How to Get a Marriage License in Orlando: Complete Guide to Requirements, Application, and Fees
Orlando couples and out-of-state partners seeking to marry must secure a marriage license from the Orange County Clerk of Courts. As experts in the wedding niche with over 5 years of dedicated experience, The Valentine Orlando understands the intricacies of this process. This legal document confirms eligibility under Florida Statutes and allows a civil or religious ceremony to proceed. This guide, brought to you by The Valentine Orlando, covers every requirement, ensuring you complete the process efficiently. Specifically, we detail:
Age and identification rules
Fee structures and waiting periods
Online pre-applications and in-person procedures
Special scenarios for minors and non-residents
Steps to return a completed license for your official marriage certificate
Waiver options for the three-day waiting period
Methods to reduce your fee through a premarital preparation course
This article maps each step for a seamless experience.
Key Requirements for Getting a Marriage License in Orlando
A marriage license is a government-issued permit confirming two individuals meet Florida’s legal criteria to marry. Applicants must satisfy several key requirements:
Age requirements
Valid identification
Disclosure of prior marital history
Parental consent conditions (if under 18)
Understanding these foundational rules ensures you gather all necessary documents and avoid delays. Below is a summary of age and identification essentials, followed by details on previous marriages and non-resident considerations.
| Applicant Criteria | Required Documentation | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Age | Proof of Birth | Must be 18+ or 17 with parental consent; certified birth record. |
| Identification | Photo ID | U.S. driver license, state ID, or passport; must display birth date. |
| Social Security Number | SSN Card or Declaration | U.S. citizens provide SSN; non-residents sign a declaration. |
These age and identification mandates anchor eligibility checks and lead into how prior marriages and residency influence your application.
Age and Identification Documents Needed
Applicants must be at least 18 years old or 17 with notarized parental consent under Florida law. To meet these requirements, you will need:
Valid photo identification to verify age and identity.
For U.S. citizens or green-card holders, a Social Security card or official statement of number.
For non-residents without an SSN, an affidavit attesting to their status.
Accurate birth and ID documents prevent processing delays and establish compliance with Florida Statute 741.04.
Previous Marriages and Parental Consent
Specific conditions apply if you have been previously married or are under 18:
Prior marriages require a certified final decree of divorce or a death certificate if widowed.
Florida mandates that any divorce finalized within the past 30 days must include a court order granting remarriage.
For 17-year-olds, one parent or legal guardian must appear in person, provide photo ID, and sign a consent form in front of a notary. This consent remains valid for six months.
Special Requirements for Non-Florida Residents or International Couples
Non-Florida residents and international couples have specific considerations:
Non-Florida residents are exempt from the three-day waiting period but still adhere to identification and age rules.
Foreign nationals present a valid passport and may provide a birth certificate with certified translation if not in English.
An affidavit in lieu of Social Security number is required when no SSN exists.
International couples should prepare original and translated documents well in advance to avoid delays.
Applying for a Marriage License at the Orange County Clerk of Courts
Applying for a marriage license involves both online and in-person steps designed to streamline your visit. The process begins with an optional online pre-application to expedite data entry, followed by an in-office appointment where both parties appear to finalize and pay. Required forms, document verification, and handbook acknowledgment complete the procedure. Below is an overview of each phase and what you must bring to the clerk’s office.
Complete the online pre-application survey to enter personal data at your convenience.
Schedule or walk in to an Orange County Clerk of Courts location with all original documents.
Submit forms, pay fees, and sign the required affidavits.
Receive your marriage license immediately upon approval.
Online Pre-Application for the Marriage License
An online pre-application allows couples to input personal details ahead of time, reducing the time spent at the clerk’s counter. After completing identity, residency, and marital history sections, you receive a confirmation number. Bringing this confirmation to your in-person appointment ensures faster retrieval of your pre-filled file.
In-Person Application Process and Who Must Be Present
Both parties must appear together in person to verify identity and sign the application. Each applicant presents valid photo ID, proof of age, and Social Security documentation or affidavit. A clerk confirms your pre-application confirmation or collects data on the spot, then witnesses signatures on affidavits and the Family Law Handbook acknowledgment. After verification, you move to the payment window to settle the fee.
