Gainesville Marriage License Records

Gainesville marriage license applications go through the Alachua County Clerk of Courts. Gainesville is the county seat and the biggest city in Alachua County with nearly 149,000 people. The clerk's office is at the Family and Civil Justice Center on East University Avenue in downtown Gainesville. If you need to apply for a marriage license, look up an existing record, or get a certified copy, this is where you go. Both people must show up in person to apply. The clerk can also perform civil wedding ceremonies at the courthouse for a small fee.

Where Gainesville Couples File

Gainesville is the county seat of Alachua County. The Alachua County Clerk of Courts handles all marriage licenses for the area. There is no separate city office for this. Everything goes through the county clerk at the courthouse in Gainesville. Under Florida Statute 741.01, the clerk of the circuit court in each county is in charge of issuing marriage licenses.

The Alachua County Clerk marriage page walks you through the full process step by step. It covers everything from reading the Family Law Handbook to completing an online pre-application to visiting the courthouse. A marriage license from Alachua County lets you have the wedding anywhere in Florida. You are not limited to Gainesville or Alachua County.

Alachua County Clerk Office in Gainesville

The clerk's office that handles marriage licenses is at the Alachua County Family and Civil Justice Center. It is on East University Avenue in the heart of Gainesville. Walk-ins are accepted, but you can also schedule an appointment if you prefer. The office has set hours for marriage license services, and they stop taking walk-ins at 4:00 PM even though the office stays open until 4:30.

The courthouse is in downtown Gainesville near the University of Florida campus. Metered street parking is available, and there are parking garages nearby. You can call (352) 374-3623 to set up an appointment or ask questions about what you need to bring. The Alachua County Clerk homepage has links to all their services.

Note: The Alachua County Clerk asks that couples arrive at least 30 minutes before closing to allow time for the full application.

Gainesville Marriage License Portal

The Alachua County Clerk has a dedicated page for marriage license services. You can view the requirements, download forms, and start a pre-application at the clerk's marriage page.

The online pre-application saves time at the office. You fill out the form on the clerk's site, and then both people come to the courthouse to finalize the application in person. This step cannot be done remotely. You still have to show up together with your IDs and pay the fee at the Gainesville courthouse.

How to Get a Marriage License in Gainesville

The Alachua County Clerk lists five steps for getting married in Gainesville. First, read the Family Law Handbook that the Florida Bar publishes. Second, fill out the online marriage license pre-application on the clerk's website. Third, go to the courthouse together with your IDs to finalize the license. Fourth, hold the ceremony. Fifth, return the signed license to the clerk.

Both people must bring a valid photo ID. A driver's license, state ID, or passport all work. You need to know your Social Security number, but the card is not required. If you were married before, bring the exact date your prior marriage ended and know whether it was a divorce, death, or annulment. Under Florida Statute 741.04, both applicants must be at least 18 years old to apply without parental consent.

Same-sex couples can get a marriage license in Gainesville. A federal court struck down Florida's ban on same-gender marriage, and the Alachua County Clerk issues licenses to all couples who meet the legal requirements. No blood test is needed anywhere in Florida.

Gainesville Marriage License Fees

The standard fee for a marriage license in Gainesville is $86. If both people take a four-hour premarital course and bring the certificate, the fee drops to $61. That is a $25 savings set by Florida Statute 741.0305. The course also waives the three-day waiting period for Florida residents.

The Alachua County Clerk performs civil ceremonies at the courthouse in Gainesville for $30. You need two witnesses. Certified copies cost about $3 each. The clerk accepts cash, checks, and credit cards for payment. Call (352) 374-3623 if you want to ask about ceremony scheduling or check the current fee for a specific service.

Note: Some payment methods may carry a small processing surcharge at the Gainesville office.

Marriage License Waiting Period in Gainesville

Florida residents who apply for a marriage license in Gainesville must wait three days. The license is issued the day you apply, but it does not become valid until three days later. You cannot hold the ceremony during that wait. Under Florida Statute 741.04, this rule applies to all Florida residents statewide.

There are two ways to skip the wait. First, both people can take a premarital course from a provider registered with the clerk. Bring the original completion certificates, and the Gainesville license is good right away. Second, if both people are from out of state, the waiting period does not apply at all. Out-of-state couples get their license the same day.

Once the license is valid, you have 60 days to hold the ceremony. This deadline comes from Florida Statute 741.041. After 60 days, the license expires and you must apply again. Many Gainesville couples plan their ceremony well within that window to avoid any timing issues. After the wedding, the officiant sends the signed license back to the Alachua County Clerk within 10 days, and the clerk records it and forwards a copy to the Florida Department of Health.

Nearby Cities

Gainesville is in north-central Florida. The nearest qualifying cities are a fair distance away. Here are some Florida cities with marriage license information.

Alachua County Marriage License

Gainesville is the county seat of Alachua County. All marriage license filings go through the Alachua County Clerk of Courts. For full county details, office hours, fee schedules, and links to the clerk's online tools, visit the Alachua County page.

View Alachua County Marriage License