Boynton Beach City marriage license records are official files that prove a couple was legally married in or near Boynton Beach, Florida. These records are kept by the Palm Beach County Clerk and Comptroller and the Florida Department of Health.
People search these records for many reasons. Some need a certified copy for a name change. Others want to check if a past marriage is on file. Genealogists use them to trace family trees. This page explains how the records work, who can get them, and the steps to order a copy in 2026.
How Boynton Beach Marriage Licenses Work
Marriage licenses in Boynton Beach are handled at the county level, not the city level. The Palm Beach County Clerk and Comptroller is the main office that issues licenses and keeps records for the whole county. Boynton Beach is one of many cities inside Palm Beach County, so all marriage records for couples who got their license here are stored in the county system.
Where Licenses Are Issued
The main Palm Beach County Clerk office sits at 205 N. Dixie Highway in West Palm Beach, about 15 miles north of Boynton Beach. The drive usually takes 20 to 30 minutes on I-95. Several branch offices across the county also process license applications. Call (561) 355-2996 before visiting to confirm which branch near Boynton Beach handles licenses on the day you plan to go.
State Law Behind the License
Florida Statute 741.01 says the clerk of the circuit court in each county has the power to issue marriage licenses. Florida Statute 741.04 sets the rules for who can apply, what papers are needed, and when the license is valid. State law controls the process, but each county clerk runs the daily office work. The clerk also reports the marriage to the Florida Department of Health for the statewide vital record system.
Who Can Apply for a Marriage License
Any adult couple can apply for a marriage license in Palm Beach County. There is no rule that says you must live in Florida or in Boynton Beach. Tourists, seasonal residents, and out-of-state couples can all apply. Both people must show up in person at the clerk’s office. The clerk will not accept an application from just one person standing at the counter.
Age Requirements
Florida law says both people must be at least 18 years old to marry without special permission. A 17-year-old can apply with parental consent, but only if the other person is no more than two years older. Anyone under 17 needs a court order. The clerk will ask for proof of age, usually a birth certificate or passport, when a young person applies. The age rule protects minors from forced or rushed marriages.
ID and Paperwork Needed
Both applicants need a valid photo ID. A driver’s license, state-issued ID, passport, or military ID all work. You also need to know your Social Security number, but you do not need to bring the card. If either person was married before, the clerk will ask for the exact date the prior marriage ended. The clerk also needs to know how the prior marriage ended, such as divorce, death, or annulment.
Prior Marriage Details
Florida does not require a copy of the divorce decree to apply for a new marriage license. The clerk only needs the date the prior marriage legally ended. If the prior spouse passed away, the clerk needs the date of death. Be ready to share this at the counter, because the clerk will type it into the application. The clerk may also ask for the city and state where the prior marriage license was filed.
Costs, Fees, and the Waiting Period
The marriage license fee in Palm Beach County is $86. This fee is set by Florida law and is the same at every clerk office in the state. The fee pays for the license itself and supports state programs, including a Domestic Violence Trust Fund and a State Courts Revenue Trust Fund. Other small fees may apply for certified copies and civil ceremonies at the courthouse.
License Fee Breakdown
The table below shows the main costs tied to a Boynton Beach marriage license through the Palm Beach County Clerk. The premarital course discount applies only when both partners finish an approved four-hour class and bring their certificates to the clerk.
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Standard marriage license fee | $86 |
| License fee after premarital course | $61 |
| Savings from premarital course | $25 |
| Courthouse civil ceremony | $30 |
| Certified copy of marriage certificate | $3 to $10 each |
Most clerk offices take cash and credit cards. Some take checks. Call ahead to confirm payment options at the location you plan to visit. Card transactions may add a small service charge.
Waiting Period Rules
Florida residents must wait three calendar days after the clerk issues the license before the wedding can happen. So if you apply on Monday, the earliest you can marry is Thursday. The three days count calendar days, not business days. Weekends and holidays still count toward the three-day wait. Once the wait ends, the license is valid for 60 days from the issue date.
How to Skip the Wait
Out-of-state and out-of-country couples skip the three-day wait completely. Florida residents can skip the wait by completing a four-hour premarital preparation course from a Florida-approved provider. The course also drops the license fee from $86 to $61, a $25 savings. Both people must bring a certificate of completion when they apply. The course is open to all couples, married before or not.
How to Search Boynton Beach Marriage Records
Existing marriage records for couples who got their license in Palm Beach County can be searched online and in person. The Palm Beach County Clerk keeps an online search tool for public records. The Florida Department of Health keeps statewide marriage records from June 6, 1927 to the present day. Both systems let you look up basic facts, including the names of the spouses, the marriage date, and the license number.
Palm Beach County Clerk Online Search
The Palm Beach County Clerk website at mypalmbeachclerk.com has a records search tool. You can look up a marriage record by name, date, or case number. The search shows basic facts like the names of the couple, the marriage date, and the license number. Certified copies can be ordered from the same site for an extra fee. The search covers all marriages filed in Palm Beach County, including Boynton Beach couples.
