Wakulla County Florida marriage records are official documents that show proof of a marriage in Wakulla County, Florida. These records are kept by the Wakulla County Clerk of Court and the Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics.
Anyone can request a copy of a marriage record for legal use, genealogy, or personal reasons. This page explains where to find these records, how to order them, what they cost, and what information they contain.
Wakulla County Clerk of Court Office
The Wakulla County Clerk of Court handles all marriage record requests for events that took place inside Wakulla County. The office also issues new marriage licenses and performs civil ceremonies. Crawfordville, the county seat, is where the office sits.
Location and Contact Details
The Wakulla County Clerk of Court sits in the county courthouse in Crawfordville, Florida. The office handles all marriage license applications and requests for certified copies of existing records. Anyone who needs to reach the clerk can call (850) 926-0905 during business hours. The mailing address is 3056 Crawfordville Highway, Crawfordville, FL 32327.
Office Hours and Services
The clerk office is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The office closes on state and federal holidays. Services include marriage license applications, civil ceremonies, and certified copy requests. Call ahead before visiting to confirm hours and ask about any paperwork you need to bring.
Civil Ceremonies Performed by the Clerk
The Wakulla County Clerk performs civil marriage ceremonies for a fee of $30. Couples who want a simple courthouse wedding can schedule a short ceremony at the clerk office. Under Florida Statutes Chapter 741, Section 741.07, the clerk is one of the officials who can legally marry a couple. Ministers, judges, and notaries also have this power in Florida.
Marriage License Requirements in Wakulla County
Couples who want to get married in Wakulla County must apply for a marriage license through the clerk office. The process is simple but has a few rules that every couple must follow.
Who Must Appear in Person
Both people must show up at the clerk office together to apply for a marriage license. Florida law does not allow one person to apply on behalf of both. Both people must sign the application in front of a clerk. This rule exists to confirm that both parties agree to the marriage.
Required Documents and Identification
Each person must bring a valid photo ID. Accepted forms of ID include a driver license, passport, military ID, or state-issued identification card. U.S. citizens also need to give their Social Security number. If either person was born outside the United States, a passport or birth certificate from the home country works as ID. The clerk reviews all paperwork before issuing the license.
Age and Consent Rules
Both people must be at least 18 years old to marry without parental consent. Florida law allows people ages 16 and 17 to marry with written consent from both parents or a judge. Anyone under 16 must get approval from a circuit court judge. The clerk office can explain the extra paperwork needed for younger applicants.
Previous Marriage Information
If either person was married before, the exact date that the marriage ended is required. This means the date of divorce, annulment, or the date a spouse died. The clerk records this information on the application. Florida law asks for this so the clerk can confirm the person is legally free to marry again.
Marriage License Fees and Costs
The marriage license fee in Wakulla County follows the rates set by Florida law. The fee depends on whether the couple completes a premarital preparation course.
Standard License Fee
The standard marriage license fee in Wakulla County is $86. This fee includes the cost of the license itself along with other required state charges. The clerk accepts cash for the standard fee. Couples should call the clerk office ahead of time to ask about other payment options like money order or credit card.
Reduced Fee With Premarital Course
The marriage license fee drops to $61 if both people complete a premarital preparation course. The course must be finished within one year before applying for the license. A registered provider teaches the course and gives a certificate of completion. Couples bring this certificate to the clerk office to get the reduced fee. Section 741.0305 of the Florida Statutes provides this discount.
Payment Methods Accepted
The Wakulla County Clerk accepts cash for marriage license fees. Call the clerk office to ask about money order or credit card options. Some Florida clerk offices accept credit cards through third-party services that charge an extra fee. Couples should plan to bring cash to avoid any payment issues on the day of application.
Fee Breakdown Under Florida Law
The total marriage license fee includes several charges required by Florida law. A $2 application charge applies to every license. The Domestic Violence Trust Fund receives $25 per license under Section 741.01. These fees support state programs that help families across Florida. The clerk can explain the full breakdown of charges when you apply.
| Fee Component | Amount | Florida Statute |
|---|---|---|
| Application Charge | $2 | Statewide |
| Domestic Violence Trust Fund | $25 | Section 741.01 |
| Base License Fee | $59 standard / $34 with course | Section 741.0305 |
| Total Standard Fee | $86 | Section 741.0305 |
| Total Reduced Fee | $61 | Section 741.0305 |
Waiting Period and License Validity
Florida has rules about when a marriage license becomes valid and how long it can be used. Wakulla County follows these state rules exactly.
Three-Day Waiting Period
Florida has a three-day waiting period between getting the marriage license and holding the ceremony. This rule applies to Florida residents. The waiting period begins the day after the clerk issues the license. The couple must wait the full three days before the marriage ceremony can take place legally.
