Orange County Florida marriage records show when couples got married in the county. The records include marriage licenses, signed certificates, and certified copies.
The Orange County Clerk of Courts handles all marriage records for Orlando, Winter Park, Apopka, Ocoee, and every other city in the county. Anyone can order a certified copy of a marriage record from the clerk’s office or from the Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics.
This page covers how to get marriage records, how to apply for a new license, the fees, office locations, and how to order certified copies for legal use. The Orlando main office and three branch offices serve all Orange County residents.
Where to Get Orange County Florida Marriage Records
Two government offices keep Orange County Florida marriage records. The Orange County Clerk of Courts keeps records at the county level. The Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics keeps records at the state level for marriages from 1927 forward. Marriage licenses issued before June 6, 1927, are only available from the county clerk where the marriage took place. The clerk’s main office is at the Orange County Courthouse in downtown Orlando. Branch offices serve Apopka, Ocoee, and Winter Park residents as well.
Orange County Clerk of Courts Main Office
The main Orange County Clerk of Courts office sits at 425 North Orange Avenue, Room 350, Orlando, FL 32801. This is where most marriage license applications take place. Office hours run Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The phone number for the clerk’s office is (407) 836-2000. Both parties must visit this office together when applying for a new marriage license.
Branch Locations Across Orange County
Orange County has three branch clerk offices outside Orlando. The Apopka Branch is at 1111 North Rock Springs Road. The Ocoee Branch sits at 475 Story Road. The Winter Park Branch is located at 4037 Metric Drive. All branches handle marriage license applications during the same hours as the main office. Couples can pick whichever location is closest to their home or workplace.
How Marriage Licenses Work in Orange County
Florida law requires every couple to get a marriage license before the wedding. The license proves the couple has legal permission to marry. After the ceremony, the officiant signs the license and sends it back to the clerk. The clerk then records the marriage and creates the official marriage certificate. This certificate is the document most people need for name changes, insurance, and other legal matters.
Who Can Apply for a Marriage License
Anyone 18 years or older can apply for a marriage license in Orange County. A 17-year-old can apply with parental consent, but the other party cannot be more than two years older. Both people must appear in person at the same time. Florida does not require blood tests or proof of residency for a marriage license. Out-of-state residents and foreign visitors can apply at any Orange County clerk office.
Documents Needed at the Clerk Office
Couples must bring valid photo identification to the clerk office. A driver’s license, passport, or state-issued ID card all work. If either person was married before, the exact date the last marriage ended is required. This applies to divorces, annulments, or the death of a former spouse. Couples with children born together in Florida must fill out an Affirmation of Children Born in Florida form at the clerk office.
Both parties must sign an affidavit under Florida Statute 741.04. This affidavit states that the couple is legally free to marry. The clerk staff will walk through the form with applicants during the visit. No birth certificates or Social Security cards are required by state law for the application.
The 3-Day Waiting Period Rule
Florida has a 3-day waiting period between getting the license and the wedding ceremony. This waiting period starts when both parties buy the license in person at the clerk office. The waiting period does not start when the online application is filled out. So couples should plan at least three days between the clerk visit and the ceremony date. Non-Florida residents have no waiting period and can marry the same day they receive the license.
Couples who finish an approved premarital course can skip the waiting period. The course must be completed within one year before applying for the license. Florida residents who complete the course receive a fee reduction. The certificate of completion must be shown to the clerk at the time of application.
Premarital Course and Fee Reduction
A premarital course lowers the marriage license fee from $86 to $61 for Florida residents. The course must come from a provider approved under Florida Statute 741.0305. Registered Florida clergy, licensed counselors, and certified marriage educators offer approved courses. The course covers topics like communication, conflict resolution, and financial responsibilities. Couples who complete the course together show the same certificate at the clerk office.
Marriage License Fees and Accepted Payments
The marriage license fee in Orange County is set by Florida state law. The fee depends on whether the couple completes a premarital course. The clerk accepts cash, money orders, cashier’s checks, and major credit cards. Personal checks are not accepted. A credit card surcharge of $3.50 applies to all card transactions at the clerk office.
