Palm Beach County marriage license records are official files that show when a couple got their license and when the wedding took place. The records are kept by the Palm Beach County Clerk of the Circuit Court and the Florida Department of Health.
These records are open to the public, and most people can search them online, by mail, or in person at the clerk’s office in West Palm Beach.
What Are These Marriage License Records
Palm Beach County marriage license records are the legal proof that two people got married in the county. They are stored by the Clerk of the Circuit Court and the Florida Department of Health. Each record holds the full names of both people, the date the license was issued, the date of the wedding, and the name of the person who performed the ceremony.
Records Held by the County Clerk
The Palm Beach County Clerk of the Circuit Court keeps the original paper copies of every marriage license issued in the county. The clerk also keeps a digital copy of each record. These files go back many years and are stored at the main office in West Palm Beach. The clerk’s office makes these records available for public search at any time during business hours.
Types of Records You Can Request
There are three main types of records people ask for from Palm Beach County. The first is a marriage license, which is the paper given to the couple before the wedding. The second is a marriage certificate, which is the signed copy sent back to the clerk after the wedding happens. The third is a certified copy, which is an official copy with a raised seal that works for legal use in court, banks, or other agencies.
How to Search Palm Beach County Records
You can search Palm Beach County marriage license records in four ways. You can use the online search tool, search by the license number, visit the clerk’s office in person, or send a mail request. Each method has its own steps, fees, and wait times. The fastest way for most people is the online search, which gives instant results for records after 1978.
Online Search Through the Clerk
The Palm Beach County Clerk runs an online records search on its website at mypalmbeachclerk.com. You can search by last name, first name, and the year of the marriage. The search results show the names of both people, the date of the license, and the book and page number where the record is stored. The online tool is free to use and works 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Search by Marriage License Number
If you have the official license number, you can pull up the record fast. The license number is printed on the top right corner of the original paper license. You can enter this number in the clerk’s online search tool. The system will show the full record, including the date of the ceremony and the name of the officiant. This method is good for people who already have a copy of the license.
In-Person Search at the Clerk Office
You can visit the Palm Beach County Clerk’s main office at 205 N. Dixie Highway in West Palm Beach to search records in person. The office has public computer terminals you can use for free. Staff members are on hand to help you find older records that may not be online. The in-person search is the best choice for records from before 1978 and for certified copies you need that same day.
Mail Request for Older Records
You can send a written request to the clerk’s office by mail for older marriage records. Your letter must include the full names of both people, the year of the marriage, and a check or money order for the search fee. Mail the request to the Palm Beach County Clerk of Courts, P.O. Box 4667, West Palm Beach, FL 33402. The clerk will mail you a copy of the record in 5 to 10 business days.
Who Can Request These Records
Most Palm Beach County marriage license records are public under Florida law. This means almost anyone can search and get a copy. Florida law lists a few limits on who can get certified copies. The rules cover privacy and protect people from fraud. Knowing the rules helps you avoid delays when you make your request.
Eligible Requesters Under Florida Law
Under Florida Statute 382.025, the following people can get a certified copy of a marriage record: the person named on the record, the spouse, a child, parent, or legal guardian of the person, a lawyer working on a case for the person, a court order, or a government agency. Genealogists and other researchers can search the public index but cannot get a certified copy unless they fall into one of these groups.
Privacy Rules for Public Records
Florida law treats marriage records as public once they are recorded by the clerk. The state added a seal to the law in 2024 to protect people from identity theft. Records of marriages that took place less than 50 years ago need proof of the requester’s identity. The clerk will ask for a photo ID before giving a certified copy. Records older than 50 years are open to all requesters with no ID check.
Documents Needed to Request Records
You need to show proof of who you are when you ask for a certified copy of a marriage record. The clerk will not give you a certified copy without proper ID. The rules differ for the person on the record and a third party. Bring the right papers the first time to avoid extra trips to the office.
Required ID for the Applicant
If you are the person named on the record, the spouse, or a close family member, you must show a valid photo ID. Accepted forms include a driver’s license, state ID card, passport, or military ID. You also need to sign a sworn statement that says you are who you say you are. The clerk will keep a copy of your ID on file with the request.
Documents for Third-Party Requests
Third parties are people who are not on the record and are not close family. They must show a photo ID and sign a sworn statement. They must also show why they need the record. Common reasons include court cases, estate matters, or government business. The clerk may ask for extra proof, like a court order or a letter from a lawyer, before giving the record.
Fees and Payment Options
The fees for Palm Beach County marriage license records are set by Florida law. The fees cover the cost of the search and a certified copy. The clerk accepts cash, checks, money orders, and credit cards. A small extra fee may apply to credit card payments. Knowing the fees ahead of time helps you plan your request and avoid surprises at the counter.
Standard Search and Copy Fees
The standard fee for a marriage record search is $3.00 per name searched. A certified copy of the record costs $3.00 for the first copy and $2.00 for each extra copy of the same record. A non-certified copy costs $1.00 per page. The clerk will tell you the total cost before processing your request. You can pay with cash, check, money order, or credit card at any clerk location.
