Planning your Palm Beach wedding? Before you say “I do” with your toes in the sand, under the palms, or at one of our gorgeous local venues, there’s one very important thing you can’t forget: your marriage license!
Whether you’re a Palm Beach County local or planning a destination wedding in our little slice of paradise, getting your marriage license is pretty straightforward. Here’s everything you need to know about how to get a marriage license in Palm Beach County, including what you’ll need, how much it costs, Florida’s waiting period, and what happens after the wedding.
1. How Do You Apply for a Marriage License in Palm Beach County?
First things first! You’ll start the process by entering the required information for both of you through the Palm Beach County Clerk of the Circuit Court & Comptroller’s online Marriage & Domestic Partnership Kiosk.
You’ll also need to confirm that you’ve both read the Florida Family Law Handbook.
Once you’ve completed the online portion, you can make an appointment to finish the marriage license process at one of the Clerk’s office locations in Palm Beach County.
Good to know: Some couples who are unable to appear in person may qualify to complete the entire marriage license process online. There are additional requirements and fees, so check with the Clerk to see if this option works for you.
2. What Do You Need to Get a Marriage License in Palm Beach County?
You definitely don’t want to show up for your appointment only to realize you left something important at home!
Both of you will need valid identification. Accepted forms of ID include:
- Driver’s license
- Federal or state identification card
- Passport showing your name and date of birth
If either of you has been married before, you’ll also need to know the exact date the previous marriage ended and whether it ended through divorce, death, annulment, or another circumstance. The Palm Beach County Clerk currently does not require documentation proving how the previous marriage ended.
And no, you don’t need a blood test! Florida does not require one to get a marriage license.
3. Do Both People Need to Be There to Get a Marriage License?
Yes. Both of you need to participate in the marriage license application process and provide the required identification.
If appearing in person isn’t possible, the Palm Beach County Clerk does offer an online marriage license option for some couples. Additional requirements and fees apply.
4. Should You Take a Premarital Course?
Here’s one decision that can actually save you time AND money!
Florida couples who complete an approved premarital preparation course can receive a discount on their marriage license and skip Florida’s three-day waiting period.
Both of you must complete the course, and you’ll need to provide your certificate of completion when applying for your marriage license.
5. How Much Does a Marriage License Cost in Palm Beach County?
A standard Palm Beach County marriage license currently costs $86.
If both of you complete an approved premarital preparation course, the fee drops to $61.
Couples who qualify to complete the marriage license process entirely online will also pay an additional online notary fee.
Fees and requirements can change, so it’s always a good idea to double-check the current information with the Palm Beach County Clerk before your appointment.
6. Is There a Waiting Period to Get Married in Florida?
If one or both of you are Florida residents, there is generally a three-day waiting period before your marriage license becomes valid.
But remember that premarital course we just mentioned? If you both complete an approved course and provide your certificate, the three-day waiting period can be waived.
Planning a destination wedding? If both of you are non-Florida residents and present valid out-of-state identification, the three-day waiting period doesn’t apply. That’s one less thing to worry about when you’re planning your Palm Beach wedding from out of town!
7. How Long Is a Florida Marriage License Valid?
Once your marriage license is issued, it’s valid for 60 days. That means your wedding ceremony needs to happen within that 60-day window.
And here’s something that’s especially helpful for destination couples: a marriage license issued in Palm Beach County can be used anywhere in the state of Florida.
So while we’d obviously love for you to get married right here in Palm Beach County, your license doesn’t require it. 😉
8. Say “I Do!”
You have the license, you’ve survived the planning, and now it’s finally time for the fun part!
Your wedding ceremony must be performed by someone authorized to solemnize marriages under Florida law. After you say “I do,” your officiant will complete and sign the marriage license.
The completed license then needs to be returned to the Palm Beach County Clerk’s office so your marriage can officially be recorded.
9. What Happens to Your Marriage License After the Wedding?
Once your completed marriage license has been returned and recorded, the Palm Beach County Clerk mails a certified copy to you.
Hang onto it! You’ll typically need that certified copy if you’re changing your name with the Social Security Administration, DMV, banks, employer, credit cards, and other accounts.
And if you need more than one, additional certified copies can be ordered through the Clerk.
10. Can You Get Married at the Palm Beach County Courthouse?
Yes! If a big Palm Beach wedding isn’t your thing, the Palm Beach County Clerk’s office also performs marriage ceremonies by appointment.
This can be a great option for couples planning a courthouse wedding, an intimate ceremony, or even those who want to take care of the legal part before celebrating with everyone later.
Now Let’s Plan That Palm Beach Wedding!
Getting your marriage license may not be the most exciting thing on your wedding planning checklist, but thankfully, it’s a pretty easy one to cross off!
Then you can get back to the fun stuff….finding your perfect Palm Beach County wedding venue, choosing your photographer, obsessing over your flowers, and putting together all those little details that will make your wedding feel like YOU.
And that’s where we come in! Married in Palm Beach is dedicated exclusively to Palm Beach County weddings, so we’ve got everything you need to plan an amazing wedding right here in our little slice of paradise.