Standard License Fee Breakdown
Florida residents pay $86 for a marriage license without a premarital course. With a valid course completion certificate, the fee drops to $61. Non-Florida residents pay $86 with no waiting period. The credit card surcharge adds $3.50 to any card payment. Couples who pay with cash or money order avoid the surcharge.
| Fee Type | Cost |
|---|---|
| Standard Florida resident fee | $86.00 |
| With approved premarital course | $61.00 |
| Non-Florida resident fee | $86.00 |
| Credit card surcharge | $3.50 |
| Civil ceremony by clerk | $30.00 |
| Certified copy from clerk office | $3.00 |
| Certified copy from state office | $5.00 |
| Additional certified copies (state) | $4.00 each |
Accepted Payment Methods
The Orange County clerk accepts cash, money orders, cashier’s checks, MasterCard, Visa, Discover, and American Express. No personal checks or third-party payments are accepted. Couples should bring a valid photo ID and the correct payment when visiting the office. The clerk office provides a receipt for the license fee upon request.
Getting Certified Copies of Marriage Records
Certified copies of Orange County marriage records are needed for name changes, Social Security updates, passport applications, immigration cases, and many court filings. A certified copy has an official raised seal or stamp and is accepted by all government agencies. Regular photocopies do not meet legal requirements. Several ways exist for ordering certified copies from Orange County.
In-Person Requests at Clerk Offices
Visiting the clerk office in person is the fastest way to get a certified copy. The main office in Orlando and all three branch offices handle certified copy requests. Walk-in service is available during regular business hours. Applicants should bring a valid photo ID and the names of both spouses, plus the date of the marriage if known. The fee for a certified copy at the clerk office is $3 per copy.
Mail and Phone Request Ways
Couples can request certified copies by mail or phone. Mail requests include a completed request form, a copy of valid ID, and a check or money order for the fee. Phone requests can be placed by calling the clerk office at (407) 836-2000. Handling time for mail and phone requests is usually 5 to 10 business days. The clerk office provides current mailing instructions over the phone.
Online Orders Through VitalChek
VitalChek is the official online ordering service for Florida vital records. The website allows users to order Orange County marriage certificates online. Orders cost $15 plus a $7 handling fee. VitalChek accepts major credit cards and ships certified copies by mail. Rush shipping is available for an extra fee. The website address is vitalchek.com.
Searching Orange County Marriage Records Online
Online search tools help people locate documents without visiting a clerk office. The Orange County Clerk of Courts maintains an online official records search. The Florida Court Clerks and Comptrollers website provides statewide record access. These tools help with genealogy research, legal checks, and personal record lookups.
My Florida County Records Portal
The My Florida County Records portal is a statewide search tool. Users can search official records across all Florida counties through one website. The portal covers marriage records, deeds, court cases, liens, and many other public documents. The search works by name, date range, and document type. The portal is free to use and shows basic record images online.
Orange County Clerk Online Records
The Orange County Clerk of Courts has its own online records search on the clerk website. Users can search marriage records by name and date range. The search shows official record images and document numbers. Some records require a small fee to view full images. The clerk online records search is available 24 hours a day from any internet-connected device.
Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics Services
The Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics is the state office that keeps Florida marriage records from 1927 to the present. The office operates under the Florida Department of Health. The Bureau handles mail and online requests for certified copies of marriage certificates. Walk-in service is available at the Jacksonville office for an extra rush fee.
Records Available from the State Office
The Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics keeps marriage records for the entire state from 1927 forward. Records before 1927 are only available from the county clerk where the marriage took place. The state office can issue certified copies for any Florida marriage from 1927 to two years before the current date. Recent marriages under two years old may still be at the county clerk level.
State Handling Times and Rush Service
Standard handling time for state orders is 3 to 5 business days for records from 1970 forward. Older records take longer because they require manual lookup. Walk-in service at the Jacksonville office offers same-day service for pre-1970 records with a $10 rush fee. Online orders through VitalChek are faster than mail orders. The state office charges $5 for the search and one certified copy.
Historic and Archived Marriage Records
Historic Orange County marriage records go back to the late 1800s. Early Florida marriage records were kept by county clerks in handwritten ledgers. These old records help with genealogy research, family history projects, and legal matters involving old marriages. Some historic records have been digitized, while others require in-person visits to read the original ledgers.