Rush Processing and Extra Copies
Rush processing is available for an extra fee. The clerk can prepare a certified copy in 24 hours for a $10.00 rush fee. Same-day rush is also available for an extra $20.00 if you ask before noon. Extra copies of the same record cost $2.00 each. Apostille copies for international use cost $10.00 each plus the apostille fee from the Florida Department of State.
| Service Type | Fee | Processing Time |
|---|---|---|
| Standard search per name | $3.00 | Same day |
| Certified copy (first) | $3.00 | Same day |
| Extra certified copy | $2.00 | Same day |
| Non-certified copy (per page) | $1.00 | Same day |
| 24-hour rush | $10.00 + copy fee | 24 hours |
| Same-day rush | $20.00 + copy fee | Same day before 4 p.m. |
| Apostille copy | $10.00 + apostille fee | 5 to 10 business days |
Palm Beach County Clerk Office Info
The Palm Beach County Clerk of the Circuit Court runs the main office and several branch locations across the county. All locations can search marriage records and give certified copies. The main office is in West Palm Beach, and there are branches in Boca Raton, Delray Beach, and other cities. The clerk’s website has the full list of locations and hours.
Main Office Address and Hours
The main office of the Palm Beach County Clerk is at 205 N. Dixie Highway, West Palm Beach, FL 33401. The office is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The office closes on weekends and all federal holidays. You can reach the office by phone at (561) 355-2996 for questions about marriage records, fees, and processing times.
Map: View on Google Maps
Branch Locations Across the County
The clerk’s office has branch locations in Boca Raton, Delray Beach, Boynton Beach, and other cities. Each branch can process marriage license applications and search records. The branch hours and phone numbers are listed on the clerk’s website. Most branches are open Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The branches are good for people who live far from West Palm Beach.
Phone and Contact Details
The main office phone number is (561) 355-2996. The records department can be reached at (561) 355-2931 for questions about certified copies and searches. The official website is mypalmbeachclerk.com. You can also send a fax to (561) 355-1667 for record requests. Email requests are not accepted for certified copies due to Florida privacy laws.
Other Florida County Records
Florida has 67 counties, and each county clerk keeps its own marriage records. If you need a record from a county other than Palm Beach, you must contact that county’s clerk. Some counties share an online search system. The Florida Department of Health keeps a statewide index of all marriages from 1927 to the present. The statewide index helps you find the county where the record is stored.
Miami-Dade County Records
Miami-Dade County marriage records are kept by the Miami-Dade County Clerk of Courts. The main office is at 73 W. Flagler Street in Miami. The clerk’s website is miamidadeclerk.gov. You can search Miami-Dade records online through the clerk’s official records portal. The office is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The phone number is (305) 275-1155.
Broward County Records
Broward County marriage records are kept by the Broward County Clerk of Courts. The main office is at 201 SE 6th Street in Fort Lauderdale. The clerk’s website is browardclerk.org. You can search Broward records online for free. The office is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The phone number for records is (954) 831-4000.
Orange County Records
Orange County marriage records are kept by the Orange County Clerk of Courts in Orlando. The main office is at 425 N. Orange Avenue in Orlando. The clerk’s website is myorangeclerk.com. You can search Orange County records online through the official records search. The office is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The phone number is (407) 836-2000.
Hillsborough County Records
Hillsborough County marriage records are kept by the Hillsborough County Clerk of Court in Tampa. The main office is at 800 E. Twiggs Street in Tampa. The clerk’s website is hillsclerk.com. You can search Hillsborough records online. The office is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The phone number for records is (813) 276-8100.
Duval County Records
Duval County marriage records are kept by the Duval County Clerk of Courts in Jacksonville. The main office is at 501 W. Adams Street in Jacksonville. The clerk’s website is duvalclerk.com. You can search Duval records online through the official records search. The office is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The phone number is (904) 255-2000.
| County | Main Office City | Website | Phone Number |
|---|---|---|---|
| Palm Beach | West Palm Beach | mypalmbeachclerk.com | (561) 355-2996 |
| Miami-Dade | Miami | miamidadeclerk.gov | (305) 275-1155 |
| Broward | Fort Lauderdale | browardclerk.org | (954) 831-4000 |
| Orange | Orlando | myorangeclerk.com | (407) 836-2000 |
| Hillsborough | Tampa | hillsclerk.com | (813) 276-8100 |
| Duval | Jacksonville | duvalclerk.com | (904) 255-2000 |
Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics
The Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics is the state office that keeps all vital records, including marriage records. The bureau has records from June 6, 1927 to the present. The bureau is part of the Florida Department of Health. The main office is in Jacksonville. You can order records from the bureau by mail, online, or in person.
Records from 1927 to Today
The Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics holds marriage records from June 6, 1927, to the present day. The bureau is the only state office that can give a Florida-wide certified copy of a marriage record. The records from before 1927 are not held by the state. Those older records are kept by the county clerk where the marriage took place. The bureau uses a digital system that links all 67 county clerks.