Exceptions to the Waiting Period
Couples who complete the premarital preparation course skip the three-day waiting period. This exemption applies to Florida residents who finish a registered course. Couples from outside Florida also skip the wait, no matter what. Active-duty military members and people with a judge-signed waiver may also skip the wait under certain conditions.
Sixty-Day Validity Period
A marriage license in Florida stays valid for 60 days after the clerk issues it. The couple must hold the ceremony and return the signed license to the clerk within this time. If the 60 days pass without a ceremony, the license expires and the couple must apply again and pay another fee. Section 741.041 of the Florida Statutes sets this 60-day rule.
Florida Statewide License Use
A marriage license issued in Wakulla County works anywhere in Florida. Couples do not need to marry in the same county where they got the license. A Wakulla County license can be used in Miami-Dade, Broward, Orange, Duval, Hillsborough, Palm Beach, Pinellas, or any other Florida county. The signed license must go back to the issuing county clerk for recording.
After the Marriage Ceremony
After the wedding ceremony, the couple and the officiant must complete a few final steps. These steps make the marriage legal and create the official record.
Returning the Signed License
The person who performs the ceremony must sign the marriage license along with the couple and any witnesses required by law. The signed license then goes back to the Wakulla County Clerk of Court for recording. The officiant must return the license within 10 days of the ceremony. Late returns can cause problems with the official record.
Recording Timeline
The clerk records the signed license in the official county records. This creates the permanent marriage record for Wakulla County. The clerk then sends a copy of the data to the Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics in Jacksonville. The state keeps its own copy of every Florida marriage that takes place.
State Filing Process
After the Wakulla County Clerk records the marriage, the data goes to the state Bureau of Vital Statistics. The state then creates a statewide marriage record. This state record becomes part of the Florida marriage index. The state process takes about 60 days from the county recording date to update the state database.
Free Certified Copy by Mail
The couple receives one free certified copy of their marriage certificate by mail. The clerk sends this copy after recording the signed license. The certified copy proves the marriage is legal. Couples who need extra copies can order them from the clerk or from the state Bureau of Vital Statistics for a fee.
Getting Certified Copies of Marriage Records
People who need a certified copy of a Wakulla County marriage record can order one from the county clerk or the state Bureau of Vital Statistics. Each source has different fees and processing times.
Wakulla County Clerk Copies
The Wakulla County Clerk has certified copies of all marriage licenses filed in the county. Call (850) 926-0905 to ask about the fee and the process for getting a copy. The clerk can usually provide copies of recent records faster than the state office. Older records may take more time to locate.
Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics
The Florida Department of Health keeps marriage certificates from June 6, 1927 to the present. The Bureau of Vital Statistics is the state office that stores these records. A search plus one certified copy costs $5 from the state. Extra certified copies cost $4 each. Mail requests go to P.O. Box 210, Jacksonville, FL 32231-0042.
The image above shows the Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics portal where Wakulla County marriage certificate requests can be started through the state system.
Online Ordering Through VitalChek
VitalChek is the official online service for Florida marriage certificates. The service charges $15 plus a $7 processing fee per order. Orders can be placed online at any time. The website accepts credit and debit cards. VitalChek handles requests for records from 1970 forward faster than mail requests.
Phone and Mail Orders
Phone orders go to 1-877-550-7330 for the VitalChek service. Mail orders to the state Bureau of Vital Statistics use the P.O. Box 210 address in Jacksonville. Mail orders must include a signed request form, a copy of valid ID, and the correct fee. Checks and money orders work for mail requests.
Processing Times
State processing takes 3 to 5 business days for records from 1970 forward. Older Wakulla County records take more time because they need extra research. For a recent marriage, the Wakulla County Clerk office is the faster source. The state needs about 60 days to receive the recorded data from the county after a new marriage.
| Source | Fee | Processing Time | Records Covered |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wakulla County Clerk | Call for fee | Same day to 1 week | All Wakulla County records |
| Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics | $5 search + first copy | 3 to 5 business days (1970+) | June 6, 1927 to present |
| VitalChek Online | $15 + $7 processing | 3 to 5 business days | 1970 to present |
| VitalChek Phone | $15 + $7 processing | 3 to 5 business days | 1970 to present |
Records Before June 1927
Marriage records from before June 6, 1927 are not available through the state Bureau of Vital Statistics. These early records sit only at the county level.
Pre-1927 Document Availability
The Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics only started keeping marriage records on June 6, 1927. Records from before this date do not exist in the state system. The Wakulla County Clerk holds the only copies of these old records. Anyone who needs a pre-1927 marriage record must contact the county clerk directly.
Where to Find Early Records
The Wakulla County Clerk office in Crawfordville holds all marriage records filed in the county before 1927. The clerk staff can search the old books and indexes. Some early records may also appear on microfilm at the State Archives of Florida in Tallahassee. Researchers can visit the State Archives to view microfilm copies of historic Wakulla County records.
