New Smyrna Beach City Florida marriage records are official documents filed with Volusia County and the State of Florida. These records prove that two people got legally married.
Couples, family members, genealogists, and lawyers all request these records for many reasons. The Volusia County Clerk of Circuit Court handles all local filings for the city. The Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics keeps statewide records dating back to June 6, 1927. This page explains how to find, request, and use these records with clear steps and current fees.
Where Marriage Records Are Filed for New Smyrna Beach
New Smyrna Beach does not run its own marriage license office. All marriage records for the city are filed through Volusia County offices. Two main offices serve the public for licenses, ceremonies, and certified copies. Knowing which office to contact saves time and avoids extra travel.
Volusia County Clerk of Circuit Court
The Volusia County Clerk of Circuit Court holds the original marriage records for New Smyrna Beach couples. The main office sits at 101 N. Alabama Avenue, DeLand, FL 32724. A second branch operates at 125 E. Orange Avenue, Daytona Beach, FL 32114. The clerk phone line for all marriage services is (386) 736-5915. Both offices issue marriage licenses and sell certified copies of marriage certificates. New Smyrna Beach residents often use the Daytona Beach branch because it is closer to the city.
Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics
The Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics, which runs under the Florida Department of Health, keeps statewide marriage records. Their office sits in Jacksonville, Florida at 1217 Pearl Street, Jacksonville, FL 32202. The state database covers marriages from June 6, 1927 to the present day. Records before this date stay with the county clerk where the marriage happened. The state office processes mail and online requests for certified copies of older records.
Approved Online Ordering Services
VitalChek is the only vendor approved by the State of Florida for online marriage record orders. Their website accepts credit card payments and mails certified copies to any U.S. address. The service charges an extra fee on top of the state cost. New Smyrna Beach residents who moved out of state often use this option for convenience.
How to Apply for a Marriage License
Couples who want to marry in New Smyrna Beach must apply for a license at the Volusia County Clerk’s office. Florida law requires both people to appear in person. No one can apply on behalf of another person. The process takes about 30 minutes if all documents are ready.
Documents You Must Bring
Both applicants need to bring valid photo identification. Accepted forms include a driver license, passport, military ID, or state-issued identification card. Each person must also know their Social Security number. If either person was married before, the exact date the marriage ended is required. A divorce decree, death certificate, or annulment document may be requested as proof. No birth certificate is needed for the application itself.
Fees and Payment Methods
The standard marriage license fee in Volusia County is $86.00. Couples who complete a state-approved premarital preparation course pay a reduced fee of $61.00. The course must be finished within one year before applying. Payment at the clerk office is accepted by cash or credit card. Personal checks are not accepted for marriage license fees. A premarital course certificate must be shown at the time of application to receive the discount.
Waiting Period and License Validity
Florida law requires a three-day waiting period after a license is issued for couples who did not take a premarital course. The wait does not apply to out-of-state residents or couples who completed the course. Once the wait ends, the license stays valid for 60 days. The marriage ceremony must happen within those 60 days, or a new license must be purchased. A Florida marriage license works in any of the 67 counties in the state.
Who Can Officiate a Wedding
Florida law lists who has the legal power to perform a marriage ceremony. The officiant must be one of the approved types listed in Florida Statute 741.07. After the wedding, the officiant signs the license and returns it to the clerk’s office within 10 days.
Ordained Ministers and Religious Leaders
Any minister who is ordained by a religious group can perform weddings in New Smyrna Beach. Ordination does not require a seminary degree. Online ordination through groups accepted by Florida courts works the same way. The minister must register their clergy credentials with the clerk if they want to officiate regularly. Many New Smyrna Beach couples choose a beachside minister for a small ceremony.
Judges, Clerks, and Notary Publics
Florida judges, court clerks, deputy clerks, and Florida notary publics can all perform marriage ceremonies. The Volusia County Clerk offers civil ceremonies for $30 on top of the license fee. The service is short and legal but not religious. Florida does not require witnesses at a wedding ceremony, but some couples add them for tradition.