Pre-1927 County Records
Marriage licenses issued in Orange County before June 6, 1927 are only available from the county clerk. The Orange County Clerk of Courts holds these old records in its archives. Researchers should call ahead to schedule time to view old records. Some pre-1927 records have been microfilmed and are easier to read than the original handwritten ledgers. Staff help locate old records by name and approximate date.
Florida State Archives Collection
The Florida State Archives in Tallahassee holds many historic Florida marriage records. The archives include county marriage record indexes and original ledgers from early Florida counties. Researchers can visit the archives in person or request copies by mail. The archives offer digital records for some Florida counties. The State Archives website lists which counties and time periods have digitized records available.
Using Marriage Records for Legal Purposes
Orange County Florida marriage records serve many legal purposes beyond personal record-keeping. Banks, insurance companies, immigration offices, and government agencies all require certified marriage certificates. A certified copy proves the legal marriage for name changes, benefits, and citizenship applications. Older records may need additional verification for legal use.
Records for Name Changes After Marriage
Couples who change their last name after marriage need a certified copy of the marriage certificate. The Social Security Administration requires a certified copy to update the name on a Social Security card. The DMV requires certified proof of marriage for a new driver’s license. Banks, employers, and insurance companies accept a single certified copy, but ordering several certified copies right after the marriage saves time later.
Immigration and Proof of Marriage Needs
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services requires certified marriage certificates for marriage-based green card applications. The certificate must be a recent certified copy with the official seal. Translations may be required if the document is for an immigration case in another country. Some countries require an apostille on the marriage certificate for legal use overseas.
Apostille Services for Florida Documents
An apostille is an official certification that verifies a document for use in foreign countries that are part of the Hague Convention. The Florida Department of State issues apostilles for Florida marriage certificates. The applicant must first get a certified copy of the marriage certificate from the clerk or state office. The apostille request then goes to the Florida Department of State in Tallahassee. Apostille handling takes about 5 to 10 business days.
The image below shows the official Orange County Clerk of Courts marriage licenses page. The page allows new license applications and provides details about marriage records.
Cities and Communities in Orange County
Orange County includes Orlando and many surrounding cities and towns. All marriage licenses are issued by the Orange County Clerk of Courts at one of the four office locations. Couples from any city in Orange County can apply at the clerk location most convenient for them. The clerk office serves residents from every part of the county.
Major Cities Served by the Clerk
Orlando is the largest city in Orange County and home to the main clerk office. Other major cities include Apopka, Ocoee, Winter Garden, and Winter Park. Each of these cities has its own character and community, but all fall under the Orange County Clerk of Courts for marriage records. Smaller communities like Alafaya, Pine Hills, Horizon West, Meadow Woods, and Four Corners are part of Orange County as well.
Nearby Counties with Marriage Records
Orange County borders several Florida counties. Couples who live near county lines sometimes need records from a neighboring county. Brevard County sits to the east, Lake County to the west, Seminole County to the north, Osceola County to the south, and Volusia County to the northeast. Each county has its own clerk office for marriage records.
Contact Information and Office Details
The Orange County Clerk of Courts provides marriage license services at four locations across the county. The main office is in downtown Orlando, with three branch offices in Apopka, Ocoee, and Winter Park. All offices are open Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Couples should call ahead for the latest hours and requirements before visiting.
Main Office: Orange County Courthouse, 425 North Orange Avenue, Room 350, Orlando, FL 32801
Phone: (407) 836-2000
Website: myorangeclerk.com
Hours: Monday – Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Apopka Branch: 1111 North Rock Springs Road, Apopka, FL 32712
Ocoee Branch: 475 Story Road, Ocoee, FL 34761
Winter Park Branch: 4037 Metric Drive, Winter Park, FL 32792
Frequently Asked Questions
This section answers the most common questions about Orange County Florida marriage records. The answers cover license applications, fees, certified copies, online searches, and legal uses. Each question reflects a real user need based on common search behavior in Orange County and across Florida.