Historical Research Tips
Researchers looking for early Wakulla County marriage records should contact the clerk office first. The clerk can search old indexes by name. Researchers should know the approximate year of the marriage and the full name of at least one spouse. The State Archives of Florida in Tallahassee also holds microfilm of Wakulla County records and offers free access to researchers.
Public Access to Wakulla Marriage Records
Marriage records in Wakulla County are public records under Florida law. Anyone can view the basic information from these records.
Florida Public Records Law
Florida Statutes Chapter 119 makes all county records open for public inspection. Section 119.07 lets anyone request copies of public records. The Wakulla County Clerk must allow access to marriage record indexes. Basic information like names, dates, and license numbers are part of the public record.
Information Available to Public
The basic information available to the public includes the names of both spouses, the date of the marriage, the license number, and the date the license was issued. The name of the officiant who performed the ceremony also appears in the public record. Anyone can search these records at the clerk office or through online databases where available.
Protected Information
Social Security numbers and bank account details stay protected under Section 119.071 of the Florida Statutes. These details do not appear on certified copies or in public searches. The clerk office removes this private information before providing copies to requesters. Personal contact information also stays protected.
Copy Fees for Public Records
Regular copies of public records are capped at 15 cents per page under Florida law. Certified copies of marriage licenses have a different fee set by the clerk. The Wakulla County Clerk may charge a specific fee for official certified copies. Call the clerk office to confirm the current fee for a certified copy.
Florida Marriage Records by County
Florida has 67 counties, and each county clerk keeps the marriage records for events in that county. People who need records from other Florida counties must contact the right clerk office.
Miami-Dade County Records
Miami-Dade County marriage records are held by the Miami-Dade County Clerk of Courts. The office is in downtown Miami. Miami-Dade is the most populated county in Florida. Marriage license fees and waiting period rules are the same statewide, but office hours and payment options differ by county.
Broward County Records
Broward County marriage records are kept by the Broward County Clerk of Courts. The main office sits in Fort Lauderdale. Broward County processes a high number of marriage license applications each year. Records from Broward County can be ordered online through the county clerk website or through VitalChek.
Orange County Florida Records
Orange County marriage records are held by the Orange County Comptroller as Clerk of Courts. The main office is in Orlando. Orange County includes Orlando and the surrounding area. The Orange County clerk website offers an online search tool for public records including marriage licenses.
Duval County Records
Duval County marriage records are kept by the Duval County Clerk of Courts in Jacksonville. Duval County is in northeast Florida. The clerk office also serves as the recording office for marriages performed in Jacksonville. Records from Duval County go to the same state Bureau of Vital Statistics as records from Wakulla County.
Hillsborough County Records
Hillsborough County marriage records are held by the Hillsborough County Clerk of Court in Tampa. Hillsborough County is on Florida’s west coast. The clerk office serves Tampa and the surrounding areas. Online records search is available through the Hillsborough County clerk website.
Palm Beach County Records
Palm Beach County marriage records are kept by the Palm Beach County Clerk of Court in West Palm Beach. Palm Beach County is in southeast Florida. The clerk office provides both in-person and online access to marriage records. Palm Beach County has one of the larger clerk operations in the state.
Pinellas County Records
Pinellas County marriage records are held by the Pinellas County Clerk of Court in Clearwater. Pinellas County sits on the Gulf Coast west of Tampa. The county includes St. Petersburg and the beach communities. The Pinellas County clerk offers online records search for older marriage records.
| County | Main City | Clerk Office Location |
|---|---|---|
| Miami-Dade | Miami | Downtown Miami |
| Broward | Fort Lauderdale | Fort Lauderdale |
| Orange | Orlando | Orlando |
| Duval | Jacksonville | Jacksonville |
| Hillsborough | Tampa | Tampa |
| Palm Beach | West Palm Beach | West Palm Beach |
| Pinellas | Clearwater | Clearwater |
| Wakulla | Crawfordville | Crawfordville |
Using Records for Genealogy Research
Marriage records are one of the best sources for people who research their family history. Wakulla County marriage records can help fill in missing pieces of a family tree.
Statewide Marriage Index
The Florida statewide marriage index covers marriages from 1927 forward. The index shows the names, date, and county of every marriage recorded in Florida. Researchers can search the index through the Florida Department of Health website or through partner websites like FamilySearch. The statewide index does not include Wakulla County marriages before 1927.
FamilySearch and Online Databases
FamilySearch.org is a free genealogy website operated by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The site has indexed many Florida marriage records. Ancestry.com and MyHeritage also have Florida marriage records in their databases. These sites may have records that go back further than the state index. Researchers can search by name and year to find marriage records.