How to Request Certified Copies of Marriage Records
Certified copies of a marriage certificate have the official raised seal of the issuing office. These copies are required for legal name changes, Social Security updates, passport changes, immigration paperwork, and insurance matters. The clerk’s office provides copies on request to any member of the public.
In-Person Requests
Walk-in requests for certified copies can be made at either Volusia County Clerk location. Bring one form of photo ID and the exact marriage date. The clerk searches the index and prints a certified copy on the spot. The fee for a certified copy is set by Florida law and can be paid in cash or by card. Same-day service is standard for records on file at the county level.
Mail-In Requests
Mail requests go to the Volusia County Clerk main office at 101 N. Alabama Avenue, DeLand, FL 32724. Include a written request with both full names at the time of marriage, the marriage date, and the county where the license was issued. Add a check or money order for the certified copy fee. Include a self-addressed stamped envelope for return mailing. Processing times for mail orders run about one to two weeks.
Online Requests Through the County
The Volusia County Clerk website hosts an online search portal for recorded documents. Users can search marriage records by name free of charge. Ordering certified copies through the portal requires a small fee and a credit card. The online search works best for records filed in Volusia County after the digital index began.
Florida Marriage Records Search by Name
Public searches for Florida marriage records by name work at both the county and state level. The search returns the marriage license number, the date, and the county where the license was issued. Names are matched against indexes that go back to 1927 statewide.
County Clerk Database Search
The Volusia County Clerk online search allows name-based queries for marriage records filed in the county. The search returns results within seconds for records in the digital index. Older records from before the digital system need an in-person search request. Search results show the names of both spouses and the marriage date.
Statewide Florida Marriage Index
The Florida Department of Health operates the statewide marriage index through their official website. Search by one spouse’s name and the approximate year to find a record. The state index confirms whether a marriage was officially recorded. Certified copies can be ordered at the same time as the search for an added fee.
Historical and Older Marriage Records
Marriage records older than 1927 stay with the county where the marriage license was issued. Volusia County has historical marriage records going back to the 1800s stored in the county archives. Access to these records may require an in-person visit or a formal written request.
Records Before 1927
Florida did not require statewide marriage registration until June 6, 1927. Before that date, records were kept by local churches and county clerks. Many early records from Volusia County can be found at the Volusia County Clerk’s archive room in DeLand. Some records are also available through the Family History Library in Salt Lake City, which digitized Florida historical records.
Genealogy Research Resources
Family historians and genealogists often search Florida marriage records by spouse names and by year. The Volusia County Public Library has a genealogy section with local history books and indexes. The Florida State Archives in Tallahassee also holds older marriage documents. Online genealogy platforms like Ancestry.com and FamilySearch host indexes of Florida marriages but certified copies must still come from the official offices.
Common Reasons People Request Marriage Records
People request certified copies of New Smyrna Beach marriage records for many official reasons. Each reason has its own document requirements and processing time. Knowing the right office to contact speeds up the request.
Name Changes After Marriage
Newly married couples need a certified marriage certificate to change their last name. The Social Security Administration requires a certified copy to update the Social Security card. The DMV, banks, and insurance companies also require certified copies for name updates. Most couples order at least three certified copies at the time of marriage for these steps.
Insurance, Legal, and Financial Matters
Health insurance, life insurance, and retirement benefits often require proof of marriage. Court cases involving property, inheritance, and divorce also rely on certified copies. Lenders may request a marriage certificate when adding a spouse to a mortgage or loan. Legal name mismatches on deeds and titles can be fixed using a certified marriage record.
Passport and Immigration Use
U.S. citizens need a certified marriage certificate to add a spouse to a passport application. Immigration paperwork for spouses and fiancés also requires certified copies. The U.S. State Department and USCIS only accept copies with the raised official seal. Apostille services for international use require an additional step through the Florida Secretary of State.
