital Course
Couples who complete a registered premarital course pay a reduced fee of $61.00. The course must come from a provider registered with the Florida Department of Children and Families. Couples must finish the course within one year of applying for the license. A completion certificate serves as proof.
Ceremony Fees and Copy Costs
The clerk performs civil ceremonies for $30.00. Couples can bring up to 10 guests to the ceremony room. Certified copies of a marriage record cost $3.00 each. Apostille services for international use add extra fees through the Florida Secretary of State.
Waiting Period and License Validity
Florida law sets a waiting period for marriage licenses. The waiting period starts the day the clerk issues the license. Couples cannot marry until the waiting period ends.
Three-Day Waiting Rule
Florida residents must wait three days after the license is issued before the ceremony. The waiting period does not include the day of application. For example, a license issued on Monday becomes valid on Friday. Sundays and legal holidays do not count toward the three-day wait.
Who Gets the Waiting Period Waived
Non-residents of Florida skip the three-day wait. The waiting period only applies to Florida residents who did not take a premarital course. Couples who complete a registered premarital course also skip the wait, even if they live in Florida. A judge can waive the wait in special cases like military deployment.
How Long the License Stays Valid
A marriage license stays valid for 60 days from the date of issue. The 60-day period includes the three-day waiting period. Couples who do not marry within 60 days must apply for a new license and pay the fee again. No refunds are given for unused licenses.
Steps to Get Married in Lauderdale Lakes
Getting married in Lauderdale Lakes follows a set order. Couples must complete each step in order. Skipping a step can delay or void the marriage license.
Apply for the License
Both people visit the Broward County Clerk office together. They bring valid photo ID and Social Security numbers. They fill out the application form and pay the fee. The clerk issues the license the same day if all documents check out.
Choose an Officiant
Florida allows several types of people to perform marriages. Judges, ordained ministers, clerks of court, deputy clerks, and notaries public all qualify. The officiant must be at least 18 years old. No witnesses are required by Florida law.
Hold the Ceremony
The ceremony can take place anywhere in Florida. Couples often choose churches, beaches, parks, banquet halls, or private homes. The officiant leads the ceremony and signs the marriage license afterward. The couple also signs the license as proof of consent.
File the Marriage License
The officiant must return the signed license to the Broward County Clerk within 10 days of the ceremony. The clerk records the marriage and adds it to the official index. The couple can then order certified copies from the clerk or the Florida Department of Health.
Searching Lauderdale Lakes Marriage Records
Several tools help people search for marriage records in Lauderdale Lakes. Some tools are free, and others charge a fee. The age of the record often determines which tool works best.
Broward County Clerk Online Search
The Broward County Clerk website offers a free public search tool. Users can search by name and view marriage dates for free. The tool shows both spouse names and the marriage filing date. Records from 1915 to the present are included in the search index.
Florida Department of Health Records
The Florida Department of Health keeps marriage records starting from 1927. Their office charges $5.00 for a record search that includes one certified copy. Extra copies cost $4.00 each. The state office processes requests by mail and online.
VitalChek Online Ordering
VitalChek is a private vendor approved by the Florida Department of Health. Users can order certified copies online for an added service fee. VitalChek accepts credit cards and offers rush delivery. The vendor works directly with state and county vital records offices.
FamilySearch and Ancestry Databases
FamilySearch and Ancestry.com host indexed marriage records for Florida. These sites work well for genealogy research. FamilySearch offers free access with a user account. Ancestry.com requires a paid subscription. Both sites include Broward County marriage records from the early 1900s.
Getting Certified Copies of Marriage Records
Certified copies of marriage records serve as legal proof of marriage. People need certified copies for name changes, passport applications, immigration cases, and insurance claims. The copies include a raised seal or stamp that proves authenticity.
In-Person Requests at Broward County
Couples can visit the Broward County Clerk office and request certified copies in person. The clerk charges $3.00 per copy. Cash, credit cards, and money orders are accepted. The copies are ready the same day for records already on file.
Mail-In Requests
Mail requests work for people who live outside the Fort Lauderdale area. The requester sends a letter with both spouse names, the approximate marriage date, and a check or money order for $3.00 per copy. The clerk mails the certified copies back within 7 to 10 business days.
Online Orders Through VitalChek
VitalChek processes online orders for Broward County marriage records. The service adds a fee on top of the $3.00 per copy cost. Credit card payment is required. Rush shipping is available for an extra charge. Most orders arrive within 5 to 7 business days.
Apostille Services for International Use
Couples who need to use their marriage record outside the United States must get an apostille. The Florida Secretary of State issues apostilles for Florida marriage certificates. The service costs $10.00 per document. The Secretary of State office handles requests by mail and in person.
Florida Marriage Records Laws and Privacy
Florida marriage records follow strict state laws. Public records laws in Florida make most marriage data available to anyone. Privacy laws remove some sensitive details from public indexes.
Florida Public Records Law
Florida Statutes Chapter 119 makes marriage records public. Any person can request a copy without giving a reason. The clerk office cannot deny a request based on the requester’s identity. This law supports transparency and genealogy research.
What Information Is Removed from Records
The clerk removes Social Security numbers from public copies of marriage records. The clerk also redacts bank account numbers and some medical data. Names of both spouses, marriage dates, and officiant details remain visible. These rules protect people from identity theft.
Who Can Request Copies
Any adult can request a copy of a Florida marriage record. The requester does not need to be a spouse, family member, or lawyer. The clerk office asks for the requester’s name and address but does not verify the relationship to the people named in the record.
