St Lucie County marriage license records are public documents stored by the Clerk of the Circuit Court in Fort Pierce, Florida. These records show who got married, when the ceremony took place, and who performed it.
Anyone can request a copy of these records for legal, personal, or family history reasons. The clerk’s office handles new applications, keeps old records on file, and provides certified copies to people who need them.
Where St Lucie County Marriage Records Are Kept
The St Lucie County Clerk of the Circuit Court is the main office for all marriage records in the county. This office is located in Fort Pierce, which is the county seat. Even though Port St. Lucie is the largest city in the county, all marriage paperwork goes through the Fort Pierce office. The clerk’s office keeps paper files for older records and digital files for newer ones.
Office Location and Contact Details
The main clerk’s office sits at 218 South 2nd Street in Fort Pierce, Florida 34950. People can call the office at (772) 462-6900 during business hours. The 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. People can also visit the clerk’s website at stlucieclerk.com to see updates about hours or services.
| Office Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Office Name | St Lucie County Clerk of the Circuit Court |
| Street Address | 218 South 2nd Street, Fort Pierce, FL 34950 |
| Phone Number | (772) 462-6900 |
| Office Hours | Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. |
| Official Website | stlucieclerk.com |
Why the Clerk’s Office Holds These Records
Florida law gives the county clerk the job of issuing marriage licenses and storing marriage records. Florida Statute 741.01 says only the clerk can give out marriage licenses in each county. After a wedding, the signed license goes back to the clerk’s office. The clerk records the marriage and sends a copy to the state. This system makes sure all marriage records are kept safe and easy to check.
How to Apply for a Marriage License in St Lucie County
Couples who want to get married in Florida must apply for a marriage license first. Both people must go to the clerk’s office together. They fill out the application, show their ID, and pay the fee. The visit usually takes about 30 minutes if all paperwork is ready.
Who Can Apply
Both people must be at least 18 years old to apply without a parent’s okay. A 17-year-old can apply with written permission from both parents or guardians. The other person must be no more than two years older than the 17-year-old. Florida law does not require a blood test or a waiting time for out-of-state couples. People who are not U.S. citizens can also apply as long as they have valid photo ID.
Documents Needed for the Application
Both people need to bring a valid photo ID. A driver’s license, passport, or state ID card all work. People also need to know their Social Security number. The clerk does not ask to see the Social Security card. If either person was married before, they need to know the date the last marriage ended. They also need the name of the state and county where the divorce or death happened.
- Valid photo ID for both applicants
- Social Security numbers for both applicants
- Date the last marriage ended for either party
- State and county where any prior divorce took place
- Payment for the license fee
- Certificate of completion if taking a premarital course
What Happens During the Visit
When both people arrive at the clerk’s office, they check in at the marriage license window. A clerk reviews their IDs and asks questions about their personal details. Both people sign the application in front of the clerk. The clerk then collects the fee and prints the license. If all documents are in order, the couple walks out with their marriage license the same day.
Marriage License Fees in St Lucie County
The fee for a marriage license in St Lucie County is $86. This fee is the same across all Florida counties because state law sets the price. The clerk’s office accepts cash, checks, and money orders. Some offices also take credit or debit cards but may add a small extra fee for card payments.
Discount for Premarital Course
Couples who finish a four-hour premarital preparation course get a $25 discount. The license fee drops from $86 to $61. The course must come from a registered provider who is approved by the state. Couples must bring the original certificate of completion to the clerk’s office. A photocopy or a photo on a phone is not accepted. The certificate must show both names and the date the course ended.
What the Fee Covers
Part of the $86 fee goes to the Domestic Violence Trust Fund. Another part supports the State Courts Revenue Trust Fund. These splits are set by Florida law and stay the same across all 67 counties. The fee also covers the cost of running the marriage license program at the county level.
| Fee Type | Amount |
|---|---|
| Standard License Fee | $86.00 |
| Discounted Fee (with course) | $61.00 |
| Savings from Premarital Course | $25.00 |
Waiting Period and License Rules in Florida
Florida has a three-day waiting period for marriage licenses. This rule applies to Florida residents only. The clock starts the day the clerk issues the license. Couples can use the license once three full days have passed. Out-of-state couples and couples who finish a premarital course skip the wait.
How to Skip the Waiting Period
Couples can skip the three-day wait by taking a premarital preparation course. The course must be at least four hours long. It must come from a registered provider. The provider must be approved by the Florida Department of Children and Families or a similar state agency. After finishing the course, the couple brings the certificate to the clerk. The license becomes valid right away.
How Long the License Stays Valid
A Florida marriage license is valid for 60 days from the date of issue. If the couple does not use it within that time, the license expires. They would need to apply again and pay the fee a second time. There is no grace period. Couples should plan their ceremony date within 60 days of picking up the license.
Where the Wedding Can Take Place
Couples can hold their ceremony anywhere in the state of Florida. The license is valid in all 67 counties. The wedding does not have to happen in St Lucie County if the license was issued there. Many couples hold ceremonies at beaches, parks, private homes, or wedding venues. After the ceremony, the officiant fills out the license and sends it back to the clerk who issued it.
Who Can Officiate a Wedding in Florida
Florida law lists several people who can officiate a marriage ceremony. Ordained ministers, rabbis, priests, and other religious leaders can perform weddings. Judges, retired judges, and justices of the peace can also officiate. Court clerks and notaries public in Florida can perform weddings. The person officiating does not need to live in Florida. Online ordained ministers from other states are accepted.
