In order to get married, you need to apply and receive a marriage license. This is the document in your state that allows you to officially tie the knot under the law. The rules for acquiring your marriage license varies from state to state, so you should check with your city's marriage bureau at your clerk of court's office to find out what your local rules are.
You'll typically need to apply for your marriage license at least one month before your wedding ceremony. You'll traditionally need to send in your birth certificates, tax information, and other official documents. You don't, however, want to apply for your marriage license too early. In some states, the licenses do expire, if you don't get married within a few months.
When you apply for your license, you'll not only need a proof of identification and age, will need to provide any information about previous marriages, and will need to pay a nominal fee. You will also need to have a witness when you sign the application, so plan on bringing your maid of honor or best man with you. The bride will need to know what her married name will be before she signs the marriage certificate. You'll have to write that name on the application.
And, believe it or not, just because you have your marriage license sent to you in the mail does not mean you are officially married. You need to have a justice of the peace or a religious clergyman sign the document. On your wedding day, you'll give your chaplain your marriage license, then after the ceremony, he'll sign it and send it to the proper government agency for validation.
It is important that you verify all information with your local marriage license office or county clerk before making any wedding or travel plans.If you are getting married in the State of Florida, and are not a resident of Florida, you can obtain your Florida marriage license by mail!
Orange County Marriage License Office
Orange Recording Department
425 North Orange Ave.
Room 355
Orlando, FL 32801
(407) 836-2067
8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. / M - F
Closed for holidays Observed by Orange County
How to get a Marriage License in Orange County
ID Requirement in Orange County:
Orange County requires that you have picture ID such as a driver's license and your Social Security card or a valid passport number or I-94 card. You may be asked for a certified copy of your birth certificate.
Previous Marriages:
If you have been previously married, the date of your divorce or date of your spouse's death must be supplied. If the divorce or spouse's death occurred within the past 30 days, a certified copy of the divorce decree or death certificate is required.
Waiting Period:
There is no waiting period for Orange County residents who have both completed a state sanctioned marriage preparation course within the last 12 months. There is a three-day waiting period for Florida residents who have not taken the course.
Fees:
$93.50. Many locales do accept credit cards now, but be sure to check with the local county recorder or clerk to make sure.
Marriage Preparation Course:
Effective January, 1999, Orange County couples will have to consider the consequences of divorce before they can get married. Prospective brides and grooms are now required to read a small booklet which describes situations such as how a court would divide their assets and information about child support payments. The good side of all this is that licenses will be available for less than $93.50 if a couple attends a four-hour course to improve communication, financial and parenting skills before marriage. Court Clerks are allowed by law to waive the three-day waiting period in the event of a "hardship" case.
Other Tests:
None.
Proxy Marriages:
No.
Cousin Marriages:
Yes.
Common Law Marriages:
No.
Same Sex Marriages:
No.
Under 18:
If an individual is under 18 years of age, but older than 16 years of age, a marriage license can be obtained with parental consent. If a parent has sole custody or the other parent is dead, the permission of one parent is sufficient. If a person is under the age of 16, the marriage license has to be issued by a county judge, with or without parental permission. If a minor's parents are both deceased and there is not an appointed guardian, he/she may apply for a marriage license. A minor who has been previously married may also apply for a license. A minor who swears that they have a child or are expecting a baby, can apply for a license if the pregnancy has been verified by a written statement from a licensed physician. A county court judge may at his/her discretion issue or not issue a license for them to marry.
Officiants:
Any ordained or licensed clergy, notary publics, and justices of the peace.
Miscellaneous:
License is valid for sixty (60) days.
Copy of Certificate of Marriage:
Department of Children and Families
Division of Vital Statistics
P. O. Box 210
Jacksonville, FL 32231-0042
904-359-6955
PLEASE NOTE:
State and county marriage license requirements often change. The above information is for guidance only and should not be regarded as legal advice.
Orange County Recorder
Orlando, FL
407.836.2065
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