Orlando City Florida marriage records are kept by the Orange County Clerk of Courts. The clerk office handles marriage licenses, performs wedding ceremonies, and stores all marriage documents.
Anyone who got married in Orlando or Orange County can get a certified copy of their marriage certificate through this office or online. This page explains fees, steps, waiting times, and how to search old records.
Marriage License Office in Orlando
Orlando is the county seat of Orange County. All marriage license work happens at the Orange County Courthouse. The main office sits at 425 N. Orange Ave., Orlando, FL 32801. The phone number is (407) 836-2000. Office hours run Monday through Friday during normal business hours. Walk-ins are welcome, but appointments save time during busy wedding months.
What You Need to Apply
Both people must come to the clerk office together. You need a valid photo ID such as a driver license, passport, or state ID card. U.S. citizens also need a Social Security number. If either person was married before, they must know the exact date the prior marriage ended. The clerk checks these details before issuing the license.
- Valid photo ID for both partners
- Social Security numbers for U.S. citizens
- Exact date of divorce or death if previously married
- Payment for the license fee
Who Can Perform the Ceremony
Florida law lists who can legally marry a couple. Ordained ministers, judges, clerks and their deputies, and Florida notaries public can perform the ceremony. No witnesses are required by state law, though many couples still include one or two. After the ceremony, the officiant signs the license and sends it back to the clerk within 10 days. The clerk records the marriage and forwards the data to the state Bureau of Vital Statistics.
Marriage License Fees in Orlando
The standard marriage license fee in Orange County is $86.00. Couples who finish a premarital course from a state-approved provider pay only $61.00. The course must be completed within one year of the application date. Florida Statute 741.0305 lists the approved providers and the rules for the discount.
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Standard marriage license | $86.00 |
| License with premarital course | $61.00 |
| Clerk office ceremony | $30.00 |
| First certified copy | $9.00 |
| Each extra certified copy | $7.00 |
| Year search fee (when year is unknown) | $2.00 per year |
The clerk office accepts cash, credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, Discover, American Express), and debit cards. Personal checks are not accepted. Certified copies cost $9 for the first copy and $7 for each additional copy ordered at the same time. If you do not know the exact year of the marriage, the clerk charges a small search fee for each year checked.
Waiting Period and License Validity
Florida residents face a three-day waiting period under Florida Statute 741.04. Out-of-state visitors skip the wait. A premarital course from a registered provider waives the waiting period for everyone. The license stays valid for 60 days anywhere in Florida. Couples must use the license before it expires or buy a new one.
How to Skip the Waiting Period
Couples who complete a premarital education course from a Florida-approved provider do not have to wait. The provider issues a certificate that the couple brings to the clerk office. The certificate must show the course was finished within one year of the license application date. The discount on the license fee also applies at the same time.
What Happens After the Ceremony
The officiant signs the marriage license after the ceremony. The signed license goes back to the clerk office within 10 days. The clerk records the marriage in the county system. The clerk also sends the data to the Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics. The state office then adds the record to the statewide database. This process usually takes about 60 days from the ceremony date.
Search Marriage Records Online
Orange County runs an online records search through the clerk website. Users can look up marriage records by name, party name, or case number. The search itself is free. Ordering certified copies online costs the standard fee plus a small processing charge. The online portal covers most records filed in Orange County from 1980 onward. Older records may require a direct request to the clerk office.
Free Name Search vs. Paid Certified Copy
A free name search shows basic record data such as the names of the spouses, the marriage date, and the license number. A paid certified copy includes the official seal, a raised stamp, and the clerk signature. Insurance companies, immigration offices, banks, and courts usually require the certified version. The free search works for genealogy checks and personal reference only.
Records Before 1927
Florida started collecting marriage data at the state level on June 6, 1927. Records before that date exist only at the county level. Researchers looking for very old Orlando marriage records must contact the Orange County Clerk of Courts directly. Many older records are stored on microfilm and may take extra time to retrieve. The clerk office charges a search fee for each year checked when the exact date is unknown.
