Franklin County Marriage License Records are official files held by the Clerk of the Circuit Court in Apalachicola, Florida. These records show every marriage license issued and every marriage ceremony filed in the county. People use these records to prove a past marriage, check a partner’s marital status, or trace family history. The Franklin County Clerk acts as the official agent for the State of Florida under Florida Statute 741.01. Every couple who gets married in or through Franklin County must start at this office. The clerk issues the license, records the signed license after the wedding, and sends copies to the state.
Where Franklin County Marriage License Records Are Kept
All Franklin County Marriage License Records sit in one main place: the Clerk of the Circuit Court office in Apalachicola. This office handles new license applications, keeps old records on file, and sends copies to the Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics. People can visit the office in person, call for basic details, or search online through the clerk’s website. The clerk’s office also stores older records from before electronic filing became common in Florida. These old paper records cover most of the 20th century.
Franklin County Clerk of the Circuit Court
The Franklin County Clerk of the Circuit Court holds every marriage license issued since the county began keeping records. The office also keeps copies of licenses returned by officiants after each ceremony. Staff can pull up a specific record if you bring the right details. They can also issue certified copies for legal use. Certified copies from the clerk are accepted by courts, federal agencies, and most government offices across the country.
Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics
The Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics, part of the Florida Department of Health, holds statewide marriage records from 1927 to today. This office works as a backup to county clerks. If a Franklin County record is lost or damaged, the state office often has a copy. The state office also issues certified copies of marriage certificates for use anywhere in the world. People who live far from Franklin County often order from the state office by mail or online.
MyFloridaCounty Online Portal
The MyFloridaCounty portal lets users search official records filed in any Florida county, including Franklin County. This free tool shows indexes of marriage records with names, dates, and document numbers. It does not show full record images for free. Users can view record details and order copies for a fee. The portal covers Franklin County records from the late 1990s to the present. Older records require a direct request to the county clerk.
How to Apply for a Marriage License in Franklin County
Couples who want to get married apply in person at the Franklin County Clerk’s office. Both people must be there at the same time. The process takes less than 30 minutes when paperwork is ready. The clerk checks IDs, collects the fee, and enters the information into the state system. The license becomes valid after the required waiting period.
Step 1: Download the Forms
Before going to the clerk’s office, download the marriage license forms from the Franklin County Clerk website. The forms include the marriage license application, the premarital statement, the Affirmation of Common Children form, and the Family Law Handbook. Filling these out at home saves time at the counter. The Family Law Handbook explains rights and duties under Florida law. The clerk will ask if you read it.
Step 2: Gather Your Documents
Bring valid photo ID for both applicants. A driver’s license, state ID, passport, or military ID all work. Also bring Social Security numbers. If either person was married before, bring the date the last marriage ended. This can be a divorce date or a death date for a deceased spouse. No blood test is required in Florida.
Step 3: Visit the Office Together
Both applicants must show up at the clerk’s office in person. The clerk will ask you to sign the application and take an oath that the information is true. Staff will check your IDs against the information on the form. Then you pay the fee and the clerk enters the record into the state system. The clerk will give you a copy of the license to give to your officiant.
Step 4: Wait for the License to Activate
Florida residents must wait three days after the license is issued before they can marry. This waiting period starts the day after the license is issued. Out-of-state residents skip the wait. Couples who take a four-hour premarital course from a Florida-approved provider also skip the wait. Bring the original course certificate to the clerk to waive the wait.
Franklin County Marriage License Fees in 2026
The total cost for a marriage license in Franklin County is $86 in 2026. This fee includes both the county and state charges. Couples who completed an approved premarital course pay $61 instead. The course cuts $25 from the total. Part of every fee goes to the Florida Domestic Violence Trust Fund. Another part goes to the State Courts Revenue Trust Fund. The clerk accepts cash, cashier’s check, and credit card.
Fee Breakdown Table
The table below shows the current fee structure for marriage licenses in Franklin County. All fees follow Florida Statute 741.0305.
| Service | Fee | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Marriage License | $86.00 | Florida residents with 3-day wait |
| License with Premarital Course | $61.00 | $25 discount, no waiting period |
| Certified Copy of Marriage Record | $3.00 | Per copy, from county clerk |
| Certified Copy from State Office | $9.00 | Online or mail order |
| Rush Processing (State Office) | $10.00 extra | Optional faster service |
Payment Methods Accepted
The Franklin County Clerk accepts cash, cashier’s check, money order, and credit card for marriage license payments. Personal checks are not accepted for new licenses. Credit card payments may carry a small processing fee set by the card vendor. Plan to pay the full amount at the time of application. The clerk does not bill or set up payment plans for license fees.