Florida Department of Health Records
The Florida Department of Health runs the Office of Vital Statistics. This office holds marriage records statewide from June 6, 1927 to today. You can order a certified copy online, by mail, or in person at the state office. Records before 1927 are not on file with the state. For older records, the county probate court or historical archives may have the original file.
VitalChek and Third-Party Services
VitalChek is a private company that works with the Florida Department of Health to process vital record orders. You can place an order through the VitalChek website at any time. The service charges an extra processing fee on top of the state’s certified copy fee. This is a fast option for people who need a certified copy quickly and cannot visit the clerk’s office in person. Rush shipping is also available for an extra fee.
MyFloridaCounty Portal
MyFloridaCounty.com is the official records portal for all 67 Florida counties. The site links to each county’s official records search. For Palm Beach County marriage records, the portal takes you to the same online search tool on the clerk’s website. The portal is helpful when you do not know which county holds the record. Each county in Florida runs its own search, so the steps and fees may vary across the state.
Ordering a Certified Marriage Certificate
A certified marriage certificate is an official copy of the marriage record with a raised or stamped seal from the issuing office. Banks, insurance companies, Social Security, and federal agencies usually need a certified copy. The Palm Beach County Clerk and the Florida Department of Health both can issue certified copies of marriage records. Only certain people on the official list can order a certified copy, not the general public.
In-Person Requests
Walk into the Palm Beach County Clerk’s main office at 205 N. Dixie Highway in West Palm Beach, or visit a branch near Boynton Beach. Bring a photo ID and the facts you know about the marriage: full names of both spouses, the marriage date, and the license number if you have it. Same-day certified copies are often available at the counter, sometimes within an hour. The clerk will check your ID against the record before releasing the copy.
Online and Mail Requests
You can order a certified copy online through the Palm Beach County Clerk website, the Florida Department of Health website, or VitalChek. Mail requests are also accepted. Send a signed application form, a copy of your ID, and payment by check or money order. Mail orders usually take 5 to 10 business days to arrive, depending on the office’s workload. Online orders through the state often process within 3 to 5 business days.
Required ID for Certified Copies
Only certain people can order a certified copy of a marriage record. The list usually includes the person named on the record, a spouse, an adult child, a parent, a legal guardian, or a person with a court order. You must show a valid photo ID that matches the name on the request. This rule protects personal data under Florida public records law. If you are not on the list, you can still order an uncertified copy in some cases.
Historical and Genealogical Records
Marriage records are a top source for family history research. They show full names, ages, parents’ names, and the date and place of the marriage. Genealogists use these facts to link generations and confirm family lines. Florida marriage records go back to 1927 at the state level, but many counties have older records in their local archives. Palm Beach County itself was created in 1909, so most records for Boynton Beach before that date are filed in Dade County.
Records Before 1927
Florida did not keep marriage records at the state level before June 6, 1927. Older records, if they exist, are usually held by the county probate court where the marriage license was issued. Some early records are also in church books, newspaper archives, and family Bibles. For Boynton Beach marriages before 1927, check the Palm Beach County Historical Society and the State Archives of Florida in Tallahassee. Many of these older records have been scanned and posted online.
Using Records for Family Research
Start with the Palm Beach County Clerk online search. If the marriage is not there, try the Florida Department of Health statewide index. For older research, the State Archives of Florida in Tallahassee has a large collection of historical vital records. Online genealogy sites like FamilySearch and Ancestry may also have scanned copies of Palm Beach County marriage books. The Boynton Beach City Library also has local history resources and may have obituaries or wedding announcements that confirm the date.
Common Questions About Boynton Beach Records
Many people have similar questions when they need Boynton Beach marriage records. Below are clear answers to the most common ones. These cover public access rules, timelines, and what to do when a record is hard to locate. The answers are based on current Florida law and Palm Beach County Clerk policies as of 2026.
Are Boynton Beach marriage records public?
Yes, marriage records in Florida are public records under state law. Anyone can search the index and see basic facts like names, dates, and the license number. Certified copies, on the other hand, are restricted. Only people on the official list, such as the spouses or their adult children, can order a sealed or certified copy with a raised seal. The clerk checks your ID before releasing a certified copy at the counter or by mail.
How long does it take to get a certified copy?
In-person requests at the Palm Beach County Clerk are often completed the same day, sometimes within an hour. Online orders through the clerk or the Florida Department of Health usually take 3 to 5 business days to process. Mail requests can take 2 to 4 weeks. VitalChek offers rush shipping for an extra fee, often 1 to 3 business days after processing. Processing time may be longer during peak wedding season in spring and fall.
Can I search by name?
