Florida Marriage Licenses 101: Timelines, Costs, and that Tricky 3-Day Rule
The "Paper" Before the Party
You have the ring. You have the venue. You have the partner. But before you can pop the champagne, you need to deal with the Broward County Clerk of Court.
It’s not the most romantic part of wedding planning, but it is legally the most important. Without a valid Florida Marriage License, your beautiful beach ceremony is just a really nice party.
At Wilton Vida Ceremonies, we get asked about the legal side of things constantly. “Can we get the license on the same day?” “Do we both need to be there?”
Here is your step-by-step guide to navigating the bureaucracy so you can focus on the fun stuff.
1. Where do we go? (And do we have to go together?)
In Broward County (and all of Florida), you must apply for your license through the Clerk of the Circuit Court.
Yes, you must go together. Both parties must be present to sign the application under oath.
You can start online. Broward County allows you to fill out the "E-Marriage Application" online beforehand to save time, but you still have to go to the courthouse (or a satellite office) in person to finish the process.
2. What do we bring?
Pack light, but pack smart. You need:
Valid Photo ID: Driver’s license, passport, or state ID.
Social Security Number: You don't necessarily need the physical card, but you must know the number.
Divorce Dates: If either of you has been married before, you must provide the exact date your last marriage ended. (If it was within the last 30 days, bring the certified divorce decree just to be safe).
Florida Marriage Licenses
The must-knows before saying “I Do”
3. The Big One: The 3-Day Waiting Period
This is where most couples get tripped up. Florida has a mandatory 3-day waiting period for Florida residents.
If you are a Florida Resident: When you get your license on Monday, it is not valid until Thursday. You cannot get married the same day you get the license.
The Loophole: You can skip the 3-day wait if you complete a licensed Pre-Marital Course (4 hours) from a registered provider. (Bonus: This also lowers the license fee!)
If you are NOT a Florida Resident: Good news! There is no waiting period for you. You can walk into the courthouse at 9:00 AM, get your license, and get married on the beach at 10:00 AM. This makes Florida perfect for destination weddings.
4. What does it cost?
Fees are subject to change by the county, but generally, here is what to expect in Broward:
Standard Fee: Approx. $86.00.
Discounted Fee: Approx. $61.00 (If you are Florida residents who took the Pre-Marital Course).
5. The Timeline: The "60-Day" Rule
Once the Clerk hands you that license, the clock starts ticking.
Validity: The license is good for 60 days.
The Strategy: Don't get it 3 months early—it will expire. But don't wait until the day before (especially if you are a resident subject to the waiting period). We recommend getting it about 2–3 weeks before the wedding.
6. The Final Step: The Ceremony
You have the license in hand. Now what? You need an Officiant. (That’s us!)
You cannot just sign the paper yourselves. You need a Notary Public, Ordained Minister, or Judicial Officer to solemnize the marriage.
Bring the license to the wedding. (Do not forget it at the hotel!)
We perform the ceremony.
We sign and notarize the license.
We return it to the Clerk. (Wilton Vida handles the mailing for you to ensure it gets recorded safely).
Need an Officiant?
Now that you know how to get the paper, you need someone to make it meaningful. Whether you want a quick "sign-and-go" or a fully personalized ceremony, we are here to make it official.
Book Your Ceremony Officiant with Wilton Vida today.