Florida Laws That Apply to Franklin County Marriage Licenses
Florida law sets the rules that every county clerk follows. Franklin County uses the same state statutes as every other Florida county. These laws cover who can marry, the waiting period, license validity, and who can perform the ceremony. Knowing the law helps couples avoid delays or extra trips to the office.
Age and Eligibility Rules (Florida Statute 741.04)
Both applicants must be at least 18 years old to marry without parental consent in Florida. Applicants under 18 need a parent or guardian to appear in person with them at the clerk’s office. Both people must be single, divorced, or widowed at the time of application. Florida does not allow marriage between close blood relatives as listed in state law.
License Validity Period (Florida Statute 741.041)
A Florida marriage license stays valid for 60 days from the date the clerk issues it. The couple must hold the ceremony before the license expires. If the 60 days pass without a wedding, the license becomes void. The couple must apply again and pay a new fee. There is no grace period after day 60.
Who Can Officiate (Florida Statute 741.07)
Ordained ministers, rabbis, priests, and other religious leaders can perform marriages in Florida. Judicial officers, clerks of court, and notaries public can also officiate. The officiant signs the marriage license after the ceremony and returns it to the clerk within 10 days. The clerk then records the marriage and forwards a copy to the state.
Searching Past Franklin County Marriage Records
People who need to find a past marriage record from Franklin County have several options. The fastest method is the online search tools. Older records may require a visit to the clerk’s office or a written request. Knowing the full names of both spouses and the year of the marriage speeds up any search.
Free Online Search Tools
The MyFloridaCounty portal offers free search of Franklin County marriage indexes. Users can search by name, date range, or document number. Results show the names of both spouses, the date of the marriage, and the record number. Full record images cost extra. The Florida Department of Health website also has a statewide vital records search for marriages from 1927 to the present.
Searching by Name
To search for a marriage record by name, enter the last name of either spouse into the search field. Add the first name if known. Narrow the search by year if possible. Wildcard searches work for name variations. Common name spellings can be tried if the first search does not return results. Marriage index records often show maiden names for the bride.
Requesting Records by Mail
People who cannot visit the clerk’s office can mail a request to the Franklin County Clerk. Include both full names, the year of the marriage, a check or money order for the fee, and a self-addressed stamped envelope. The clerk will mail a certified copy back. Mail requests take 1 to 3 weeks to process. Include a daytime phone number in case staff need to reach you.
Getting Certified Copies of Franklin County Marriage Records
A certified copy of a marriage record is a legal document with a raised seal or stamped seal. Banks, courts, immigration offices, and Social Security all require certified copies. Regular photocopies do not count for legal use. The Franklin County Clerk and the Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics both issue certified copies.
From the Franklin County Clerk
Visit the clerk’s office in Apalachicola to get a certified copy in person. Bring a photo ID. The fee is $3 per copy. Most records are ready while you wait. Older records from the 1970s and earlier may take longer to pull from paper files. The clerk can search by name and year to find the right record.
From the Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics
Order certified copies through the Florida Department of Health website or by mail. The fee is $9 per copy with standard processing. Rush service costs extra. Online orders are the fastest option. Mail orders take 2 to 4 weeks. The state office has records from 1927 to today. Records before 1927 are not available from the state office.
Apostille for International Use
Couples who need their marriage certificate for use in another country must get an apostille from the Florida Department of State. An apostille confirms the signature and seal on the document. The clerk or vital statistics office cannot issue apostilles. The Florida Department of State charges a separate fee for each apostille. Allow extra time for this process.
Franklin County Clerk Office Location and Hours
The Franklin County Clerk of the Circuit Court sits in downtown Apalachicola, the county seat. The office handles all marriage license work for the county. Call ahead to confirm hours and fees before your visit. Staff can answer questions over the phone during business hours.
Franklin County Clerk of the Circuit Court
33 Market Street, Suite 203
Apalachicola, FL 32320
Phone: 850-653-8861
Website: https://www.franklinclerk.com/records/marriage/
Office Hours
The clerk’s office is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The office closes for state and federal holidays. Marriage license applicants should arrive at least 30 minutes before closing to allow time to process the application. The office accepts walk-ins for marriage licenses. No appointment is required.
Screenshot of the Clerk’s Marriage Page
The Franklin County Clerk’s website has a dedicated marriage records page with downloadable forms, fee details, and answers to common questions. Visitors can print forms before going to the office to save time at the counter.
Cities and Towns in Franklin County
Franklin County covers a small area along the Gulf Coast in the Florida panhandle. Apalachicola is the county seat and largest town. Carrabelle and Eastpoint are other main communities. All couples apply for a marriage license at the same clerk’s office in Apalachicola, no matter where they live in the county.
