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Marriage License Bureau - Frequently Asked Questions
Application Information Marriage License Home
  1. Who may apply for a Marriage License?

  2. If either party is a minor, is the consent of both parents required?

  3. Is there a waiting period prior for issuance of a Marriage License?

  4. What does the State of Florida new Marriage Laws, as per F.S. 741.01 require?

  5. Are any medical exams required in order to apply for a Marriage License?

  6. How much does it cost to get a certified copy of my Marriage License?

  7. Who can provide Premarital Courses?

  8. If I need any further information in reference to the recent changes in the Marriage Laws in the State of Florida what can I do?

  9. Can I have a marriage ceremony without a Marriage License?

  10. Where can I apply for a Marriage License in Miami-Dade County, and what are the office hours and days of operation?

  11. What is the fee for a Marriage License?

  12. Once a Marriage License is issued, how long is it valid for?

  13. Who may perform my marriage ceremony?

  14. After my marriage ceremony, when and who should return the Marriage License to the Clerk's Office?

  15. I do not have a marriage ceremony planned, can I be married at the Clerk's Office?

  16. Can I make an appointment for my marriage ceremony?

  17. How can I get a certified copy of my Marriage License?

  18. I need special accommodations, what do I need to do?

  19. I was previously married, what do I need in order to have a Marriage License issued?


1. Who may apply for a Marriage License?

Any resident or non-resident may apply.

2. If either party is a minor, is the consent of both parents required?

  • Yes, if either party is a minor the consent of both parents is required, unless the parents are divorced and one parent has full custody of the minor. In this case, proof of the custody must be presented and only the consent of the custodial parent shall be required in writing.


  • A birth certificate must be provided which indicates the minor applicant's parents names.


  • Identification will be required from the parents as well as the applicants at the time of application.
3. Is there a waiting period prior for issuance of a Marriage License?

  • Yes, there is a three (3) day waiting period for those Florida residents who opt not to take the (4 hour minimum) Premarital Course (you will receive your marriage license on the day you apply, but it will not become effective until after the three days, the effective date is always indicated on the marriage license next to the expiration date). As described by F.S. 741.01 which became effective on January 4, 1999.


  • This does not apply to non-Florida residents.
4. What does the State of Florida new Marriage Laws, as per F.S. 741.01 require?

The State of Florida new Marriage Law, (F.S. 741.01) which became effective on January 4, 1999, requires all Florida residents applying for a Marriage License, to take a four(4) hour Premarital Course or wait three (3) days as of the date the Marriage License is issued in order for it to be effective.

5. Are any medical examinations required in order to apply for a Marriage License?

No. There are no medical exams or blood tests required in order to apply for a Marriage License. The law requiring these tests was abolished on October 1st, 1986.

6. How much does it cost to get a certified copy of my Marriage License?

Visit the fee schedule for a complete list of our current fees.

7. Who can provide Premarital Courses?

The following is a list of qualified Premarital Course providers:
  • A psychologist licensed under chapter F.S. 490; or
  • A clinical social worker licensed under F.S. 491; or
  • A marriage and family therapist licensed under F.S. 491; or
  • A mental health counselor licensed under F.S. 491; or
  • An official representative of a religious institution which is recognized under F.S. 496.404(201), with relevant training.
Visit our Premarital Course Provider Search to locate a register premarital course provider near you.

8. If I need any further information in reference to the recent changes in the Marriage Laws in the State of Florida what can I do?

Please call the Marriage License Bureau at: (305) 375-3019

9. Can I have a marriage ceremony without a Marriage License?

No, Section 741.08 F.S. states that the party performing the marriage ceremony shall require a properly issued license before performing the ceremony.

10. Where can I apply for a Marriage License in Miami-Dade County and what are the office hours and days of operation?

You can apply for a Marriage License in Miami-Dade County at any of the following locations, Monday to Friday during the hours of 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM.

