Access Liberty County Marriage License

Liberty County marriage license records are handled by the Clerk of Circuit Court in Bristol. The clerk's office at the Liberty County Courthouse is the only place in the county where you can apply for a marriage license. Both applicants must come in together during business hours. Liberty County is one of the smallest and most rural counties in Florida, but the clerk's office still offers full marriage license services, including courthouse ceremonies by appointment. If you want to search for or apply for a marriage license in Liberty County, the Bristol courthouse is where to go.

Liberty County Marriage License Office

The Liberty County Clerk of Circuit Court issues marriage licenses Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. from the courthouse in Bristol. No appointment is needed to apply for a license. Walk in during business hours and the staff will help you through the process. The clerk issues licenses under Florida Statute 741.01.

The Liberty County Clerk also performs marriage ceremonies at the courthouse. This is a nice option for couples who want everything in one trip. However, you need to call ahead for a ceremony appointment at (850) 643-2215. The license itself can be done as a walk-in.

Visit the Liberty County Clerk marriage license page for a full overview of what you need and what to expect when you visit the Bristol office.

You can also reach them by email at info@libertyclerk.com if you have questions before your visit.

How to Get a Marriage License in Liberty County

Both people must go to the Liberty County Courthouse in Bristol together. Any male or female age 18 or over can apply. Bring a valid photo ID such as a driver's license, state ID, or passport. You need to know your Social Security number. Under Florida Statute 741.04, both applicants must be at least 18.

If you were married before, bring the exact date and details of how the prior marriage ended. The clerk needs this info. Same-gender couples apply on the same terms as everyone else in Liberty County.

Read the Family Law Handbook before you go. The Florida Bar publishes this guide. The clerk will ask if you have read it when you apply.

Note: No blood test is needed for a marriage license in Liberty County.

Liberty County Marriage License Fees

A marriage license in Liberty County costs $86. If both people complete a four-hour premarital preparation course, the fee drops to $61. This savings is allowed under Florida Statute 741.0305. Bring the original certificate of completion to the clerk's office in Bristol when you apply.

The Liberty County Clerk also performs ceremonies by appointment. Call (850) 643-2215 to set up a ceremony time. Part of the license fee goes to state trust funds as set by the Florida legislature.

Waiting Period for Liberty County Marriage License

Florida residents face a three-day wait after getting a marriage license in Liberty County. The license is not valid until three days pass. This comes from Florida Statute 741.04 and applies in every county.

Take a four-hour premarital course to skip the wait. Both people must complete it from a registered provider. Bring the original certificate when you apply, and the license becomes valid right away. The fee also drops from $86 to $61. Out-of-state residents have no waiting period at all.

The license is valid for 60 days from the issue date. Under Florida Statute 741.041, the ceremony must happen in that window. The ceremony can be performed anywhere in the State of Florida, not just in Liberty County.

After the Wedding in Liberty County

The signed marriage license should be returned to the Liberty County Clerk within 10 days after the wedding. The officiant usually handles this step. The clerk records the document and sends a copy to the Florida Department of Health, Bureau of Vital Statistics. That state filing takes about 60 days.

Under Florida Statute 741.07, ordained ministers, judicial officers, clerks of the circuit court, and notaries public can all perform a marriage ceremony in Florida. The Liberty County Clerk is available for ceremonies as well, but you must call to schedule.

Copies of Liberty County Marriage Records

Get copies from the Liberty County Clerk's office in Bristol. The MyFloridaCounty official records portal lets you search for documents filed in Liberty County online. Contact the clerk for certified copies by phone or mail.

The Florida Department of Health also holds marriage certificates from June 1927 onward. Order through the Bureau of Vital Statistics or VitalChek.

Note: Marriages before June 1927 must be obtained from the county clerk where the license was originally issued.

Cities in Liberty County

Liberty County is one of Florida's least populated counties. Bristol is the county seat and the main community. Other small communities include Hosford, Telogia, and Sumatra. All Liberty County residents use the clerk's office in Bristol for marriage license services.

Nearby Counties

These counties border Liberty County. You can get a marriage license in any Florida county and use it statewide.