Officiant Duties After the Ceremony
The officiant must sign the marriage license after the wedding. They must also write in the date and location of the ceremony. Two witnesses must also sign the license. Florida requires at least two witnesses for a legal marriage. The officiant returns the signed license to the clerk’s office that issued it within 10 days of the ceremony.
How to Get a Copy of a Marriage License Record
People can request a certified copy of a marriage record from St Lucie County. A certified copy has a raised seal or stamp and is accepted for legal use. People need certified copies for name changes, insurance, immigration, and other legal matters. The clerk’s office in Fort Pierce handles all requests for records filed in St Lucie County.
Ordering Copies in Person
To get a copy in person, go to the clerk’s office at 218 South 2nd Street in Fort Pierce. Bring a valid photo ID. Fill out a request form at the records window. The clerk will search for the record and print a certified copy. Most in-person requests are finished the same day.
Ordering Copies by Mail
People can also mail a request to the clerk’s office. The request must include both names on the marriage license. It must include the date of the marriage if known. Include a copy of a valid photo ID. Send a check or money order for the correct fee. Mail the request to the clerk’s office address. Processing time for mail requests is usually 5 to 10 business days.
Ordering Copies Online
The St Lucie County Clerk offers online access to recorded documents through the MyFloridaCounty portal. People can search for recorded marriage records by name and date. The Florida Department of Health also offers statewide records through VitalChek. VitalChek is the state’s approved vendor for online vital records orders. Records from 1927 to the present are available through this service.
Florida Statewide Marriage Records
Marriage records in Florida go back to 1927 at the state level. The Florida Department of Health keeps all of these records. The Bureau of Vital Statistics is part of this department. The state office handles records from every county, not just St Lucie County.
Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics Services
The Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics holds certified copies of marriage certificates from 1927 to today. People can order these online through VitalChek. The state office in Jacksonville also takes walk-in orders. Fees start at $5 for one year search and one certified copy. Each extra copy costs $4.
Florida Department of Health Records Office
The Florida Department of Health handles marriage certificates across the state. Their office in Jacksonville is the main location for walk-in orders. People can also order records by mail. The state office keeps both certified copies and the marriage index. The index lists every marriage recorded in Florida since 1927.
Other Florida Counties and Their Records
Each Florida county has its own clerk’s office that issues licenses and stores records. Orange County, Miami-Dade County, Hillsborough County, Duval County, Broward County, Palm Beach County, and Pinellas County all have their own systems. People who need records from another county must contact that county’s clerk. Some records are also searchable through the state’s online tools.
Common Reasons People Request Marriage Records
People ask for marriage records for many reasons. Some need them for legal name changes after the wedding. Others need them for immigration paperwork. Insurance companies often ask for a copy when adding a spouse to a plan. Banks may ask for proof of marriage when adding a partner to an account. Family history researchers also look for old marriage records to build family trees.
Apostille Services for Out-of-State Use
Couples who need their marriage certificate for use in another country may need an apostille. An apostille is a special stamp that proves the document is real. The Florida Department of State handles apostille requests. People send their certified marriage certificate to the state office with the correct form and fee. The apostille is added and the document is sent back by mail.
Genealogy and Family History Research
Marriage records are useful for people who research family history. Old records show parents’ names, ages, and home counties. These details help build family trees. The Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics has records from 1927 forward. Older records may be at the county level. Some church records and courthouse archives have records that go back further.
Frequently Asked Questions
Below are common questions about St Lucie County marriage license records. These answers cover the most searched topics about applying for, finding, and getting copies of marriage records in St Lucie County and across Florida.
How much does a marriage license cost in St Lucie County?
A standard marriage license in St Lucie County costs $86. Couples who complete a four-hour premarital course from a state-approved provider pay $61 instead. The clerk’s office accepts cash, checks, and money orders. Some offices accept credit cards with an added processing fee. The fee is set by Florida law and is the same in every county.
How long is the waiting period for a Florida marriage license?
Florida has a three-day waiting period for Florida residents. The waiting period starts the day the clerk issues the license. Couples skip the wait if they finish a premarital preparation course. Out-of-state couples also skip the wait no matter what. The license stays valid for 60 days after it is issued.
Can I apply for a marriage license online in St Lucie County?
No, both applicants must appear in person at the clerk’s office. Florida law requires both people to show their ID and sign the application in front of a clerk. The visit usually takes about 30 minutes. The clerk’s office in Fort Pierce handles all applications for St Lucie County.
How do I get a certified copy of my marriage certificate?
You can order a certified copy from the St Lucie County Clerk’s office in person, by mail, or online. The Florida Department of Health also issues certified copies through VitalChek. Fees start at $5 for one year search and one certified copy. Each extra copy costs $4. Walk-in orders are processed the same day.
What documents do I need to apply for a marriage license?
Both applicants need a valid photo ID such as a driver’s license or passport. You also need your Social Security number. If either person was married before, you need the date the last marriage ended and the state and county where the divorce took place. A certificate of completion is needed if you finished a premarital course.
Can I use my St Lucie County marriage license anywhere in Florida?
Yes, a Florida marriage license is valid in any county across the state. You can hold your ceremony in Miami, Orlando, Tampa, or any other Florida city. The officiant returns the signed license to the clerk who issued it. The clerk then records the marriage and sends a copy to the state.
How do I verify a marriage license in Florida?
To verify a marriage record, contact the county clerk where the license was issued. The St Lucie County Clerk’s office can confirm records filed in the county. For statewide records, contact the Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics. The state office can verify records filed in any county from 1927 onward.