Yes. The Palm Beach County Clerk online search lets you look up records by last name, first name, or both. The Florida Department of Health statewide index also supports name searches. If the marriage was recent, you will likely see a match. Older records, especially from before 1980, may need a date range to narrow the search. Spelling variations and name changes can also affect results, so try alternate spellings.
What if the marriage happened years ago?
Older marriages are still on file, but they may not show up in every online search. Start with the Palm Beach County Clerk. If that does not work, try the Florida Department of Health. For marriages before 1927, contact the Palm Beach County Historical Society or the State Archives of Florida. Church records can also help for very old marriages. The Boynton Beach City Library has a local history room with newspaper and obituary records.
Is there a fee to search the index?
Basic online searches of the Palm Beach County Clerk index are free. You only pay when you order a certified copy. VitalChek and similar services charge a small processing fee in addition to the certified copy fee. Mail requests also charge a fee that covers the search, the copy, and return postage. The fee schedule is on the clerk’s website, and prices are set by Florida statute and county policy.
Office Contact and Location
For marriage license applications, certified copies, and record searches in Boynton Beach, the Palm Beach County Clerk and Comptroller is the main office to contact. Below is the contact and location data for the main office and the state vital records office. Always call ahead before visiting to confirm hours, accepted payment methods, and the documents you need to bring.
Palm Beach County Clerk and Comptroller
Main Office: 205 N. Dixie Highway, West Palm Beach, FL 33401
Phone: (561) 355-2996
Website: mypalmbeachclerk.com
Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. (closed weekends and state holidays)
Florida Department of Health, Office of Vital Statistics
Address: 1217 N. Pearl Street, Jacksonville, FL 32202
Phone: (904) 359-6900
Website: floridahealth.gov/certificates-records
Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (closed weekends and state holidays)
Map – Palm Beach County Clerk Main Office
Frequently Asked Questions
Below are answers to specific questions people ask about Boynton Beach City marriage license records. These cover the most common record requests, legal issues, and steps that come up when searching for or ordering marriage records in Palm Beach County. Each answer gives the facts you need to take the next step quickly without wasting time or money on the wrong office or website.
How do I check if a marriage is on file in Boynton Beach?
Use the Palm Beach County Clerk online records search at mypalmbeachclerk.com. Enter the full name of either spouse, the approximate marriage date, and the search will return matching records. The search covers all marriages filed in Palm Beach County, including those from Boynton Beach. If you do not see a match, expand the date range or try a different spelling of the name. The Florida Department of Health also has a statewide index at floridahealth.gov for marriages from 1927 to today.
Can I get a Boynton Beach marriage record the same day?
Yes, in most cases. Walk into the Palm Beach County Clerk’s main office in West Palm Beach with a photo ID and the marriage facts. The counter staff can issue a certified copy while you wait, usually within 30 minutes. Branch offices may also handle same-day requests, but call ahead to confirm. Mail and online orders take longer, often 3 to 10 business days. Same-day service is not available for mail or online requests, even with rush fees.
What if I do not know the exact marriage date?
An approximate date works for most searches. The Palm Beach County Clerk index lets you search by year range. The Florida Department of Health statewide search also supports year ranges. If you only have a rough idea, such as “around 1995,” try searching a two-year window first, then expand if needed. Church records, family Bibles, and newspaper archives can help narrow the date when nothing else does. Obituaries often list the marriage date and spouse’s name.
Do I need to be a Florida resident to order a record?
No. Anyone can order a Florida marriage record, including people who live in other states or countries. The only rule is that you must be on the list of people allowed to receive a certified copy. The list includes the spouses, their adult children, parents, legal guardians, and people with a court order. A valid photo ID is required at the time of pickup or with the mail request. Out-of-state applicants can also use VitalChek for online orders.
Can a marriage record be removed or sealed?
Yes, under certain conditions. Florida law allows marriage records to be sealed by a court order, often in cases involving safety, fraud, or identity protection. A sealed record is removed from the public search index. Only the people named in the court order, plus authorized court and law enforcement staff, can see or order a copy of a sealed record. Standard marriage records are public and stay in the index forever. The court order must specify which record is sealed.
How much does a Boynton Beach marriage record cost?
A certified copy of a marriage record from the Palm Beach County Clerk costs a few dollars per copy, usually between $3 and $10. The exact fee depends on the type of copy, the number of copies ordered, and whether the order is placed online, by mail, or in person. VitalChek adds a service fee on top of the state’s fee. Basic index searches on the clerk’s website are free, so you only pay when you order a sealed or certified copy.
Are marriage records the same as certificates?
Yes and no. The terms are often used the same way, but they mean slightly different things. A marriage license is the application filed before the wedding. A marriage certificate or marriage record is the file created after the wedding, signed by the officiant and filed with the clerk. The certified copy most people need for legal name changes and benefits is the marriage certificate, not the license. Both are stored in the same record system at the county and state level.