Caleb District Court
5400 NW 22nd Ave., Suite 205
Miami, Florida 33142
Telephone: (305) 275-1155
Coral Gables District Court
3100 Ponce de Leon Blvd., Suite 100
Coral Gables, Florida 33134
Telephone: (305) 275-1155

Hialeah District Court
11 E. 6th Street
Hialeah, Florida 33010
Telephone: (305) 275-1155
Miami Beach District Court
1130 Washington Ave. Room 200
Miami Beach, Florida 33139
Telephone: (305) 275-1155

Marriage License Bureau
140 West Flagler Street, Suite 1503
Miami, Florida 33130
Tel.: (305) 275-1155
North Dade Justice Center
15555 Biscayne Blvd., Suite 100
Miami, Florida 33160
Telephone: (305) 275-1155

South Dade Justice Center
10710 SW 211th St., Suite 1200
Miami, Florida 33189
Telephone: (305) 275-1155
Sweetwater Sub-Office*
500 SW 109th Ave. 3rd. Floor
Miami, Florida 33142
Telephone: (305) 275-1155

*Copies only. No licenses or ceremonies are issued at Sweetwater.

In order to speed up the process, please fill our online pre-application, print it and bring it with you to one of the offices listed above for the application process to be completed.

11. What is the Fee for a Marriage License?

Visit the fee schedule for a complete list of our current fees. Payment is accepted in cash, cashier's check, money order, Visa or MasterCard. Personal checks are not accepted.

12. Once a Marriage License is issued, how long is it valid for?

A Marriage License is valid for sixty days from the date it was issued. The marriage must be solemnized within that time.

13. Who may perform my marriage ceremony?

Your marriage ceremony may be performed by any of the following:
  • Any ordained minister, priest, rabbi or other ordained clergy;
  • All judicial officers (Judges) of the State of Florida;
  • Clerks of the Circuit Court and their deputies of the State of Florida, while performing their duties; and
  • Public Notaries of the State of Florida.
14. After my marriage ceremony, when and who should return the Marriage License to the Clerk's Office?

A Marriage License should be returned to the Marriage License Bureau by the party who performed the wedding ceremony.

15. I do not have a marriage ceremony planned, can I be married at the Clerk's Office?
  • If you would like, the Miami-Dade County Clerk's Office can perform your marriage ceremony. A brief civil ceremony can be performed at any of the Marriage License Offices. A small room has been designated as a Marriage Room and decorated by the clerks at each location for the purpose of holding marriage ceremonies. You may wish to bring family and friends, as well as flowers and a photographer or a camera.

  • Visit the fee schedule for a list of our marriage ceremonial service fees.

16. Can I make an appointment for my marriage ceremony?

To schedule a marriage ceremony you may inquire at the time of application.

17. How can I get a certified copy of my Marriage License?

  • The Certified Copy of a Marriage License, also known as Certificate of Marriage can be obtained in writing or in person. Certified Copies for Marriage Licenses issued after November, 1995 can now be requested online.


  • To request a Certificate of Marriage in writing you must send a letter with the groom's name, the bride's maiden name and the date of the marriage along with a check, money order or certified check payable to: Miami-Dade County Clerk in the amount of the appropriate fees (described below) along with a self-addressed stamped envelope to: Marriage License Bureau Metro-Dade Flagler Building; 140 W Flagler Street, Suite 1503; Miami, Florida 33130.


  • To request a Certificate of Marriage in person you must go in person to the Marriage License Bureau or any of the District Court Offices which provide Marriage License services. You must provide them with the information indicated above and the appropriate fees (described below).


  • Certified Copies for Marriage Licenses issued after November, 1995 can now be requested online. After performing a search for your Marriage License you can order up to 9 copies of your Certificate of Marriage.
18. I need special accommodations what do I need to do?

As per the AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT OF 1990: Anyone needing a special accommodation to access these services should contact the Clerk's ADA Coordinator at (305) 375-2006 (voice). TDD users may call (305) 375-2007 (voice) or (305) 375-6205 (fax) or the Florida Relay Service at (800) 955-8771. If you need any further information please call (305) 275-1155

19. I was previously married, what do I need in order to have a Marriage License issued?

If either or both of you were previously married, you will be required to provide the date when the last marriage ended, whether by divorce, annulment or death.

http://www.miamidade.gov/
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