Miami Gardens City Florida marriage records are official documents created when a couple gets married within Miami-Dade County, Florida. These records are kept by the Miami-Dade County Clerk of Court, the Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics, and the Florida Department of Health.
Anyone can request a certified copy for legal, personal, or family history reasons. This page explains how to search, request, and use these records in 2026, with current fees, office hours, and step-by-step instructions.
Where to Get Miami Gardens Marriage Records
Marriage records for people who live in Miami Gardens are stored at three main places. Each office handles a different time period and type of request. Knowing which office to contact saves time and money.
Miami-Dade County Clerk of Court
The Miami-Dade County Clerk of Court keeps marriage licenses and certificates for weddings performed in the county. This is the best office for recent marriages, certified copies, and license applications. The main office sits at 601 NW 1 Court, Suite 1900, Miami, FL 33136. The phone number is (786) 469-2400. Office hours run Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Walk-ins are welcome, but appointments reduce wait times.
Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics
The Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics keeps statewide marriage records starting from June 6, 1927. The office is part of the Florida Department of Health and sits in Jacksonville. People use this office for older records, statewide searches, and records needed for out-of-state legal matters. Requests can be made by mail, online, or in person.
Florida Department of Health Office
The Florida Department of Health vital records office issues certified copies of marriage certificates for the entire state. The office works with an online partner called VitalChek for fast online orders. This office is often the right choice when someone needs proof of marriage for name changes, immigration, or insurance purposes.
Types of Miami Gardens Marriage Records
Different records serve different needs. A marriage license is the permit issued before a wedding. A marriage certificate is the proof filed after the ceremony. Knowing which document you need prevents wasted trips and fees.
Marriage Licenses
A marriage license gives legal permission to hold a wedding ceremony in Florida. The couple applies before the wedding and presents the license to the officiant. The license stays valid for 60 days from the issue date. Couples who do not marry within that window must apply again and pay a new fee.
Marriage Certificates
A marriage certificate is the final document filed by the officiant after the wedding. It contains both spouse names, the date of marriage, the county, and the officiant signature. The certificate becomes part of the official record once the clerk office records it. Full state recording takes about 60 days.
Certified Copies
A certified copy is a printed copy of the marriage certificate with an official raised seal or stamp. Banks, courts, and government agencies require certified copies for name changes, insurance updates, and passport applications. Each certified copy costs money and bears the same legal weight as the original filing.
Solemnization Records
Solemnization records are the documents signed by the officiant at the wedding. These include the license return form with the signature, date, and location of the ceremony. Solemnization records become part of the public file once returned to the county clerk office.
How to Apply for a Marriage License in Miami Gardens
Applying for a marriage license in Miami Gardens follows a simple step-by-step process. Both partners must appear together at the clerk office. The process takes about one to two hours when documents are in order.
Eligibility Requirements
Both partners must be at least 18 years old to marry without parental consent in Florida. Emancipated minors also qualify. Couples aged 16 and 17 need written parental consent. No one under 16 can marry in Florida, even with parental consent, as of current state law. Both partners must not be currently married to someone else.
Required Documents
Each partner must bring a valid photo ID. Accepted IDs include a Florida driver license, an out-of-state driver license, a U.S. passport, a military ID, a state identification card, an alien registration card, or a naturalization certificate. U.S. citizens also need a Social Security number. Anyone previously married must bring the exact date the last marriage ended by death, divorce, or annulment.
- Valid photo ID for each partner
- Social Security number for U.S. citizens
- Date when last marriage ended (if applicable)
- Cash, credit card, or money order for fees
- Birth certificate (recommended but not required)
Marriage License Fees
The standard marriage license fee in Miami-Dade County is $86.00. Couples who finish a registered premarital preparation course pay a reduced fee of $61.00. The course must come from a registered provider listed under Florida Statute 741.0305. Course completion must occur within 12 months of the application. The reduced fee saves $25 and removes the 3-day waiting period for Florida residents.
Waiting Period and Validity
Florida residents must wait 3 days after the license is issued before the wedding ceremony can take place. The waiting period does not apply to non-Florida residents or to couples who complete a premarital course. The license expires 60 days after issue. A ceremony held after expiration requires a new license and fee.
Premarital Course Benefits
A registered premarital course lowers the fee from $86 to $61 and removes the 3-day waiting period for Florida residents. The course covers communication, conflict management, and financial responsibilities. Registered providers are listed on the Florida Department of Children and Families website. The course certificate must be presented at the time of license application.
How to Order Miami Gardens Marriage Records Online
Online ordering is the fastest way to get certified copies of marriage records. Three main portals serve different needs and time periods. Each portal accepts credit card payments and ships documents by mail.