Apalachicola
Apalachicola is the county seat of Franklin County and home to the clerk’s office. The town sits at the mouth of the Apalachicola River. Couples from across the county travel to Apalachicola to apply for their marriage license. The town has many wedding venues, including historic inns and waterfront locations.
Carrabelle
Carrabelle sits east of Apalachicola along the Gulf Coast. The town is known for fishing and marine activities. Carrabelle couples drive to Apalachicola for marriage license services. The drive takes about 25 minutes. Many Carrabelle couples hold their wedding ceremony on the beach or at a waterfront venue.
Eastpoint
Eastpoint lies just east of Apalachicola on St. George Island. The town is a small community with many fishing families. Eastpoint residents apply for marriage licenses at the Apalachicola clerk’s office. The drive takes about 10 minutes. Eastpoint couples often choose St. George Island for their wedding ceremony.
Nearby Counties for Marriage License Services
Couples who live near the Franklin County border can apply for a marriage license in any neighboring county. A license issued in any Florida county works for a wedding held anywhere in Florida. Many couples pick the county with the shortest drive or the most convenient office hours.
Gulf County
Gulf County sits west of Franklin County along the Gulf Coast. The Gulf County Clerk of Court in Port St. Joe issues marriage licenses. Gulf County uses the same $86 fee and 3-day waiting period for Florida residents. Call 850-229-6112 for details about office hours and paperwork.
Liberty County
Liberty County sits north of Franklin County. The Liberty County Clerk in Bristol handles marriage license applications. The Bristol office is about a 45-minute drive from Apalachicola. Liberty County uses the same Florida fees and rules. Visit the Liberty County Clerk website for forms and hours.
Wakulla County
Wakulla County lies east of Franklin County. The Wakulla County Clerk in Crawfordville issues marriage licenses. The office is about an hour from Apalachicola. Wakulla County follows the same state fee schedule. Many couples from the eastern part of Franklin County choose Wakulla for convenience.
Leon County
Leon County sits northeast of Franklin County. The Leon County Clerk in Tallahassee handles marriage license applications. The Tallahassee office is the largest clerk office in the region. Leon County uses the same $86 fee and state rules. Tallahassee has more office hours and staff than smaller counties.
Frequently Asked Questions
This FAQ section covers the most common questions about Franklin County Marriage License Records. These questions come from real users who called the clerk’s office or searched online. Each answer gives clear, current details based on Florida law and clerk office practice in 2026.
How much does a marriage license cost in Franklin County?
A marriage license in Franklin County costs $86 in 2026. Couples who finish an approved four-hour premarital course pay $61 instead. The course cuts $25 from the total fee. Both fees include state and county charges. The clerk accepts cash, cashier’s check, money order, and credit card. Personal checks are not accepted for new marriage licenses.
Do I need an appointment to apply for a marriage license?
No appointment is needed at the Franklin County Clerk’s office. Couples can walk in during regular business hours. The office is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Both applicants must be present. Plan to arrive at least 30 minutes before closing to allow time for the full process.
How long is a Franklin County marriage license valid?
A Franklin County marriage license stays valid for 60 days from the date of issue. The ceremony must take place before the license expires. If the 60 days pass, the license becomes void and the couple must apply again. There is no grace period after the expiration date. The expiration date is printed on the license itself.
Can I get a copy of a marriage record from years ago?
Yes. The Franklin County Clerk keeps marriage records going back many decades. Older paper records may take longer to pull from the file room. The fee for a certified copy is $3 each from the county. The Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics also has records from 1927 to today for $9 each through online or mail orders.
Do both people need to be present for the marriage license?
Yes. Florida law requires both applicants to show up at the clerk’s office together. One person cannot apply alone. The clerk will ask both people to sign the application and take an oath. If one partner cannot attend, the couple must wait until both can be there. There is no proxy application process in Florida.
Can out-of-state residents marry in Franklin County?
Yes. Out-of-state residents can apply for a marriage license in Franklin County. They skip the 3-day waiting period that applies to Florida residents. They still pay the $86 fee. The license works for a wedding held anywhere in Florida. Out-of-state couples often choose Franklin County for beach or destination weddings.
How do I get an apostille for my marriage certificate?
Get a certified copy of the marriage certificate from the Franklin County Clerk or the Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics first. Then send the certified copy to the Florida Department of State in Tallahassee for an apostille. The apostille confirms the seal and signature for use in countries that are part of the Hague Convention. The apostille process takes about 2 to 4 weeks by mail.