Find Jefferson County Marriage License

Jefferson County marriage license applications are handled at the Clerk of the Circuit Court office inside the Jefferson County Courthouse in Monticello. The clerk acts as an agent for the State of Florida when issuing these licenses. Whether you want to apply for a new license or search for an existing marriage record, the Monticello courthouse is where you go. Both applicants must appear in person at the same time. The Deputy Clerk in Jefferson County can also perform wedding ceremonies, which makes it a convenient option for couples who want the license and ceremony in one place.

Jefferson County Marriage License Office

The Jefferson County Clerk of the Circuit Court issues all marriage licenses from the courthouse at 1 Courthouse Circle in Monticello. The Clerk acts as an agent for the State of Florida for issuing licenses under Florida Statute 741.01. No appointment is needed. Walk in during office hours and the staff will help you.

One thing that sets Jefferson County apart is that the Deputy Clerk also performs marriage ceremonies. This is a nice option if you want everything done at the courthouse. The ceremony fee is $30, and you can schedule it right at the office.

The Jefferson County Clerk's marriage information page spells out the full process and answers common questions about applying in Monticello.

Call ahead if you have questions about what to bring. The staff is helpful and can give you a quick rundown over the phone before you make the trip.

How to Get a Marriage License in Jefferson County

Both people must go to the Jefferson County Courthouse in Monticello at the same time. Bring a valid photo ID such as a driver's license, state ID, or passport. Know your Social Security number. You do not need to bring the card itself. Under Florida Statute 741.04, both applicants must be at least 18 years old.

If either person was married before, the exact date of the divorce, death, or annulment must be provided. You also need to know the state and county where the prior marriage ended. The clerk needs all of this to process your Jefferson County marriage license application.

You must read the Family Law Handbook before you apply. The Florida Bar publishes this guide. The clerk will ask about it.

Jefferson County Marriage License Fees

The standard fee for a marriage license in Jefferson County is $86. This includes one certified copy. If both people complete a four-hour premarital preparation course, the fee drops to $61 under Florida Statute 741.0305. Bring the original certificate when you apply.

Jefferson County offers a few extra services at the clerk's office. A marriage ceremony costs $30. Additional certified copies of your recorded license are $3 each. The clerk also sells decorative marriage certificates for $11.50. These are nice keepsakes, though they are not needed for legal purposes.

• Standard license (includes one certified copy): $86.00
• License with premarital course: $61.00
• Marriage ceremony: $30.00
• Additional certified copies: $3.00 each
• Decorative marriage certificate: $11.50

Note: Part of the license fee goes to state trust funds as set by the Florida legislature.

Waiting Period for Jefferson County Marriage License

Florida residents who apply in Jefferson County face a three-day waiting period. The license is not valid until three days pass. You cannot hold the ceremony during this time. This rule comes from Florida Statute 741.04 and applies in every county.

Skip the wait by taking a four-hour premarital course. Both people must complete it. The course must be from a provider registered with the Jefferson County Clerk. Bring the original certificate to the office and the license becomes valid right away. Out-of-state couples do not wait at all.

After Your Jefferson County Wedding

The signed license must go back to the Jefferson County Clerk within 10 days after the ceremony. The officiant usually handles this. The clerk records the document and sends a copy to the Florida Department of Health for permanent filing. That step takes about 60 days.

Under Florida Statute 741.07, ordained ministers, judicial officers, clerks of the circuit court, and notaries public can all officiate a wedding. The Jefferson County Deputy Clerk performs ceremonies at the courthouse for $30, so you can get the license and the ceremony done in one visit.

Your Jefferson County marriage license is good for 60 days. If the ceremony does not happen in that window, the license expires under Florida Statute 741.041, and you would need to apply again with a new fee.

Copies of Jefferson County Marriage Records

Get copies from the Jefferson County Clerk in Monticello. The MyFloridaCounty official records portal lets you search recorded documents filed in Jefferson County online. For certified copies, you may need to visit the office or mail a request.

The Florida Department of Health also holds marriage certificates from 1927 onward. You can order through VitalChek or by mail.

Cities in Jefferson County

All communities in Jefferson County use the clerk's office in Monticello for marriage license services. The only incorporated city is Monticello, which serves as the county seat. Other communities in the county include Lamont, Wacissa, and Aucilla. None have separate clerk offices.

Nearby Counties

These counties border Jefferson County. You can apply for a marriage license in any Florida county and use it statewide.