Nassau County marriage license records are official documents that prove a couple is legally married in Florida. These records are created when a couple applies for a license at the Nassau County Clerk of the Circuit Court office in Yulee.
The clerk issues the license, the couple has a wedding ceremony, and the signed license goes back to the clerk’s office. After that, the record is filed with the Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics. Anyone can request a copy of these records for legal, personal, or family history reasons. This page covers how to apply, how to search, and how to get certified copies of Nassau County marriage license records.
Office That Handles Nassau County Marriage License Records
The Nassau County Clerk of the Circuit Court is the only office that issues marriage licenses in Nassau County, Florida. This office also keeps the official records after the wedding. The clerk works under Florida Statute 741.01, which gives county clerks the power to issue and file marriage licenses. Every couple in Nassau County must go through this one office, no matter where they live in the county.
Location and Contact Details
The clerk’s office sits at 76347 Veterans Way in Yulee, Florida 32097. Yulee is the county seat of Nassau County and sits in the northeast corner of the state, just north of Jacksonville. The office is easy to reach from Interstate 95 and State Road 200. Couples can call the clerk at (904) 548-4600 to ask questions before their visit. The official website at nassauclerk.com has hours, forms, and office updates.
| Detail | Value |
|---|---|
| Office Name | Nassau County Clerk of the Circuit Court |
| Address | 76347 Veterans Way, Yulee, FL 32097 |
| Phone | (904) 548-4600 |
| Website | nassauclerk.com |
Operating Hours and Walk-in Policy
The clerk’s office is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The office closes on weekends and on state holidays. Walk-in applicants are welcome during business hours. Couples do not need an appointment to apply for a marriage license. The staff suggests arriving at least 30 minutes before closing to allow time to finish the application.
How to Apply for a Marriage License in Nassau County
Couples who want to marry in Nassau County must apply in person at the clerk’s office. Both people must show up together. The clerk cannot issue a license to just one person. The application is short, but the couple should bring the right documents to avoid delays. Most couples finish the application in about 20 to 30 minutes.
Documents You Need to Bring
Both applicants must show a valid photo ID. A driver’s license, state-issued ID card, or passport all work. The clerk also asks for each person’s Social Security number. The Social Security card itself is not required, just the number. If either person was born outside the United States, a passport or other proof of identity is required. The clerk keeps copies of all ID documents with the marriage license records.
- Valid photo ID for both applicants
- Social Security numbers for both applicants
- Date and place of birth for both applicants
- Date any prior marriage ended
- State and county where any divorce happened
- Cash, check, or credit card for the fee
Age and Eligibility Requirements
Both applicants must be at least 18 years old to marry in Florida without parental consent. This rule comes from Florida Statute 741.04. A 17-year-old can marry with parental consent and a judge’s approval. A 16-year-old can marry with parental consent, a judge’s approval, and proof of pregnancy or a birth certificate. The clerk checks ID to confirm age before issuing any license. Nassau County marriage license records only show the legal ages at the time of the application.
Information About Prior Marriages
If either person was married before, the clerk needs exact details about how that marriage ended. The clerk asks for the date the marriage ended and the way it ended, whether by divorce, death, or annulment. The clerk also needs the state and county where the divorce or annulment took place. Having this ready speeds up the application. Couples should also note that Florida does not require a copy of the divorce decree, but the clerk will record the details in the Nassau County marriage license records.
Marriage License Fees in Nassau County
The standard marriage license fee in Nassau County is $86. This fee is the same in every Florida county. A portion of the fee goes to state trust funds, including the Domestic Violence Trust Fund and the State Courts Revenue Trust Fund. The clerk’s office accepts cash, checks, and credit cards. A small card processing fee may apply for credit or debit payments.
Standard Fee Structure
The $86 license fee covers the cost of the license and the filing of the record after the wedding. The clerk breaks the fee into several parts. A portion supports domestic violence centers across Florida. Another portion funds the court system. The remaining amount covers the clerk’s office work for the license and the final record. All couples pay the same $86 base fee unless they qualify for a discount.
Reduced Fee With Premarital Course
Couples who complete a four-hour premarital preparation course pay a reduced fee of $61. This $25 discount is allowed under Florida Statute 741.0305. The course must be taught by a registered provider. Couples must bring the original certificate of completion to the clerk’s office to get the discount. The certificate cannot be a photocopy. The course also helps couples skip the three-day waiting period.
Waiting Period and License Validity
Florida has a three-day waiting period for marriage licenses. This rule applies to all Florida residents who apply for a Nassau County marriage license. The waiting period starts the day after the clerk issues the license. The couple cannot have the wedding ceremony until three full days have passed. This rule gives couples time to think before getting married.
Three-Day Florida Waiting Rule
The three-day waiting period is a state rule that all Florida counties must follow. The clock starts the day after the clerk issues the license. If the clerk issues the license on Monday, the couple can marry on Friday at the earliest. Weekends and holidays count toward the three days. The clerk writes the issue date and the earliest valid date on every license. The Nassau County marriage license records show both dates after the wedding is filed.
Waiver for Out-of-State Couples
Couples who live outside Florida do not have to wait three days. This rule makes Nassau County a popular spot for destination weddings on Amelia Island. Out-of-state couples can apply, get the license, and have the ceremony on the same day. Both people must still show up at the clerk’s office together. The clerk checks IDs and records the home state of each applicant in the marriage records.
License Expiration Period
A Florida marriage license is valid for 60 days from the issue date. After 60 days, the license expires and cannot be used. The couple must apply for a new license if they still want to marry. The expiration date is printed on the license. The Nassau County marriage license records show when the license expired if it was never used.