Courthouse Research
Researchers who cannot find a marriage record online can visit the Wakulla County Clerk office in person. The clerk staff can search old indexes by name. Some old records may only exist in physical books at the courthouse. Researchers should know the approximate year of the marriage and the full name of at least one spouse to make the search faster.
Apostille and Legal Use of Records
People who need to use a Florida marriage certificate in another country may need an apostille. An apostille is a certificate that proves the document is real.
When an Apostille Is Needed
An apostille is required when a Florida marriage certificate will be used in a country that joined the Hague Apostille Convention. The apostille proves to foreign governments that the document is a real Florida state document. Countries that did not join the Hague Convention may require a different process called authentication through the U.S. Department of State.
Florida Department of State Apostille
The Florida Department of State issues apostilles for Florida documents. The applicant must send the original certified marriage certificate along with the apostille request. The Department of State sits in Tallahassee. Requests can be made by mail or in person at the Tallahassee office.
Processing Time and Fees
The Florida Department of State charges a fee for each apostille. Processing time depends on how the request is made. Mail requests take several weeks. In-person requests at the Tallahassee office can be processed faster for an extra fee. The Department of State website has the current fee schedule and processing times.
Wakulla County Clerk Contact and Location
The Wakulla County Clerk of Court is the main office for all marriage record services in Wakulla County. Anyone who needs marriage records or a new marriage license can contact the office directly.
Official Contact Information
The Wakulla County Clerk of Court can be reached by phone at (850) 926-0905. The office fax line and email address are available on the official Wakulla County Clerk website. The mailing address for the clerk office is 3056 Crawfordville Highway, Crawfordville, FL 32327.
Visiting Hours
The Wakulla County Clerk office is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The office closes on weekends and on federal and state holidays. Visitors who need marriage license services should plan to arrive at least 30 minutes before closing to allow time for paperwork.
Address and Map Location
The Wakulla County Clerk office sits at 3056 Crawfordville Highway, Crawfordville, FL 32327. Crawfordville is the county seat of Wakulla County, located along U.S. Highway 98 south of Tallahassee. The courthouse is near the Wakulla County Public Library and the county government complex.
Frequently Asked Questions
This section covers common questions about Wakulla County Florida marriage records. The answers below are based on current Florida law and Wakulla County Clerk office practices as of September 2026. People who need the most current information should call the clerk office directly.
How long does it take to get a marriage certificate in Wakulla County?
After the wedding ceremony, the officiant returns the signed license to the Wakulla County Clerk within 10 days. The clerk records the license and the couple gets a free certified copy by mail. The state Bureau of Vital Statistics takes about 60 more days to receive the data and create the state record. People who need a certified copy right away should order from the Wakulla County Clerk, which is faster than the state office for recent marriages.
Can I get a marriage license the same day in Wakulla County?
Yes, the Wakulla County Clerk issues marriage licenses the same day when all paperwork is in order. Both people must appear together with valid photo IDs. A Social Security number is also needed for U.S. citizens. The three-day waiting period applies to Florida residents who did not complete a premarital course. Couples who complete the course or come from outside Florida skip the wait.
Are Wakulla County marriage records public?
Yes, Wakulla County marriage records are public records under Florida Statutes Chapter 119. Basic information like names, dates, and license numbers can be searched by anyone. Social Security numbers and bank details stay protected under Section 119.071. Anyone can request a certified copy of a marriage record through the clerk office or the state Bureau of Vital Statistics.
How much does a certified copy of a Wakulla County marriage certificate cost?
The fee for a certified copy from the Wakulla County Clerk varies. Call the clerk office at (850) 926-0905 for the current fee. The Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics charges $5 for a search plus the first certified copy. Extra copies from the state cost $4 each. VitalChek charges $15 plus $7 processing for online and phone orders.
Where do I get a Wakulla County marriage record from before 1927?
Marriage records from before June 6, 1927 are not at the state Bureau of Vital Statistics. These records sit only at the Wakulla County Clerk office in Crawfordville. The clerk staff can search old indexes by name. The State Archives of Florida in Tallahassee also holds microfilm copies of old Wakulla County records for research.
Can I use a Florida marriage certificate in another country?
A Florida marriage certificate can be used in another country, but may need an apostille. An apostille proves the document is real to foreign governments. The Florida Department of State in Tallahassee issues apostilles for Florida documents. Countries that did not join the Hague Apostille Convention need a different authentication process through the U.S. Department of State.
What if I lost my Florida marriage certificate?
People who lose their Florida marriage certificate can get a replacement through the Wakulla County Clerk or the state Bureau of Vital Statistics. A certified replacement copy has the same legal power as the original. Order through the county clerk for faster service on recent records, or through the state for older records from 1927 forward.