Jacksonville Marriage License

Jacksonville marriage license records are handled by the Duval County Clerk of the Circuit Court. As the largest city in Florida by population, Jacksonville has over one million residents who all use the same clerk's office for marriage license needs. The Duval County Courthouse in downtown Jacksonville is where you go to apply. Both people must show up in person at the same time. You can also use the Beaches Branch in Neptune Beach if that is more convenient. This page covers how to get a marriage license in Jacksonville, what to bring, and what it costs.

Duval County Handles Jacksonville Marriage Licenses

Jacksonville is the county seat of Duval County, and the Duval County Clerk of the Circuit Court issues all marriage licenses for the city. The clerk's office has two locations where you can apply. The main office is at the Duval County Courthouse downtown. The second spot is the Beaches Branch in Neptune Beach. Both take walk-in visits. The Beaches Branch also takes appointments if you want to plan ahead.

Under Florida Statute 741.01, the clerk of the circuit court issues every marriage license in the state. Jacksonville falls under Duval County for this purpose. A license you get in Jacksonville is good anywhere in Florida, so you can hold the wedding in any county you like.

The Duval County Clerk homepage has links to all services the office provides, including marriage licenses, official records, and court services for Jacksonville residents.

For the full county page with more details on Duval County marriage license services, visit the Duval County marriage license page.

Jacksonville Marriage License Clerk Office

The downtown location handles walk-in applications only. No appointment is needed. Show up during business hours and the staff will help you through the process. The Beaches Branch works a bit differently. Walk-ins are welcome there too, but you can also book a time slot in advance. Hours at the two locations are not the same, so check before you go.

The Duval County Clerk's marriage license page explains each step of the process for Jacksonville residents, from what documents to bring to how to pick up your license once it is ready.

Note: Cash may be the only payment method accepted at some locations, so bring cash to be safe.

How to Apply for a Marriage License in Jacksonville

Both people must go to the Duval County Clerk's office together. You cannot send one person alone. Bring a valid photo ID such as a driver's license, state ID card, or passport. You also need to know your Social Security number, though you do not need the physical card. Under Florida Statute 741.04, both people must be at least 18. A 17-year-old can apply with parental consent, but the other party cannot be more than two years older.

If you were married before, bring the exact date your last marriage ended. Know whether it ended by divorce, death, or annulment. If your prior marriage ended within the last 60 days, you must bring proof. The clerk will ask for this on the application. Jacksonville couples can save time by using the Duval County online pre-application kiosk to start the process from home before going to the office.

The online kiosk lets you fill out your information ahead of time. This cuts down on the wait at the clerk's office in Jacksonville. You still must go in person to finish the application, but having the forms done early speeds things up. The kiosk is free to use.

You must also read the Family Law Handbook before you apply. The Florida Bar publishes this guide. The clerk will ask if you have read it when you visit the office in Jacksonville.

Jacksonville Marriage License Fees

A standard marriage license in Jacksonville costs $86. Some locations list the fee at $93.50, which may include a small processing charge. If both people complete a four-hour premarital preparation course, the fee drops to $61. Under Florida Statute 741.0305, this $25 reduction applies when you bring the original course certificate to the clerk's office.

Part of the license fee goes to the Domestic Violence Trust Fund. Another part goes to the State Courts Revenue Trust Fund. These splits come from state law and apply in all 67 Florida counties, including Duval County. The Duval County Clerk may accept cash, checks, or credit cards, but payment methods can vary by location. Call ahead to confirm what the Jacksonville office takes.

Note: The premarital course must come from a provider registered with the Duval County Clerk to get the fee reduction in Jacksonville.

Marriage License Waiting Period in Jacksonville

Florida residents face a three-day wait after applying for a marriage license in Jacksonville. The license is not valid for those three days. You cannot hold the wedding until the wait ends. This rule comes from Florida Statute 741.04 and applies across the state.

You can skip the wait. Take a four-hour premarital course from a provider the Duval County Clerk has on file. Bring the original certificate when you apply. The license becomes valid right away. This is a popular choice for Jacksonville couples who want to get married on the same day they get the license. Out-of-state residents do not have to wait at all regardless of whether they take the course.

The course covers topics like conflict management, communication, money planning, and parenting. Both people can take it together or on their own. The Florida Court Clerks & Comptrollers website lists the full requirements for the premarital course across all Florida counties including Duval County.

After the Wedding in Jacksonville

Once the ceremony takes place, the signed marriage license must go back to the Duval County Clerk within 10 days. The person who performs the ceremony usually handles this step. The clerk records the license and sends a copy to the Florida Department of Health, Bureau of Vital Statistics. That state-level filing takes about 60 days, so there will be a wait before the state has your Jacksonville marriage on file.

Under Florida Statute 741.041, the marriage license is valid for 60 days from the date it was issued. If the ceremony does not happen within that window, the license expires. You would then need to apply again and pay a new fee in Jacksonville. Under Florida Statute 741.07, ordained ministers, judicial officers, clerks of the circuit court, and notaries public can all perform a marriage ceremony in Jacksonville.

The Florida Department of Health keeps marriage certificates from 1927 to the present. You can order copies from their office in Jacksonville or through VitalChek, the state's only contracted online vendor.

Nearby Florida Cities

These Florida cities also have marriage license information pages. A marriage license from any county in Florida is valid statewide, so you can apply at whichever clerk office works best for you.

Duval County Marriage License Records

Jacksonville is in Duval County, and all marriage license filings go through the Duval County Clerk of the Circuit Court. For more on the county clerk's office, full fee details, and other resources, visit the Duval County marriage license page.

View Duval County Marriage License Records