After the Wedding Ceremony
Once the couple has the wedding, the signed license must go back to the Nassau County Clerk’s office. Florida law requires this step under Florida Statute 741.041. The person who performed the ceremony usually handles the return. The clerk records the license and sends a copy to the state. The full filing can take up to 60 days.
Returning the Signed License
The officiant, judge, or notary who performed the ceremony must return the signed license to the clerk’s office within 10 days of the wedding. The clerk checks the signatures and stamps the document. The clerk then creates the official marriage record for Nassau County marriage license records. A copy is sent to the Florida Department of Health, Bureau of Vital Statistics, where the record becomes part of the state’s vital records system.
Getting Certified Copies
Couples can order certified copies of their marriage certificate once the state files the record. The Florida Department of Health issues these certified copies through the Bureau of Vital Statistics. Each certified copy costs a small fee and is valid for legal use. Couples can also order copies from the Nassau County Clerk’s office after the local filing is done. Certified copies work for name changes, insurance, and other legal needs.
Nassau County Marriage Record Searches
People who want to look up past marriage records for Nassau County have two main options. The first option is the county’s official records portal. The second option is the Florida Department of Health’s state records system. Both options let users search by name, date, or other details. Each system covers different time periods, so users may need to check both.
Official Records Portal
The MyFloridaCounty official records portal lets users search Nassau County marriage records online. The portal is run by the county clerks across Florida. Users can search by name, document type, and date range. The portal shows basic record details for free. Users must pay a fee to view or print full copies of the document. The portal covers recorded documents, including marriage licenses filed with the clerk.
Florida Department of Health Records
The Florida Department of Health, Bureau of Vital Statistics, keeps the official state marriage index. This index covers all Florida counties, including Nassau County. Users can search by name, year, and county. The state charges a fee for each certified copy. The state system is the best option for older marriage records that may not show up in the county portal. Most users order certified copies through the state for legal use.
Cities and Nearby Areas Served
Every community in Nassau County uses the same clerk’s office in Yulee for marriage licenses. There are no satellite offices in other towns. Couples who live in Fernandina Beach, Callahan, Hilliard, or Amelia Island all go to the Yulee office. The clerk’s office serves the entire county from one location. Couples from nearby counties, including Duval and Baker, can also apply in Nassau County if they want a Florida license.
Neighboring Florida Counties
Nassau County borders Duval County to the south and Baker County to the west. A Florida marriage license works in any Florida county, so couples can have the ceremony anywhere in the state. Couples who live in Duval County, which includes Jacksonville, often apply in their home county. Couples who want a destination wedding on Amelia Island apply in Nassau County. The Nassau County marriage license records show where the license was issued, not where the ceremony took place.
Contact the Nassau County Clerk
Couples who have questions about Nassau County marriage license records can contact the clerk’s office directly. The office staff can answer questions about fees, documents, the waiting period, and certified copies. Walk-in visits are welcome during business hours. Phone calls are answered during the same hours. The website has forms, hours, and updates about office closures.
Office: Nassau County Clerk of the Circuit Court
Address: 76347 Veterans Way, Yulee, FL 32097
Phone: (904) 548-4600
Website: nassauclerk.com
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Frequently Asked Questions
The questions below cover common points about Nassau County marriage license records. Each answer gives clear details based on Florida law and current clerk office practice. Readers can use these answers to plan their application or search for an existing record. Call the clerk’s office for case-specific questions about an individual record.
Can I apply for a Nassau County marriage license online?
No, the Nassau County Clerk of the Circuit Court does not allow fully online applications. Both applicants must show up in person at the Yulee office. The clerk checks photo ID, Social Security numbers, and other details during the visit. Some counties offer a pre-application form online, but the final step still requires both people to be there. The in-person step is a state rule that applies to every Florida county.
How long does it take to get a certified copy of a marriage record?
The time depends on how the record is ordered. Orders through the Florida Department of Health Bureau of Vital Statistics take about 5 to 10 business days by mail. Online orders through approved vendors can take 3 to 5 business days. In-person orders at the Nassau County Clerk’s office can be ready the same day for records already on file. The state filing of the record can take up to 60 days after the wedding before any copy is available.
Are Nassau County marriage license records public?
Yes, most Nassau County marriage license records are public under Florida law. Basic details, including the names of the couple, the date of marriage, and the document number, are open records. Certified copies require proof of identity and a fee. Florida law restricts some details, such as Social Security numbers, from public view. Sealed records can only be opened by a court order.
What if my marriage license expired before I used it?
A Florida marriage license is valid for 60 days from the issue date. After 60 days, the license expires and the couple must apply for a new one. The expired license cannot be renewed. The couple must pay the full fee again and go through the same application steps. A new three-day waiting period will apply for Florida residents. Out-of-state couples can marry the same day with the new license.
Can I get married the same day I apply in Nassau County?
Florida residents must wait three days after the license is issued. Out-of-state residents can marry the same day they apply. Both people must still show up at the clerk’s office together. The clerk will record the home state of each applicant. Same-day weddings are common on Amelia Island because many couples travel from out of state for a destination beach wedding.
Who can perform a wedding ceremony in Nassau County?
Florida law allows several types of people to perform a wedding ceremony. Ordained ministers, rabbis, and priests can officiate. Judicial officers, including judges and justices of the peace, can also perform weddings. The clerk of the circuit court and notaries public can also officiate. The couple must make sure the officiant signs the license and returns it to the clerk’s office within 10 days of the ceremony.
How do I find an old marriage record from decades ago?
Old marriage records in Nassau County can be harder to find. The Florida Department of Health Bureau of Vital Statistics has the state index that goes back many decades. The MyFloridaCounty official records portal covers recorded documents, but older records may not be digitized. Users can also contact the Nassau County Clerk’s office in person to ask about older records. Some older records may require a manual search by the clerk’s staff.