Statewide Marriage Index Search
The statewide marriage index is a search tool that covers all Florida counties from 1927 to the present. You can search the index at the Florida Department of Health website. The search shows the county where the record is stored, the names of both people, and the year of the marriage. The index does not give the full record, but it tells you where to get the certified copy.
Certified Copies and Apostille
A certified copy of a marriage record is an official copy that has a raised seal and a signature from the clerk. This type of copy is needed for legal matters like name changes, immigration, and bank accounts. An apostille is a special stamp that proves the record is real for use in other countries. The apostille comes from the Florida Department of State, not the county clerk.
What a Certified Copy Includes
A certified copy of a Palm Beach County marriage record includes the full names of both people, the date of the marriage, the place of the marriage, the license number, and the signature of the clerk. The copy has a raised seal of the Clerk of the Circuit Court. The copy also has a stamp that says it is a true and correct copy. The certified copy is printed on special paper that shows signs of tampering if someone tries to change it.
Apostille for International Use
An apostille is needed when you plan to use a Florida marriage record in another country that is part of the Hague Apostille Treaty. The apostille is a stamp from the Florida Department of State that proves the record is real. The cost of an apostille is $10.00 per document. The processing time is 5 to 10 business days. You can order the apostille by mail or in person at the Department of State office in Tallahassee.
Genealogy and Older Records
Genealogy research is the study of family history. Palm Beach County marriage records are a key source for this research. The records can show the full names of ancestors, their ages, and the names of their parents. Older records are open to all requesters with no ID check. Knowing where to look saves time for family researchers.
Records Before 1927
Marriage records from before June 6, 1927, are not held by the state of Florida. These older records are kept only by the county clerk where the marriage took place. In Palm Beach County, the clerk’s office has paper records from 1909 to the present. Many of these records are now scanned and added to the online search. Records from before 1909 may be hard to find due to a courthouse fire in 1909.
Tips for Family History Research
Start your family history search with the statewide index at the Florida Department of Health. The index will tell you the county where the record is stored. Then contact that county’s clerk office for the full record. Bring the full names, the year of the marriage, and any other details you know. The clerk’s office staff can help you find records that are not yet online. Church records and newspaper archives are good sources for older records that the clerk may not have.
Frequently Asked Questions
This section covers the most common questions people ask about Palm Beach County marriage license records. The answers here are based on Florida law and the rules of the Palm Beach County Clerk’s office. If you have a question that is not covered here, you can call the clerk’s office at (561) 355-2996 during business hours. The clerk’s office staff can help with most questions about records, fees, and processing times.
How do I get a copy of my marriage license from Palm Beach County?
You can get a copy of your marriage license from Palm Beach County by visiting the clerk’s office in person, sending a mail request, or using the online search tool. For a certified copy, you must show a photo ID and sign a sworn statement. The fee is $3.00 for the search and $3.00 for the certified copy. The clerk’s office can give you the copy the same day if you visit in person before 4:00 p.m.
Are Palm Beach County marriage records open to the public?
Yes, Palm Beach County marriage records are public under Florida law. You can search the records online at mypalmbeachclerk.com for free. Records of marriages that took place less than 50 years ago need proof of identity for a certified copy. Records older than 50 years are open to all requesters with no ID check. The clerk’s office staff can help you find the record you need.
How long does it take to get a certified copy by mail?
It takes 5 to 10 business days to get a certified copy of a Palm Beach County marriage record by mail. The wait time depends on the volume of requests at the clerk’s office. You can pay an extra $10.00 fee for 24-hour rush service. Same-day rush service costs $20.00 and is available if you mail your request early in the week. The clerk will mail the certified copy to you by first-class mail.
Can I search Florida marriage records for free?
Yes, you can search Florida marriage records for free using the online search tools at the county clerk websites and the Florida Department of Health website. The search shows the names, dates, and license numbers for free. You only pay a fee when you ask for a certified copy of the record. The free search is a good way to check if a record exists before you pay the certified copy fee.
What is the difference between a marriage license and a marriage certificate?
A marriage license is the paper given to the couple before the wedding. It shows the clerk’s permission to get married. A marriage certificate is the signed copy that proves the wedding took place. The officiant signs the certificate and sends it back to the clerk’s office. The clerk records the certificate and sends a copy to the state. The certificate is the legal proof of marriage for most legal matters.
Can I use a Palm Beach County marriage record in another state?
Yes, you can use a Palm Beach County marriage record in another state as long as you have a certified copy. The certified copy has a raised seal and the signature of the clerk. Most states accept Florida certified copies for legal matters like name changes and insurance. If you need the record in a country that is part of the Hague Apostille Treaty, you must also get an apostille from the Florida Department of State.
How do I check if a marriage license is real?
You can check if a marriage license is real by contacting the Palm Beach County Clerk’s office at (561) 355-2996. The clerk’s office can verify the license number, the date of issue, and the names on the license. The clerk will only give this information to people who have a legal need to know. You can also search the online records at mypalmbeachclerk.com to see if the marriage was recorded by the clerk.