Martin County marriage license records are public files held by the Martin County Clerk of the Circuit Court in Stuart, Florida. The clerk’s office handles all new marriage license applications, stores the signed licenses after each wedding, and issues certified copies to anyone who needs them.
These records cover every legal marriage performed in the county, from cities like Stuart and Jensen Beach to smaller communities such as Hobe Sound, Palm City, and Indiantown. Anyone can look up past records, request a copy, or apply for a new license through this single county office under Florida law.
Martin County Clerk of Court and License Office
The Martin County Clerk of the Circuit Court runs all marriage license services from one main office in Stuart. This office is the only place in the county where couples can apply for a license, return a signed license, or order certified copies of older records. The clerk’s office works under Florida Statute 741.01, which gives the office full power to issue, record, and store every marriage license in the county.
Office Location and Hours
The clerk’s office sits at 100 East Ocean Boulevard in Stuart, Florida 34994. It is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The office closes on weekends and state holidays. Couples can walk in during open hours without an appointment. Calling ahead helps reduce wait time, especially during busy wedding season months.
Contact Details
Anyone with questions about marriage license records can call the clerk’s office at (772) 288-5576. The office website at martinclerk.com has forms, fee lists, and step-by-step instructions. Visitors can also send written requests by mail to the same Stuart address for older record lookups or certified copy orders.
Who Can Apply for a Marriage License in Martin County
Florida law sets clear rules for who can get a marriage license. Both people must show up at the clerk’s office together. The clerk cannot issue a license if either person sends a proxy or representative in their place.
Age Rules and Parental Consent
Both applicants must be at least 18 years old. Florida Statute 741.04 allows a 17-year-old to apply only with written consent from both parents or a legal guardian. The other person cannot be more than two years older when a minor is involved. Anyone under 17 cannot get a marriage license in Florida, no matter the reason. The clerk will check IDs to confirm age before any paperwork begins.
Required IDs and Documents
Each person must bring a valid photo ID. A driver’s license, state-issued ID card, or passport all work. A copy of a birth certificate can also serve as proof of age and identity. The clerk needs each person’s Social Security number, but the physical Social Security card is not required. If either person was married before, they must know the exact date the prior marriage ended. The clerk will ask how it ended: divorce, death, or annulment. A final divorce decree is not always needed, but having the date ready speeds up the visit.
| Document | Who Needs It | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Valid photo ID | Both applicants | Proves identity and age |
| Social Security number | Both applicants | State record keeping |
| Divorce decree or death record | If previously married | Shows prior marriage ended |
| Parental consent form | If 17 years old | Required by Florida law |
Martin County Marriage License Fees
Martin County follows the same fee rules as every other Florida county. The clerk collects the full payment at the time of application. No part of the fee is refunded once the license is issued.
Standard License Fee
A regular marriage license costs $86.00 in Martin County. State law sets this same fee across all 67 counties. Part of the fee goes to the Domestic Violence Trust Fund, and part goes to the State Courts Revenue Trust Fund. These splits are written into Florida law and cannot be changed by the county.
Discounted Fee With Premarital Course
Couples who complete a four-hour premarital preparation course from a registered provider pay only $61.00. This $25 reduction comes from Florida Statute 741.0305. Both people must finish the course for the discount to apply. The clerk needs the original course certificate at the time of application. Digital or photocopied certificates are not accepted.
Payment Methods
The clerk’s office accepts cash, checks, and credit cards. Credit card payments may include a small processing fee set by the payment vendor. Personal checks are accepted for the full amount only. The clerk cannot split payments between two different methods for one license.
Waiting Period and Validity Rules
Florida has set rules on how long couples must wait and how long a license stays valid. Martin County follows the same state rules as every other county.
The Three-Day Wait
Florida residents must wait three days after the license is issued before the wedding can take place. The wait starts the day after the license is issued. The license is not legally valid for a ceremony during this three-day window. Out-of-state residents do not have to wait, no matter where they plan to marry in Florida.
How to Skip the Wait
The three-day wait can be waived. Both people must complete a four-hour premarital course from a provider registered with the Martin County Clerk. The clerk keeps a list of approved course providers. Couples who finish the course and bring the original certificate to the clerk’s office get a license valid right away. This is the most common way couples in Stuart and surrounding areas get married the same day they apply.
License Validity Window
A marriage license from Martin County is valid for 60 days from the date of issue. The wedding must take place within this 60-day window. If no ceremony happens in that time, the license expires. Couples who let the license expire must apply again and pay another full fee. A license from any Florida county can be used for a wedding anywhere in the state.