Marriage license wait time in Orange County
Florida residents must wait 3 days after getting the license before the ceremony can take place. The waiting period starts when both parties buy the license in person at the clerk office. The waiting period does not start when the online application is filled out. So couples should plan at least three days between the clerk visit and the earliest ceremony date. Non-Florida residents have no waiting period and can marry the same day they receive the license. Couples who complete an approved premarital course can skip the 3-day wait. The course must be taken within one year before applying for the license and the certificate of completion must be shown at the clerk office. The 60-day validity period starts when the license is issued. After 60 days, the license expires and the couple must apply again if they did not marry in time.
Marriage license cost in Orange County
The marriage license fee in Orange County is $86 for Florida residents without a premarital course. The fee drops to $61 with proof of course completion from an approved Florida provider. Non-Florida residents pay $86 with no waiting period. A $3.50 credit card surcharge applies when paying with a card. Cash and money orders do not have a surcharge. Personal checks are not accepted at the clerk office. The fee covers the license itself and does not include the cost of certified copies. Certified copies cost $3 each at the clerk office or $5 from the Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics. Civil ceremonies performed by the clerk cost an additional $30. The fee structure is set by Florida state law and is the same across all Florida counties.
Online certified copy of Orange County marriage
Yes, certified copies of Orange County marriage certificates can be ordered online through VitalChek at vitalchek.com. The fee is $15 plus a $7 handling fee. Orders ship by mail through the U.S. Postal Service. Rush shipping is available for an extra fee. Online orders through the Orange County Clerk website are also a choice for some records. The clerk online records portal allows users to view and print copies of records for a small fee per document. For full certified copies with the official seal, the VitalChek service is the main online option. Standard handling time is 3 to 5 business days for records from 1970 forward. Older records take more time. Walk-in service at the state office offers same-day service for pre-1970 records with a $10 rush fee.
Old Orange County marriage records before 1927
Old Orange County marriage records from before June 6, 1927 are only available from the Orange County Clerk of Courts. The clerk’s archives hold the original ledgers in the main Orlando office. Researchers should call the clerk office at (407) 836-2000 to schedule a time to view old records. The clerk staff helps locate old records by name and approximate date. Some pre-1927 records have been microfilmed and are easier to read than the original handwritten ledgers. The Florida State Archives in Tallahassee also holds some historic Florida marriage records and may have copies of Orange County records from the late 1800s. Researchers can visit the archives in person or request copies by mail. The State Archives website lists which Florida counties and time periods have digitized records available online.
Documents needed for a marriage license
Both parties need a valid photo ID like a driver’s license, passport, or state-issued ID card. If either person was married before, the exact date the last marriage ended is required. This applies to divorces, annulments, or the death of a former spouse. Couples with children together in Florida must fill out an Affirmation of Children Born in Florida form at the clerk office. No birth certificates or Social Security cards are required by state law for the application. Both parties must sign an affidavit under Florida Statute 741.04 stating they are legally free to marry. The clerk staff walks through the affidavit with applicants during the visit. A 17-year-old applicant needs parental consent and the other party cannot be more than two years older. All documents must be in English or have a certified translation.
Do I have to marry in the same county?
No. A Florida marriage license works anywhere in the state. Couples who get their license in Orange County can marry in any Florida county within 60 days of issue. The officiant must be authorized under Florida law to perform weddings. Authorized officials include ordained ministers, all Florida judges, clerks and their deputies, and Florida notaries public. After the ceremony, the signed license goes back to the Orange County clerk for recording. The clerk office that issued the license is the one that records the marriage, no matter where the ceremony took place. This matters because the official record will show Orange County as the filing county. Couples planning a destination wedding in another Florida county can still use their Orange County license without issue.
How to get an apostille for a Florida marriage
First, order a certified copy of the marriage certificate from the Orange County Clerk of Courts or the Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics. The certified copy must be a recent one with the official raised seal. Then submit the certified copy to the Florida Department of State in Tallahassee with an apostille request. The Florida Department of State charges a fee for the apostille service. Handling takes 5 to 10 business days by mail. Walk-in apostille service is available at the Tallahassee office for an extra rush fee. The apostille certifies the document for use in foreign countries that are part of the Hague Convention. Countries outside the Hague Convention may require a different type of authentication through the U.S. Department of State in Washington, D.C. The applicant should check the specific requirements of the destination country before requesting the apostille.