Find The Villages Marriage License
The Villages marriage license applications go through the Sumter County Clerk of the Circuit Court. The Villages is a large retirement community with over 82,000 residents that spans parts of three counties: Sumter, Lake, and Marion. Most of The Villages sits in Sumter County, and the Sumter County Clerk in Bushnell is the primary office for marriage licenses in this area. This guide covers the steps, fees, ID needs, and rules for getting a marriage license when you live in or near The Villages.
The Villages Quick Facts
The Villages Marriage License at Sumter Clerk
The Villages primarily falls under Sumter County. In Florida, marriage licenses come from the county clerk, not from any city or community office. Under Florida Statute 741.01, the clerk of the circuit court issues all marriage licenses. For most Villages residents, the Sumter County Clerk in Bushnell handles this process.
Because The Villages spans three counties, some residents actually fall under Lake County or Marion County. If your home address is in the Lake or Marion County portion of The Villages, you could apply at either of those county clerk offices instead. However, it does not really matter which county you use. A Florida marriage license from any county is valid for ceremonies anywhere in the state. Most people find the Sumter County office the most convenient since it serves the core of The Villages.
Note: Even though The Villages spans Sumter, Lake, and Marion counties, you can apply for a marriage license at any Florida county clerk office regardless of where you live.
Where to Apply Near The Villages
| Office | Sumter County Clerk, 215 E. McCollum Avenue, Bushnell, FL 33513 |
|---|---|
| Phone | (352) 569-6600 |
| Website | sumterclerk.com |
The Sumter County Clerk office is in Bushnell, the county seat. From The Villages, the drive south to Bushnell is about 20 to 30 minutes. Walk-ins are accepted at the clerk's office. No appointment is needed. Both applicants must appear in person together. The clerk will not begin the application if only one person shows up.
Arrive with enough time before closing. The staff processes marriage license applications the same day in most cases. If you have questions before your visit, call (352) 569-6600 or check the Sumter Clerk website for current hours and any special instructions.
Marriage License Requirements for The Villages
Both people must appear at the clerk's office. Bring a valid photo ID. The clerk accepts a driver's license, state ID, passport, or military ID. You need to know your Social Security number, though the physical card is not required. Under Florida Statute 741.04, both applicants must be at least 18 years old.
No blood test is needed for a Florida marriage license. That requirement ended in 1986. There is no residency requirement either. You do not have to live in The Villages or in Sumter County to apply here. If either person was married before, know the exact date the last marriage ended. You also need to know if it was a divorce, death, or annulment. Both applicants should review the Family Law Handbook from the Florida Bar before the visit.
If you and your partner have common children who were born in Florida, the clerk may require an Affirmation of Common Children form. Staff at the Bushnell office can help you complete this paperwork on the spot if needed.
The Villages Marriage License Fees
The standard fee is $86. This applies across all of Sumter County and is set by Florida law. Completing a four-hour premarital preparation course drops the fee to $61. Under Florida Statute 741.0305, both people must finish the course and bring certificates of completion to the clerk. The premarital course also eliminates the three-day waiting period for Florida residents, which is a nice bonus on top of the savings.
The clerk charges additional fees for related services. A courthouse ceremony runs $30. Certified copies cost a few dollars each. Part of the $86 license fee goes to the Domestic Violence Trust Fund and the State Courts Revenue Trust Fund, as required by state law. Check with the Sumter Clerk about accepted payment methods before your visit.
Wait Period and License Validity
Florida residents face a three-day waiting period after the clerk issues the marriage license. The license is not valid during those three days. Once the wait ends, you can hold the ceremony. Non-residents of Florida skip the wait completely. The premarital preparation course also waives the wait for residents.
After the license becomes valid, it lasts 60 days. This is set by Florida Statute 741.041. If you do not hold the ceremony within 60 days, the license expires and you must start over. After the wedding, the officiant must return the signed license to the Sumter County Clerk within 10 days. The clerk then forwards it to the Florida Department of Health for the state's permanent records.
Note: For Villages residents who took the premarital course, the license is valid the same day it is issued and lasts 60 days from that date.
Ceremony Options in The Villages
Under Florida Statute 741.07, judges, circuit court clerks, ordained ministers, and notary public officials can all perform wedding ceremonies. The Villages has many recreation centers, town squares, and other gathering spaces that work well as ceremony locations. Couples can also choose a church, private home, or outdoor setting.
The Sumter County Clerk can perform a courthouse ceremony for $30. This is a quick civil ceremony. For couples who want something more personal, hiring your own officiant gives you flexibility. Make sure the officiant knows to return the signed marriage license to the clerk within 10 days after the ceremony. The Florida Clerks website explains how the recording process works statewide.
The Villages Marriage License Records
The Sumter County Clerk maintains public records including marriage licenses filed in the county. Visit the Sumter Clerk website to search for existing records or get information about requesting copies.
The MyFloridaCounty portal also connects to official records for all 67 Florida counties. For certified copies of a marriage certificate, contact the clerk's office directly or order through the Florida Department of Health. The Department of Health maintains marriage records from June 6, 1927 to the present.
Nearby Cities
These cities in the central Florida area also have marriage license information on this site.
Sumter County Marriage License Records
The Villages is primarily in Sumter County. The Sumter County Clerk of the Circuit Court processes marriage license filings for the area. For more details about the county clerk and related records, see the county page.