Miami-Dade Online Portal
The Miami-Dade Online Marriage License Bureau portal at https://www2.miamidadeclerk.gov/mlsweb holds records from 1971 to the present. The free search shows spouse names and the wedding date. Certified copies can be ordered through the same portal for a fee. The site runs 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Florida Department of Health Portal
The Florida Department of Health marriage certificate portal holds records from 1927 to the present. Certified copies cost $5.00 for the first copy and $4.00 for each additional copy. The portal accepts mail-in requests and online orders through the department website. Processing takes about 5 to 10 business days.
VitalChek Service
VitalChek is the official online ordering partner for the Florida Department of Health. The site at https://www.vitalchek.com/v/marriage-records/florida accepts orders for Florida marriage certificates. VitalChek charges $15.00 plus a $7.00 processing fee per transaction. Rush shipping options are available for extra cost.
FamilySearch and Ancestry Databases
FamilySearch and Ancestry host free and paid indexes of Florida marriage records. FamilySearch offers free access at https://www.familysearch.org with image scans of older records. Ancestry requires a subscription but offers more complete indexes for Miami-Dade County. These databases work best for genealogy research from the 1800s and early 1900s.
Certified Copy Fees and Payment Options
Certified copy fees vary by office and request method. Each office accepts different payment types. Payment policies sometimes change, so calling ahead is helpful for mail requests.
County Clerk Fees
The Miami-Dade County Clerk charges $9.00 for the first certified copy of a marriage record and $7.00 for each additional copy. A year search costs $2.00 when the exact year is unknown. Duplicate license copies cost $30.00. Amendments require a $30.00 fee plus a court order.
State Office Fees
The Florida Department of Health charges $5.00 for the first certified copy and $4.00 for each extra copy. Apostille services cost an additional fee through the Florida Department of State. Mail requests require a cashier’s check or money order payable to the Florida Department of Health.
Online Service Fees
VitalChek charges $15.00 for each transaction plus a $7.00 processing fee. Shipping fees depend on speed. Standard shipping takes about 5 to 7 business days. Rush shipping takes 2 to 3 business days at extra cost. International shipping is also available.
Accepted Payment Methods
The Miami-Dade Clerk accepts cash, Visa, Mastercard, Discover, and American Express at the office. Personal checks are not accepted. Online orders require credit or debit cards. The Florida Department of Health accepts cashier’s checks and money orders for mail orders. Credit cards are accepted for online orders.
| Service | Office | Fee | Processing Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| First certified copy | Miami-Dade Clerk | $9.00 | Same day |
| Additional certified copy | Miami-Dade Clerk | $7.00 | Same day |
| First certified copy | Florida DOH | $5.00 | 5 to 10 days |
| Additional certified copy | Florida DOH | $4.00 | 5 to 10 days |
| Online order fee | VitalChek | $15.00 + $7.00 | 2 to 7 days |
| Marriage license | Miami-Dade Clerk | $86.00 or $61.00 | Same day |
Historical Miami Gardens Marriage Records
Older marriage records are valuable for genealogy and legal proof. Miami Gardens became an incorporated city in 2003, but marriage records for the area date back much further. Records before 1927 are stored only at the county level because Florida did not start statewide collection until June 6, 1927.
Pre-1927 Records
Marriage records dated before June 6, 1927 exist only at the Miami-Dade County Clerk office. The State of Florida did not collect these records. Researchers must contact the county clerk directly. Older church and cemetery records may also be available through religious archives.
Records from 1927 to 1970
Marriage records from 1927 to 1970 are kept by the Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics. These records are also available on microfilm at the State Library of Florida. FamilySearch hosts indexed images of many of these records for free. Researchers should search the FamilySearch catalog by county and year range.
Records from 1971 to Present
Records from 1971 onward are available in the Miami-Dade online portal. The database is searchable by name or license number. The portal is free to search, but certified copies still require a fee. The portal updates within a few days of new filings.
Genealogy Research Tips
Genealogy researchers should start with the FamilySearch catalog. The free index covers millions of Florida marriages. Cross-reference results with county courthouse records. Newspaper archives often print marriage announcements with full details. Local libraries like the Miami-Dade Public Library offer free access to genealogy databases.
Special Cases and Additional Services
Some requests go beyond a standard certified copy. Apostille services, name changes, and confidentiality filings each have their own rules and forms.
Marriage Certificate Apostille
An apostille is a state-level certification that makes a Florida document valid in countries part of the Hague Convention. The Florida Department of State in Tallahassee handles apostille requests. The current apostille fee is $10.00 per document. Processing takes about 5 to 10 business days. Mail requests require a prepaid return envelope.