The Application Process Step by Step
Getting a marriage license in Martin County follows a clear, step-by-step process. Couples who prepare before the visit usually finish in under an hour.
Before You Visit the Office
Couples should gather all required documents before driving to Stuart. Both people need a valid photo ID. The Social Security number for each person should be written down or memorized. If either person was married before, the exact end date of that marriage must be ready. Reading the Florida Bar Family Law Handbook before the visit is required. The clerk will ask if both applicants have read it. The handbook is free online in English, Spanish, and Creole.
At the Clerk’s Office
Both people must go to the office together. The clerk checks each ID, verifies the Social Security numbers, and asks the required questions. Each person signs the application in front of the clerk. The fee is paid at the counter. The clerk then prints the license. If the three-day wait is being waived, the original premarital course certificate is collected at this time.
After the License Is Issued
Couples who complete the premarital course get their license the same day. Others must wait three full days before the ceremony. The license is a legal document and should be kept safe until the wedding. The officiant will sign the license after the ceremony. The signed license must be returned to the Martin County Clerk’s office within 10 days of the wedding.
After the Wedding Ceremony
The signed marriage license must be sent back to the clerk’s office for recording. Until it is recorded, the marriage is not part of the official Florida records.
Returning the Signed License
The person who performed the ceremony usually returns the signed license to the clerk’s office. Most officiants handle this step as part of their service. The signed license must reach the Martin County Clerk within 10 days of the wedding date. After it is recorded, the clerk sends a copy to the Florida Department of Health in Jacksonville. The Department of Health keeps the state index of all Florida marriages starting June 6, 1927.
Who Can Officiate a Wedding in Martin County
Florida Statute 741.07 lists who has legal power to perform a marriage. The list includes ordained ministers, priests, rabbis, and other religious leaders. Judicial officers, clerks of the circuit court, and notaries public can also perform ceremonies. Retired judges may officiate as well. The couple should confirm their chosen officiant is legally allowed under Florida law before the wedding date.
Searching Old Marriage Records in Martin County
Martin County marriage records from past years can be looked up in several ways. The method depends on the age of the record and the level of detail needed.
Records Held by the County Clerk
The Martin County Clerk keeps all recorded marriage licenses for the county. Older records can be searched in person at the Stuart office. The clerk’s office staff can help visitors look up records by name and year. Copies of older records can be ordered from the same office for a small fee. Mail requests are accepted with a written letter, the names of both spouses, and the year of the marriage.
Florida Department of Health Records
The Florida Department of Health Bureau of Vital Statistics holds the statewide index of all Florida marriages since June 6, 1927. This office is the central archive for the entire state. Certified copies of marriage certificates can be ordered from this office. The state office can be reached online through the Florida Department of Health website or by mail at P.O. Box 210, Jacksonville, Florida 32231. The current fee for a certified copy is set by state rule.
Online Search Tools
The MyFloridaCounty official records portal connects to clerk records across all 67 Florida counties, including Martin County. Users can search the public records index by name, date range, and document type. The portal is open to the public and free to search. Printed copies from the portal cost a small fee per page. This tool covers recorded marriage licenses that have been filed back with the clerk. Records still held by officiants who have not returned them will not appear in the online index yet.
Ordering Certified Copies of Marriage Records
Certified copies of marriage records are often needed for name changes, insurance, immigration, and other legal matters. A certified copy has a raised seal or stamp and is accepted by all government agencies.
From the Martin County Clerk
Certified copies of Martin County marriage records can be ordered directly from the clerk’s office. The fee per certified copy is set by Florida statute and may change over time. Orders can be placed in person, by mail, or online through the clerk’s website. The office needs the full names of both spouses and the date of the marriage to locate the record. Most requests are processed within a few business days.
From the Florida Vital Records Office
The Florida Department of Health Bureau of Vital Statistics issues statewide certified copies of any Florida marriage certificate. The office accepts orders by mail, online, or in person at the Jacksonville location. The state office can help when the marriage happened in a different Florida county. The current fee and turnaround time are listed on the Florida Department of Health website. Credit cards, checks, and money orders are accepted for mail orders.
Marriage Records for Genealogy Research
Marriage records are a key source for family history researchers. Martin County records can help trace family lines back several generations.
Older Records and Archives
Records before 1927 may be held at the Martin County Clerk’s office or at the state archive in Tallahassee. Records before state recording began in 1927 can also appear in church books, newspaper archives, and local historical society files. The Martin County Genealogical Society holds collections of local family records that can help fill gaps when official records are missing. Many of these older records have been scanned and are available through the FamilySearch online archive.