Florida Marriage Records Fee and Processing Table
The table below lists current fees and processing times for the most common requests. Fees and times may change, so always confirm with the issuing office before ordering.
| Service Type | Fee | Processing Time | Office |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Marriage License | $86.00 | Same day | Volusia County Clerk |
| Marriage License with Course | $61.00 | Same day | Volusia County Clerk |
| Civil Ceremony by Clerk | $30.00 plus license | Same day | Volusia County Clerk |
| Certified Copy at County | $3.00 each | Same day | Volusia County Clerk |
| State Search and One Copy | $5.00 | Several weeks | Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics |
| Additional State Copies | $4.00 each | Several weeks | Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics |
| Online Order Through VitalChek | $15.00 plus state fees | 5 to 10 business days | VitalChek Network |
| Mail Request to County | Fee plus postage | 1 to 2 weeks | Volusia County Clerk |
Official Contact Details for New Smyrna Beach Records
The Volusia County Clerk of Circuit Court handles all marriage license and marriage record requests for New Smyrna Beach. The Daytona Beach branch is the closest option for most city residents. The DeLand main office handles mail requests and archive searches. Phone lines open at 8:00 a.m. and close at 4:30 p.m. on regular business days. Both offices close on Florida state holidays. Marriage license services require both partners present, so plan a joint visit.
Volusia County Clerk of Circuit Court
101 N. Alabama Avenue, DeLand, FL 32724
Phone: (386) 736-5915
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Volusia County Clerk Branch Office
125 E. Orange Avenue, Daytona Beach, FL 32114
Phone: (386) 736-5915
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics
1217 Pearl Street, Jacksonville, FL 32202
Phone: (904) 359-6900
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Official Website: https://www.clerk.org/
State Website: https://www.floridahealth.gov/certificates-records/marriage-certificates
Frequently Asked Questions About New Smyrna Beach Marriage Records
The questions below cover the most common concerns raised by people who need marriage records from New Smyrna Beach. Answers focus on the actual process used by Volusia County and the State of Florida. Current fees and times are included where they apply. These answers help users avoid common mistakes and choose the right office for their request.
How Long After the Wedding Will the Record Show Up Online?
Marriage records appear in the Volusia County Clerk index about one to two weeks after the officiant returns the signed license. The statewide Florida index takes longer, often 60 days, because of the data transfer process from the county to the Jacksonville office. Couples who need a certified copy right after the wedding should order from the Volusia County Clerk. The state office will not have the record ready for several weeks.
Can Anyone Get a Copy of a Marriage Record in Florida?
Yes, Florida marriage records are public under Florida Statute Chapter 119. Any person can request a copy as long as they have the names and the marriage date. The clerk office removes Social Security numbers and other private details from public copies. Certified copies used for legal purposes still need the official seal. There is no residency or relationship requirement to request a marriage record.
What Happens If I Lose My Marriage Certificate?
A replacement certified copy can be ordered from the Volusia County Clerk or the Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics. The replacement has the same legal value as the original. Bring or mail a written request with both full names and the marriage date. The county charges a small fee per copy. Processing is same-day in person and one to two weeks by mail.
Do I Need an Appointment to Apply for a Marriage License?
No appointment is needed at either Volusia County Clerk office. Walk-in service is available during business hours. Both partners must show up together with valid photo ID. Wait times run about 15 to 30 minutes on busy days, especially Fridays. The clerk office recommends coming early in the day to avoid the longest lines.
Can I Use a Florida Marriage License in Another State?
A Florida marriage license is only valid for ceremonies performed in Florida. The license works in all 67 Florida counties but not in other states. Couples who want to marry outside Florida must apply for a license in the state where the ceremony takes place. The officiant who performs the out-of-state ceremony must meet that state’s legal rules.
How Do I Get an Apostille for a Florida Marriage Certificate?
An apostille is needed when using a Florida marriage record in a foreign country that is part of the Hague Apostille Convention. The apostille is issued by the Florida Department of State, not the county clerk. The certified marriage certificate must be obtained first, then submitted to the state office with an apostille request form. The state charges a small fee per apostille and processes requests in about one to two weeks.
Are Marriage Records From the 1800s Available in Volusia County?
Marriage records from the 1800s are held in the Volusia County archive room and the Florida State Archives in Tallahassee. Many of these older records were kept by churches and small county offices. Access to some records may require a research request and a small copying fee. FamilySearch and Ancestry.com have indexes of older Florida marriages that can help locate the right office for a certified copy.