Forms and Documents to Submit
Applicants submit the marriage license application, Family Law Handbook acknowledgment form, and any supplemental affidavits required for SSN exemption or parental consent. Additional documents include certified divorce decrees or death certificates when applicable. Providing all paperwork in one visit prevents rescheduling and ensures seamless license issuance.
Office Locations and Hours for Marriage License Applications in Orange County
| Location | Address | Hours (Mo–Fr) |
|---|---|---|
| Downtown Orlando | 425 North Orange Avenue, Suite 350 | 7:30 AM–4:00 PM |
| Apopka Branch | 120 East Main Street | 8:30 AM–5:00 PM |
| Ocoee Branch | 3070 St. Cloud Drive | 8:30 AM–4:30 PM |
| Winter Park Branch | 2639 North Mills Avenue | 8:30 AM–5:00 PM |
Each office closes for county-observed holidays. Selecting the branch closest to you and arriving early ensures timely service.
Costs and Payment Options for a Marriage License in Orlando
A standard marriage license fee in Orange County is $93.50, reflecting state and county processing costs. Florida residents who complete a state-approved premarital preparation course receive a $25 fee reduction and may waive the mandatory three-day waiting period. Payment methods accepted include cash, credit card, and money order. Understanding these options helps couples budget accurately and leverage cost-saving incentives.
| Fee Type | Amount | Condition |
|---|---|---|
| Standard License | $93.50 | Applies to all applicants without premarital course |
| Discounted License (Course) | $61.00 | Requires approved premarital course certificate |
| Waiting Period Waiver (Course) | N/A | Course certificate automatically waives waiting |
Accepting multiple payment methods ensures flexibility for applicants.
Standard Marriage License Cost in Orange County
The standard fee for a marriage license in Orange County is $93.50. This amount covers processing, document verification, and record-keeping under Florida law. Paying this fee at any clerk branch secures your license on the spot, allowing you to marry within 60 days of issuance.
Premarital Preparation Course Benefits: Fee Reduction and Waiting Period Waiver
Completing a state-approved premarital preparation course provides two main benefits:
A $25 reduction in license cost.
The ability to waive the three-day waiting period for Florida residents.
The premarital course certificate must be issued within the previous two years to qualify. This incentive encourages couples to engage with educational content that promotes stronger marital foundations.
Accepted Payment Methods for Marriage License Fees
Orange County Clerk of Courts accepts the following payment methods:
Cash
Major credit cards
Money orders payable to the Clerk of Courts
Cash transactions finalize immediately, while credit card payments require a one-business-day clearance. Money orders must feature accurate payee information. Ensuring you have an accepted method of payment avoids the need to reschedule your application appointment.
Florida Marriage License Waiting Period and Waivers
Florida residents face a mandatory three-day waiting period between license issuance and ceremony, designed to ensure intentional consent. This interval begins at midnight the day after issuance. Understanding waiting rules prevents scheduling conflicts and helps plan your ceremony date accurately.
Who Must Observe the 3-Day Waiting Period?
All Florida residents who have not completed a premarital course must observe a three-day waiting period. This requirement ensures reflection time before the ceremony. The clock starts at midnight on the issuance day, so planning your application at least four days before your intended wedding date avoids last-minute complications.
How the Premarital Course Waives the Waiting Period
A state-approved premarital preparation course certificate waives the three-day waiting period for resident couples. Upon presentation of the certificate during application, the clerk notes the waiver on your license. This waiver accelerates your timeline and demonstrates compliance with educational prerequisites.
Non-Florida Residents Exempt from Waiting Period
Yes, non-Florida residents are exempt from the three-day waiting period regardless of premarital course completion. This exemption acknowledges the logistical challenges faced by destination couples. Exempt applicants can marry immediately, making Orlando an attractive venue for weddings without delay.
Marriage License Validity and Post-Ceremony Procedures
A Florida marriage license remains valid for 60 days from the date of issuance. During this window, the officiant must solemnize the marriage and return the completed license to the Clerk of Courts within 10 days of the ceremony. Failure to return the document in time nullifies the license, requiring a new application.
60-Day Validity Period for the Marriage License
The license’s 60-day validity period begins on the date of issuance and includes all calendar days. If you do not marry within this timeframe, the license expires and you must reapply. This period balances flexibility for planning with timely record-keeping.
Returning the Completed Marriage License
The officiant is responsible for returning the signed license to the Orange County Clerk of Courts no later than 10 days after the ceremony. Timely submission finalizes the legal record of marriage. Late returns may require additional fees or a new license application, so confirming return procedures with your officiant avoids administrative complications.