How to Get a Certified Copy
Couples who need proof of marriage for legal name changes, immigration, insurance, or other official matters need a certified copy. Orange County offers three ways to order: online, in person, or by mail. Each method delivers a legal document with the official seal and clerk signature. The turnaround time depends on the method chosen.
Order Online
The fastest option for many people is the clerk website. Users enter the marriage details, pay the fee by credit card, and request mailing or in-person pickup. Online orders include a small processing fee from the third-party payment vendor. Most orders ship within five business days. The tracking number arrives by email once the package leaves the clerk office.
Order in Person
Walk into the Orange County Courthouse at 425 N. Orange Ave., Orlando, FL 32801 during business hours. Bring a valid photo ID and the details of the marriage. Pay the fee by cash, card, or money order. The clerk prints the certified copy on the spot in most cases. Same-day service makes this the fastest option for local residents.
Order by Mail
Send a written request to the Orange County Clerk of Courts at 425 N. Orange Ave., Orlando, FL 32801. Include the full names of both spouses, the marriage date (if known), and a money order or cashier’s check payable to Orange County Clerk of Courts. Add a self-addressed stamped envelope for the return mailing. Mail orders take about two to three weeks to process.
Florida State Marriage Records
The Florida Department of Health runs the Bureau of Vital Statistics. This office keeps statewide marriage certificates from June 6, 1927 onward. The state office is a good backup option when the county office has long wait times or when the marriage took place in a different Florida county. State fees are $5 for the search and first certified copy, plus $4 for each extra copy.
Florida Department of Health Contact
The Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics sits at 1217 Pearl Street, Jacksonville, FL 32202. The mailing address is P.O. Box 210, Jacksonville, FL 32231-0042. The phone number is (904) 359-6900. Office hours run Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Eastern time. Mail orders and online orders through VitalChek are the most common methods.
VitalChek Online Service
VitalChek is the official third-party vendor for Florida vital records. The service runs 24 hours a day and accepts credit cards. The base fee is $15 plus a processing charge. Orders usually arrive in five to seven business days. VitalChek works well for people who need a record from a Florida county they do not live near.
Marriage Records in Other Florida Counties
Couples who got married outside Orange County must contact the county where the marriage took place. Each Florida county clerk handles its own records. The fees, waiting periods, and office hours vary by county. The chart below lists the largest Florida counties and their clerk office details for quick reference.
| County | Main City | Clerk Phone |
|---|---|---|
| Orange County | Orlando | (407) 836-2000 |
| Miami-Dade County | Miami | (305) 275-1155 |
| Hillsborough County | Tampa | (813) 276-8100 |
| Duval County | Jacksonville | (904) 255-2000 |
| Broward County | Fort Lauderdale | (954) 831-4000 |
| Palm Beach County | West Palm Beach | (561) 355-2996 |
Public Access and Privacy Rules
Marriage records in Florida are public under Florida Statutes Chapter 119. Anyone can inspect or copy basic marriage data such as names, date, and license number. Sensitive details like Social Security numbers are redacted from public view. People who need confidential treatment of personal details can file forms under Section 119.071 to limit what shows up in public searches.
What Shows Up in a Public Search
Public marriage records show the full names of both spouses, the date of the marriage, the county where the license was issued, and the license number. The record also lists the officiant who performed the ceremony. Addresses, Social Security numbers, and medical details do not appear in public results. Certified copies include all the same public data plus the official seal and clerk signature.
How to Seal a Record
Florida law allows certain people to seal their marriage record under limited conditions. A judge must approve the request through a court order. Common reasons include safety concerns or identity theft protection. The sealing process requires a petition filed with the circuit court in the county where the marriage license was issued. A hearing may be required before a judge grants the order.
Marriage Certificate Replacement
Couples who lose their marriage certificate can get a replacement from the same office that issued the original. For Orlando marriages, that is the Orange County Clerk of Courts. The replacement process mirrors the certified copy request. Fees are the same, and the new copy carries the same legal weight as the original.
Documents Needed for a Replacement
Bring a valid photo ID to the clerk office. Provide the full names of both spouses and the marriage date when possible. If the date is unknown, the clerk runs a name search across multiple years. The search adds $2 for each year checked. Payment by cash, card, or money order covers the search fee plus the certified copy fee.