Name Change After Marriage
A Florida marriage certificate serves as proof for a legal name change with the Social Security Administration, the DMV, banks, and passport offices. The Social Security Administration must be updated first. Bring the certified marriage certificate, current ID, and Social Security card to a local SSA office. The DMV update requires the new Social Security card and a new certified copy.
Marriage Verification for Legal Use
Courts and federal agencies often require a verification of marriage. The Florida Department of Health offers a Verification Letter for $6.00. The letter confirms the names, date, and county of marriage without revealing the full certificate. This option costs less than a full certified copy.
Confidentiality Requests
Florida Statutes Chapter 119 makes marriage records public. People who fear for their safety can file a Request for Confidentiality form with the clerk. The form is available at the Miami-Dade Clerk office. Once filed, the record becomes restricted and only authorized persons can obtain copies.
Who Can Officiate Weddings in Miami Gardens
Florida law lists specific people who can legally perform a wedding ceremony. Florida Statute 741.07 governs who qualifies as an officiant and how the license gets filed after the ceremony.
Authorized Officiants
Authorized officiants include ordained ministers, associate pastors, rabbis, priests, judges, retired judges, clerks of court, deputy clerks, and Florida notary publics. Each officiant must be active and in good standing with their religious or legal body. Online ordinations are accepted if issued by a recognized religious organization.
Filing the Marriage License
The officiant must sign the marriage license and return it to the clerk office within 10 days of the ceremony. The clerk records the license and forwards the data to the Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics. Full state recording takes about 60 days. Failure to file can delay the certificate.
Officiant Requirements
Officiants must be at least 18 years old. Ordinations must come from a recognized religious organization with a charter or articles of incorporation. Florida notary publics must have a current commission. Each officiant should keep a record of the weddings performed and the license return confirmation.
Contact Information
The Miami-Dade County Clerk of Court Marriage License Bureau serves all Miami Gardens residents. The main office is the most direct contact for recent marriages and certified copies. Older records require contact with the state office.
Main Office: Miami-Dade Clerk of Court, Marriage License Bureau, 601 NW 1 Court, Suite 1900, Miami, FL 33136. Phone: (786) 469-2400. Hours: Monday to Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics: 1217 Pearl Street, Jacksonville, FL 32202. Phone: (904) 359-6900. Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Frequently Asked Questions
The following questions cover the most common requests, fees, and rules for Miami Gardens marriage records. Each answer reflects current 2026 Florida law and office practice. For unique cases, contact the Miami-Dade County Clerk of Court directly.
How long does it take to get a certified copy?
Certified copies from the Miami-Dade County Clerk office are issued the same day for in-person requests. Online orders from the county portal ship within 3 to 5 business days. Orders through VitalChek take 2 to 7 business days depending on shipping choice. Mail requests to the Florida Department of Health take 5 to 10 business days plus mail time.
Can I get a marriage record if I do not know the exact date?
Yes. The Miami-Dade County Clerk charges $2.00 per year searched when the date is unknown. The Florida Department of Health also offers year-range searches. The online portals let you search by name and filter by year. FamilySearch offers free searches by name without a date.
What is the difference between a marriage license and a marriage certificate?
A marriage license is the permit issued before the wedding that allows a couple to marry. A marriage certificate is the proof filed after the wedding that confirms the marriage took place. The license costs $86 or $61. The certificate is filed by the officiant and stored by the clerk and state office.
Are Miami Gardens marriage records public?
Yes. Florida Statutes Chapter 119 makes marriage records public. Anyone can search public indexes. Certified copies require a fee. People who fear for their safety can file a Request for Confidentiality form to restrict access to the record.
Can I marry someone from another state or country in Miami Gardens?
Yes. Florida allows residents and non-residents to marry within the state. Non-residents skip the 3-day waiting period. Couples from outside the U.S. can also marry in Florida with valid passports. The certified Florida marriage certificate is accepted for immigration filings with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.
How do I get an apostille for a Florida marriage certificate?
Send a certified copy of the marriage certificate to the Florida Department of State, R.A. Gray Building, 500 South Bronough Street, Tallahassee, FL 32399. Include a $10.00 money order or cashier’s check per document, a prepaid return envelope, and a cover letter. Processing takes 5 to 10 business days. Walk-in service is also available.
Can I change my name after marriage using a Florida marriage certificate?
Yes. A Florida marriage certificate serves as proof of legal name change with the Social Security Administration, the DMV, banks, and passport offices. Take the certified certificate to the SSA first to update the Social Security card. Then update the driver license and bank accounts using the new card and certificate.