Local Libraries and History Centers
The Martin County Library System and the Historical Society of Martin County have local history collections. These include yearbooks, church records, and old newspaper clippings. Researchers can visit the main library in Stuart or the Blake Library to look through these files. Library staff can also help connect researchers to online tools like Ancestry.com and Fold3, which often have indexed Florida marriage records.
Florida Marriage Records by County
Florida couples can apply for a marriage license in any county. The license is then valid for a wedding anywhere in the state. Here is a quick look at how Martin County compares to other large Florida counties:
| County | Seat | License Fee | Waiting Period |
|---|---|---|---|
| Martin County | Stuart | $86 / $61 with course | 3 days (waivable) |
| Palm Beach County | West Palm Beach | $86 / $61 with course | 3 days (waivable) |
| St. Lucie County | Fort Pierce | $86 / $61 with course | 3 days (waivable) |
| Orange County | Orlando | $86 / $61 with course | 3 days (waivable) |
| Miami-Dade County | Miami | $86 / $61 with course | 3 days (waivable) |
| Hillsborough County | Tampa | $86 / $61 with course | 3 days (waivable) |
| Duval County | Jacksonville | $86 / $61 with course | 3 days (waivable) |
| Broward County | Fort Lauderdale | $86 / $61 with course | 3 days (waivable) |
| Pinellas County | Clearwater | $86 / $61 with course | 3 days (waivable) |
Martin County shares a border with St. Lucie County to the north, Palm Beach County to the south, and Okeechobee County to the west. Couples from any of these areas can apply in Stuart, just as Martin County residents can apply in any other Florida county.
Contact Details for the Martin County Clerk
For all marriage license and marriage record questions, the Martin County Clerk of the Circuit Court is the main point of contact. Below are the key details for the office.
Address: 100 East Ocean Boulevard, Stuart, Florida 34994. Phone: (772) 288-5576. Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Official website: martinclerk.com. Mail orders for older records and certified copies can be sent to the same Stuart address with a written request, the names of both spouses, and the year of the marriage.
Common Questions About Martin County Marriage Records
People often have specific questions about marriage records, search steps, and fees. The answers below cover the most common questions about Martin County marriage license records and statewide Florida records. Each answer gives clear facts based on Florida law and current office rules.
How do I look up a marriage record in Martin County for free?
The MyFloridaCounty official records portal allows free searches of recorded documents across all Florida counties, including Martin County. Users enter the name of one or both spouses and a year range to find recorded licenses. The search shows basic record data at no cost. Printed or certified copies from the portal require a small fee. Records not yet returned by the officiant will not appear in this index.
Can I get a certified copy of a Martin County marriage record online?
Yes. Certified copies of Martin County marriage records can be ordered online through the Martin County Clerk’s official website at martinclerk.com. Orders can also be placed with the Florida Department of Health Bureau of Vital Statistics. Online orders through the state office are processed by mail and usually arrive within two to three weeks. Rush service may be available for an extra fee.
What is the difference between a marriage license and a marriage certificate?
A marriage license is the document the couple gets before the wedding. It gives legal permission to marry. A marriage certificate is the official record created after the wedding once the signed license is returned and recorded. The certificate is the proof that a marriage took place. Insurance companies, courts, and government agencies usually ask for the certificate, not the license.
How long does the Martin County Clerk keep old marriage records?
The Martin County Clerk keeps all marriage records filed in the county. Records from 1927 onward are also held by the Florida Department of Health in Jacksonville. Older records from before 1927 may be stored in county archives or at the State Library and Archives in Tallahassee. These records are kept permanently and never destroyed.
Can non-U.S. citizens apply for a marriage license in Martin County?
Yes. Florida does not require U.S. citizenship to apply for a marriage license. Non-citizens need a valid passport or other government-issued photo ID. A Social Security number is requested, but those without one may still apply. The clerk can explain options for applicants without a Social Security number at the time of visit.
Are Martin County marriage records available to the public?
Yes. Florida marriage records are public records under state law. Anyone can search, view, and order copies of Martin County marriage records. The public can search by name at the clerk’s office, through the MyFloridaCounty portal, or by mail request. Certified copies are available for a fee to anyone who asks, not just the people named on the record.
What if a signed license was never returned to the clerk?
If a signed license was never returned, the marriage may not be recorded in the official state index. Couples in this case should contact the officiant first. If the officiant cannot be reached, the couple can contact the Martin County Clerk’s office. A new license may need to be issued, and the original license voided, before a corrected version can be filed.