Apostille for International Use
Couples who need a Florida marriage certificate for use in another country may need an apostille. An apostille is a state-level authentication that confirms the document is real. The Florida Department of State issues apostilles from the Bureau of Notary Commissions and Authentications in Tallahassee. The fee is $10 per document, plus any courier or mailing costs.
Genealogy and Historical Research
Researchers tracing family history in Orlando and Orange County have a few options. The Orange County Clerk of Courts keeps older records that may not show up in the online system. The Florida State Archives in Tallahassee holds older county records on microfilm. Local libraries in Orlando also hold genealogy collections with marriage indexes from the late 1800s and early 1900s.
Florida State Archives
The Florida State Archives sits at 500 S. Bronough Street, Tallahassee, FL 32399. The archives hold county marriage records from before 1927 on microfilm. Researchers can visit in person or request copies by mail. A small reproduction fee applies for printed or digital copies. The archives staff helps researchers locate hard-to-find records from all 67 Florida counties.
Online Genealogy Databases
Websites like FamilySearch, Ancestry, and MyHeritage host indexes of Florida marriage records. These databases pull from courthouse records, state archives, and user submissions. Free indexes cover many names but may not include image scans. Paid subscriptions unlock the full image database. Researchers who hit a wall at the clerk office often find new leads through these third-party sites.
Common Questions About Orlando Marriage Records
How long does it take to get a marriage certificate in Florida?
Certified copies from the Orange County Clerk of Courts arrive in about five business days for online orders. In-person requests are filled the same day in most cases. Mail orders take two to three weeks. The Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics adds another 60 days on top of the recording time because the state office waits for the county to forward the data before issuing a statewide certified copy.
Can I get married the same day I apply for a license in Orlando?
Florida residents must wait three days after applying before the license becomes valid. Out-of-state residents skip the wait. A premarital course certificate waives the waiting period for everyone, regardless of state of residence. The course must be completed within one year of the application date by a state-approved provider.
How do I verify a Florida marriage record is real?
Check for the raised seal and clerk signature on the certified copy. The Orange County Clerk of Courts uses an embossed seal that shows up under light. The clerk signature and date appear on the front. For extra verification, contact the clerk office directly at (407) 836-2000 with the license number. The clerk can confirm the record exists in the official database.
What if I do not know the exact year of the marriage?
The clerk office runs a name search across the requested years. The search fee is $2 per year checked. Once the clerk locates the record, the standard certified copy fee applies. Provide as much detail as possible to narrow the search and lower the cost. Full names of both spouses and an approximate date range help speed up the process.
Can I get a Florida marriage certificate if I got married in another state?
Florida only issues certified copies of marriages that took place within the state. Couples who got married in another state must contact the vital records office in that state. For international marriages, contact the U.S. Embassy or consulate in the country where the marriage took place. The clerk office in Orlando cannot issue copies for out-of-state or international marriages.
Do I need an appointment to apply for a marriage license in Orlando?
Walk-ins are accepted at the Orange County Clerk of Courts. Appointments are available through the clerk website and save time during busy wedding months. Spring and fall tend to be the busiest times of year. Couples who set an appointment typically spend less than 30 minutes in the office compared to walk-in applicants during peak periods.
Can a minor apply for a marriage license in Florida?
Florida law requires both parties to be at least 18 years old. Applicants under 18 need a court order from a circuit court judge. The judge reviews the case and decides whether to grant the request. Parental consent alone does not waive the age requirement. The Orange County Clerk of Courts will not issue a license without proper court documentation for minors.
Official Contact Details for Orlando Marriage Records
Orange County Clerk of Courts, Marriage Division, 425 N. Orange Ave., Orlando, FL 32801. Phone: (407) 836-2000. Office hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern time. Official website: myorangeclerk.com. Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics, 1217 Pearl Street, Jacksonville, FL 32202. Phone: (904) 359-6900. Mailing address: P.O. Box 210, Jacksonville, FL 32231-0042.