Washington County Florida Marriage License Records – Search

Both spouses, including maiden names Date of Marriage Exact date if known, or year range Photo ID Copy Driver’s license, passport, or state ID Payment Check or money order for copy fee Return Envelope Self-addressed with proper postage

Online and State Records

The Florida Department of Health holds marriage certificates from June 6, 1927 forward. Order copies through the Bureau of Vital Statistics in Jacksonville or through VitalChek. The state search fee is $5 for one calendar year and one certified copy. The online portal accepts major credit cards.

Records before June 6, 1927 must come from the county clerk where the license was first filed. For Washington County, that means the Chipley courthouse. Older records may not include every detail found in newer files.

Cities and Nearby Counties

Washington County covers about 600 square miles in the Florida panhandle. The county seat is Chipley, which sits near the center of the county. Five small towns and many rural areas fall inside the county lines. All marriage license work goes through the Chipley courthouse.

Towns Served in Washington County

Every town in Washington County uses the same clerk’s office in Chipley. No town has its own marriage license counter. The five main towns are Chipley, Vernon, Wausau, Ebro, and Caryville. Couples from any of these towns travel to the Jackson Avenue courthouse for license work.

Bordering Counties for Records

Washington County borders Holmes County to the north, Jackson County to the east, Calhoun County to the southeast, Bay County to the south, and Walton County to the west. You can apply for a marriage license at any Florida county clerk. The license is valid statewide.

Bordering County	Direction
Holmes County	North
Jackson County	East
Calhoun County	Southeast
Bay County	South
Walton County	West

Official Office Contact Details

Use these details to reach the Washington County Clerk before your visit. Calling ahead saves time and prevents wasted trips. Confirm hours, accepted payments, and document rules before you arrive.

Office: Washington County Clerk of the Circuit Court
Address: 1293 Jackson Avenue, Chipley, FL 32428
Phone: (850) 638-6009
Website: washingtonclerk.com
Hours: Weekday business hours, posted on the website

Frequently Asked Questions

These questions cover the most common points about Washington County marriage license records. Each answer gives the rules and steps you need to apply, wait, marry, and order copies. The answers follow current Florida statutes and clerk office practice as of 2026.

How long does it take to get a marriage license in Washington County?

The application itself takes about 30 to 60 minutes at the clerk’s office. Both people must be present, present ID, sign the form, and pay the fee. After that, Florida residents must wait three days before the license becomes valid. The license is then good for 60 days from the issue date. A premarital course removes the three-day wait and lowers the fee.

Can I apply for a Washington County marriage license online?

You cannot finish the marriage license application online. Florida law requires both people to appear in person at the clerk’s office. Some clerks let you fill out the form ahead of time on their website to save time at the counter. The final signature, ID check, and payment still happen in person at the Chipley courthouse.

What if I lost my marriage certificate in Washington County?

You can order a replacement from the Washington County Clerk at 1293 Jackson Avenue, Chipley, FL 32428. You can also order from the Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics if the record dates after June 6, 1927. Each certified copy costs about $3 from the county or $5 from the state plus copy fees. Bring or mail a photo ID with your request.

How do I check if a marriage license is real in Florida?

You can verify a recorded license through the MyFloridaCounty official records portal. Search by name or document number. The portal shows recorded images and details from the clerk’s office. You can also call the clerk’s office at (850) 638-6009 and ask staff to check the record against your document.

Do I need to be a Washington County resident to apply there?

You do not need to live in Washington County to apply. Florida lets any couple apply at any county clerk in the state. Many couples apply at a clerk that is convenient to their wedding venue. The license is valid for ceremonies in any Florida county, no matter where you apply.

Can same-sex couples get a marriage license in Washington County?

Yes. Florida issues marriage licenses to all couples regardless of gender. Both people follow the same rules for age, ID, prior marriage disclosure, and fees. Washington County clerks process same-sex applications the same way as any other couple under Florida law.

How far back do Washington County marriage records go?

The Washington County Clerk holds records back to the county’s founding in 1825 for some documents. The Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics holds statewide records from June 6, 1927 forward. Older records may sit only in the county clerk’s archive. Call (850) 638-6009 to ask the clerk’s office about records before 1927.

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