Sunrise Marriage License

Sunrise residents apply for a marriage license through the Broward County Clerk of Courts. The city sits in the west-central part of Broward County, with more than 100,000 people calling it home. Marriage licenses in Sunrise are not handled at the city level. Instead, the county clerk manages all marriage license applications and records for every city in Broward. Several clerk office locations serve the area, so couples in Sunrise have options when it comes to where they go to file. This page covers what you need to get a marriage license in Sunrise, from fees to documents to local office details.

Where to Get a Sunrise Marriage License

Sunrise is part of Broward County, and the Broward County Clerk of Courts issues all marriage licenses for the area. There is no city office in Sunrise that handles this. You go to the county clerk. The closest location for most Sunrise residents is the West Regional Courthouse at 100 N. Pine Island Road in Plantation. That office is just a short drive from Sunrise and handles marriage license applications during normal business hours.

Broward County runs four clerk locations total. Any of them can take your marriage license application. Some Sunrise couples prefer the main courthouse in Fort Lauderdale if they work downtown. Others pick the North Regional in Deerfield Beach or the South Regional in Hollywood. It makes no difference which one you use. The license is the same no matter where you apply. Under Florida Statute 741.01, the clerk of the circuit court is the office that issues marriage licenses throughout the state.

Note: Walk-ins are welcome at all Broward Clerk offices, but plan to arrive by 3:00 PM to allow time for processing.

Sunrise Marriage License Online Resources

The Broward Clerk marriage page provides information about what to bring and how the application process works. Below is the Broward Clerk's marriage license portal.

Couples in Sunrise can also search for existing marriage license records through the clerk's online system. If you need to find a marriage record that was filed in Broward County, the search tool lets you look up records by name. The MyFloridaCounty portal is another option that links to official records across all 67 Florida counties.

How Sunrise Couples Apply

Both people must show up at the clerk's office together. You cannot send one person to fill out the application alone. Bring a valid photo ID such as a driver's license, passport, state ID, or military ID. You also need your Social Security number. The clerk does not need the card itself, just the number. If you were married before, bring the date your last marriage ended and know if it was a divorce, death, or annulment.

Florida law requires both applicants to be at least 18 years old. There is one exception for 17-year-olds with parental consent, but only when the other person is not more than two years older. Under Florida Statute 741.04, both parties must swear that there is no legal reason they cannot marry. No blood test is needed. Florida has not required one since 1986. There is also no residency requirement, so couples from outside Florida can get their marriage license in Sunrise without any issues.

Before you apply, both people should read the Family Law Handbook published by the Florida Bar. The clerk will ask if you have read it. This is a state requirement for all marriage license applicants in Florida.

Marriage License Fees for Sunrise

The standard fee is $86. This amount is the same across all Broward County locations. Cash and credit cards are both accepted. Part of the fee goes to the state Domestic Violence Trust Fund, and part funds the State Courts Revenue Trust Fund.

Couples who take a premarital course before they apply pay only $61. That saves $25. The course must be at least four hours and cover topics like communication, conflict resolution, and finances. Under Florida Statute 741.0305, both people need to complete the course and bring proof to the clerk. The Broward Clerk's website lists approved course providers. Taking the course also removes the three-day waiting period, which is a big benefit for Sunrise couples who want to have the ceremony right away.

Other fees to know about: a courthouse ceremony costs $30, a certified copy of the marriage license is $3, and a duplicate license runs $30. The ceremony is optional. Many Sunrise couples choose to have their own officiant perform the ceremony elsewhere.

Waiting Period and License Validity

Florida residents face a three-day wait. The clerk issues the license on the day you apply, but you cannot use it for the ceremony until three calendar days pass. This rule comes from state law and applies to all Sunrise residents. The wait does not apply if both people are from outside Florida. It also goes away if you take the premarital course.

Once the license becomes valid, it stays good for 60 days. Under Florida Statute 741.041, you must hold the ceremony within that 60-day window. If the time runs out, the license expires and you have to start over with a new application and a new fee. After the wedding, the officiant signs the license and sends it back to the Broward Clerk within 10 days. The clerk then records the marriage and forwards the record to the Florida Department of Health for the permanent state file.

Ceremony Options in Sunrise

The Broward Clerk offers courthouse ceremonies for $30 at any of the four office locations. A clerk or judge performs the ceremony on the spot. This is a quick option for Sunrise couples who do not want a big wedding. You can also bring your own officiant. Under Florida Statute 741.07, the following people can solemnize a marriage in Florida:

• Licensed or ordained ministers and clergy
• All judicial officers (judges and justices)
• Clerks of the circuit court
• Notary publics

Sunrise has parks, venues, and community spaces that couples use for ceremonies. Markham Park and Sawgrass Mills area are popular spots. The choice is yours. The marriage license from Broward County works at any location in Florida.

Sunrise Marriage License Legal Help

If you have legal questions about marriage in Florida, a few resources can help. The Florida Bar Family Law Handbook is the main guide that state law requires applicants to read. It covers marriage, prenuptial agreements, and related family law topics. The Florida Clerks website also has a page about marriage licenses that explains the process from a statewide perspective.

For Sunrise residents who need low-cost legal advice, Legal Aid of Broward County offers help with family law matters. The Broward County Bar Association can also connect you with a family law attorney if you need one. Questions about name changes after marriage, prenuptial agreements, or other legal steps often come up during the license process. These organizations can point you in the right direction.

Note: The Florida Department of Health keeps marriage certificates from June 6, 1927 to the present at its Jacksonville office.

Nearby Cities

Several cities near Sunrise also use the Broward County Clerk for marriage licenses. Some of these are in neighboring counties. Browse the links below for details on getting a marriage license in these areas.

Broward County Marriage License Records

Sunrise is in Broward County, and the Broward Clerk of Courts handles all marriage license records for the area. For complete information about the Broward County Clerk, additional office locations, and related marriage records, visit the county page.

View Broward County Marriage License Records