Marriage Records for Genealogy Research
Genealogy researchers often use marriage records to build family trees. Lauderdale Lakes marriage records include names of parents, ages, and birthplaces for older records. These details help researchers trace family lines across decades.
Using FamilySearch for Lauderdale Lakes Records
FamilySearch hosts indexed Florida marriage records from the 1800s to the 2000s. The site lets users search by name, county, and date range. Image copies of original records are often attached. FamilySearch offers free access with a user account.
Using Ancestry.com for Florida Marriages
Ancestry.com hosts a larger collection of Florida marriage records. The site includes Broward County marriage books and indexes. Ancestry offers search tools that link records across census data, immigration papers, and death records. A paid subscription is required.
Local Libraries and Archives
The Broward County Library System offers free access to genealogy databases. Patrons can use Ancestry Library Edition at any branch. The library also keeps microfilm copies of older marriage records. Staff can help researchers locate specific records.
Common Issues With Lauderdale Lakes Marriage Records
People sometimes face problems when ordering or using marriage records. These issues often come up with older records, name changes, or record errors. Knowing the right steps saves time and money.
Missing Records and How to Handle Them
Some older marriage records are missing from county indexes. Researchers can check the Florida Department of Health for state-level records. Church records and newspaper archives can also help. The Broward County clerk can search paper files for records not in the digital system.
Name Changes on Records
Couples who change their names after marriage need updated records. The Social Security Administration processes name changes first. Then the DMV updates the driver license. Marriage records stay the same, but certified copies reflect the new name on other documents.
Correction Requests for Errors
Errors on marriage records can be corrected through a formal request. The clerk office provides a correction form. The requester must show proof of the correct data. A name correction costs a small fee and takes 7 to 14 days to process.
Broward County Marriage Records Office Details
Couples and researchers often need direct contact with the Broward County Clerk office. The office handles marriage license applications, record searches, and certified copy requests. Contact details below are current as of 2026.
Official Website
The official Broward County Clerk of Courts website is www.browardclerk.org. The site includes a marriage section with forms, fee schedules, and search tools. The records request portal works for mail and in-person orders.
Phone Number
The marriage license office phone number is (954) 831-7283. Staff answer questions about applications, fees, and records during business hours. Callers should allow time for hold times during peak hours.
Visiting Hours
The marriage license office opens Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. The office closes on weekends and state holidays. Walk-in service is available with no appointment needed. Visitors should arrive at least 30 minutes before closing to allow time for processing.
Address and Location
The Broward County Clerk of Courts marriage office sits at 540 SE 3rd Avenue, Room 02460, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301. The location is part of the Central Courthouse complex in downtown Fort Lauderdale. Parking is available at the nearby courthouse garage for a daily fee.
Frequently Asked Questions About Lauderdale Lakes Marriage Records
This FAQ section answers common questions about Lauderdale Lakes marriage records. The questions cover searches, requests, fees, and legal use. Each answer gives direct facts based on Florida law and Broward County rules.
How Much Does a Lauderdale Lakes Marriage License Cost in 2026?
The standard marriage license fee in Lauderdale Lakes costs $86.00 in 2026. Couples who complete a registered premarital course pay a reduced fee of $61.00. The clerk accepts cash, credit cards, debit cards, and money orders. Personal checks are not accepted. The fee covers the license and the recording of the marriage after the ceremony. Broward County does not add a local surcharge on top of the state fee.
Can I Get a Marriage Record the Same Day in Lauderdale Lakes?
Yes, certified copies of recent marriage records are ready the same day at the Broward County Clerk office. The clerk charges $3.00 per certified copy. Older records that need a manual search may take 7 to 10 business days. Online orders through VitalChek take 5 to 7 business days plus shipping time. Walk-in requests are the fastest option for Lauderdale Lakes residents.
Are Lauderdale Lakes Marriage Records Public?
Yes, marriage records in Lauderdale Lakes are public under Florida Statutes Chapter 119. Any person can request a copy without giving a reason. The clerk office does not check the relationship between the requester and the people named in the record. Social Security numbers and financial data are removed from public copies. Names, dates, and officiant details stay visible.
Do I Need an Appointment for a Marriage License in Lauderdale Lakes?
No, the Broward County Clerk office does not require appointments for marriage licenses. Walk-in service is available Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Both people must appear together. Visitors should arrive at least 30 minutes before closing to allow time for processing. Peak hours between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. often have longer wait times.
How Do I Get an Apostille for a Lauderdale Lakes Marriage Certificate?
Florida marriage certificates used outside the United States need an apostille from the Florida Secretary of State. The service costs $10.00 per document. Applicants send a request by mail or visit the Secretary of State office in Tallahassee. The request must include the original or certified copy of the marriage certificate. Processing time is 5 to 10 business days.
What If My Marriage Record Has an Error?
Errors on marriage records can be corrected through a formal request to the Broward County Clerk office. The clerk provides a correction form. The requester must show proof of the correct data through documents like a birth certificate or passport. A small fee applies for name and date corrections. Processing time is 7 to 14 business days.
Can I Search Lauderdale Lakes Marriage Records by Name for Free?
Yes, the Broward County Clerk website offers a free public search tool. Users enter a name and view marriage dates, filing dates, and document numbers for free. The index covers records from 1915 to the present. Image copies of the original records cost $3.00 each. FamilySearch also offers free indexes for older Lauderdale Lakes marriage records.