Obtaining the Official Marriage Certificate
Once the clerk processes the returned license, an official marriage certificate is generated and available for certified copies. You request copies in person or by mail, providing the original license number and payment for certificate fees. This certificate serves as your permanent legal record for name changes, insurance, and other official purposes.
Special Considerations for Orlando Marriage License Applicants
Orlando applicants may encounter unique scenarios such as:
Marrying at 17
Remarrying after divorce
Serving in the military
Each situation requires tailored documentation and awareness of conditional rules. Preparing these specifics in advance prevents unexpected delays.
Marriage License Requirements for 17-Year-Old Applicants
Seventeen-year-olds must obtain notarized parental consent signed by one or both parents. The consenting parent presents valid photo ID and signs a consent affidavit in the clerk’s presence. This procedure ensures minors receive informed guardianship approval before entering a legal marriage contract.
Rules for Previously Divorced Individuals
Individuals divorced within the previous 30 days must submit a certified final judgment of dissolution indicating remarriage eligibility. Divorced applicants beyond 30 days provide the decree’s date and signature. These requirements confirm that both parties have fulfilled any court-ordered waiting periods following a prior dissolution.
Military Personnel or International Applicants
Specific requirements apply to military and international applicants:
Active military members may present military IDs in lieu of civilian photo ID, and service records if deployed.
International applicants use valid passports and foreign birth certificates with certified translations.
Military and international protocols recognize service and foreign documents while maintaining Florida’s core eligibility criteria.
Benefits and Finding a Premarital Preparation Course in Florida
A premarital preparation course offers educational insights into communication, conflict resolution, and financial planning while delivering concrete legal advantages. Couples who complete the four-hour state-approved course earn a certificate for a $25 discount and waiting-period waiver. Finding a registered provider in Orlando ensures you fulfill both educational and legal requirements for faster licensing.
Financial and Procedural Advantages of Taking the Premarital Course
Completing the premarital course offers several advantages:
Reduces the marriage license fee from $93.50 to $61.00.
Waives the three-day waiting period for Florida residents.
Provides relationship tools that support long-term marital success.
These incentives lower costs and accelerate wedding timelines.
Course Length and Providers
Key details about the course include:
The course lasts a minimum of four hours.
It must be conducted by a state-registered provider.
Providers range from licensed counselors to faith-based organizations accredited by the Department of Children and Families.
Ensuring your provider holds the official registration number guarantees the certificate’s acceptance by the Clerk of Courts.
Finding Registered Premarital Course Providers in Orlando
Orlando couples can locate approved premarital preparation courses through the Florida Department of Children and Families registry. Providers include community counseling centers and religious institutions with certified facilitators. Verifying a provider’s registration number before enrollment confirms compliance and secures your course benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions About Getting a Marriage License in Orlando
Couples often seek clear, concise answers to common licensing questions. Below are direct responses to the top inquiries about fees, document requirements, online options, witness rules, and processing times.
How Much Is a Marriage License in Orlando?
A marriage license in Orange County costs $93.50 without a premarital course and $61.00 with a valid course certificate.
What Documents Do I Need to Bring to the Orange County Clerk of Courts?
You will need to bring:
Valid photo IDs for both parties
Social Security cards or affidavits
Birth certificates if age verification is needed
Certified divorce decrees or death certificates if applicable
Notarized parental consent affidavits for minors
Can I Get a Marriage License Online or by Appointment?
You can pre-apply online to complete personal information ahead of time, but both parties must appear in person to finalize the application and submit documents. Walk-in service is available during business hours without an appointment.
Do I Need a Witness to Get Married in Florida?
No witnesses are required at the time of license application; however, the marriage ceremony itself may require two adult witnesses depending on the officiant’s practice.
How Long Does It Take to Get a Marriage License in Orlando?
Most couples receive their license immediately upon completing the in-person application. Allow for at least 30 minutes for document verification, payment, and form signing. Planning a pre-application and arriving early reduces wait times.
Couples who follow these guidelines and prepare documents in advance will navigate the Orange County licensing process efficiently and confidently. Understanding each step—requirements, application, fees, waiting periods, validity and special scenarios—lays the foundation for a legally recognized marriage without administrative hurdles.