How to Get a Marriage License in Florida as an Out-of-State Couple: Step-by-Step
Planning a destination wedding in Florida is exciting, but one of the biggest questions out-of-state couples ask is:
“How do we legally get married in Florida?”
The good news is that getting a Florida marriage license is actually a very simple process—especially for couples traveling from another state. As a wedding planner working with destination weddings throughout Central Florida, I help couples navigate this process all the time.
Here’s a simple step-by-step guide to help make everything stress-free.
Step 1: Understand That You Need a Florida Marriage License
One of the biggest misconceptions couples have is thinking they can use a marriage license from their home state for a Florida wedding.
Unfortunately, that is not the case.
If you are getting married in Florida, you must obtain a Florida marriage license, regardless of where you live.
The good news? A Florida marriage license is legally recognized all over the world.
Step 2: Visit a Florida Clerk of Courts Office
To get your marriage license, both partners will typically need to visit a local Clerk of Courts office in Florida.
Many counties allow couples to:
- Schedule appointments online
- Choose a specific appointment time
- Reduce wait times significantly
This is especially helpful for destination couples trying to maximize vacation and wedding time.
Step 3: Bring Proper Identification
When visiting the Clerk of Courts office, each person must bring:
- A valid driver’s license or
- A valid passport
One of the most common mistakes couples make is arriving without proper identification, so double-check before heading to your appointment.
Step 4: Pay the Marriage License Fee
The marriage license fee in Florida is usually less than $90, depending on the county.
Most offices accept:
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- Cash
It’s always a good idea to confirm payment methods with the specific county office ahead of time.
Step 5: Understand the Waiting Period
This is where out-of-state couples get a huge advantage.
Florida Residents
Florida residents typically have a three-day waiting period before the marriage license becomes active.
Out-of-State Couples
Out-of-state couples have no waiting period once the license is issued.
That means you can receive your license and get married immediately.
Step 6: Consider Using “Married by Mail”
One of the easiest options I recommend to destination wedding couples is using Married by Mail.
This service allows couples to obtain their Florida marriage license before arriving for their wedding.
The license can be shipped directly to:
- The couple
- Their officiant
That means there’s one less thing to worry about once you arrive in Florida.
For destination couples juggling travel, vendors, and timelines, this can be a huge stress reliever.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Here are the biggest issues I see couples run into:
- Forgetting proper identification
- Assuming their home-state license will work
- Ignoring Clerk of Courts operating hours
- Waiting until the last minute
Planning ahead makes the process incredibly easy.
Final Thought
One of the best parts about getting married in Florida as an out-of-state couple is how simple the legal process can be.
As I often tell my couples:
“The best thing about getting married in Florida as an out-of-state couple is that it is simple and a Florida marriage license is recognized all over the world.”
With a little preparation, you can focus less on paperwork and more on celebrating your wedding day.
Victoria Price
Director of Sales and Client Success