St. Johns County Marriage License: Requirements, Fees & How to Apply

Planning to get married in St. Johns County, Florida? Getting your marriage license is one of the most important legal steps in your wedding planning process. After photographing over 600 weddings in St. Augustine and surrounding areas, we've helped countless couples navigate this process.

The St. Johns County Clerk of Court handles all marriage license applications at their office in St. Augustine. While the process is straightforward, knowing the requirements, fees, and timing helps ensure everything goes smoothly for your big day.

Where to Apply for Your Marriage License

The main St. Johns County Clerk of Court office is located at 4010 Lewis Speedway, St. Augustine, FL 32084, in the Richard O. Watson Judicial Center. The Clerk also operates two annex locations. You can start your application and complete the required premarital statement online through the Clerk's Marriage Kiosk before you visit, but both parties still need to appear in person to finalize the license.

No appointment is necessary at the main courthouse on Lewis Speedway (walk-ins welcome); the two annex locations are by appointment only. We recommend arriving at least an hour before closing so you have enough time to complete the process. The office can get busy during peak wedding season, so allow extra time if you're applying on Fridays or before holidays. Hours and locations can change — confirm current details with the Clerk before you go.

Required Documents and Information

Both parties must be present to sign the application and take an oath that the information provided is true. Here's what you'll need:

Essential Documents

• A valid U.S.-issued driver's license, federal or state ID card, or passport showing your name and date of birth (birth certificates and green cards are not accepted)
• If either party was married before: how the last marriage ended and the exact date it ended (copies of divorce decrees or death certificates are not required)
• Both parties must read the Florida Family Law Handbook before applying

Additional Requirements

• You must be at least 18 to marry without parental consent. A 17-year-old may marry only with written parental or guardian consent, and the older party can be no more than 2 years older. Florida does not issue licenses to anyone under 17.
• No blood tests or medical examinations required
• Both parties must be legally free to marry

Marriage License Fees and Payment Options

The marriage license fee in St. Johns County depends on whether you complete a premarital preparation course:

Completing a registered Florida premarital preparation course (minimum 4 hours, taken within the year before you apply, with both parties attending) earns a $25 fee reduction. For Florida residents it also waives the 3-day waiting period — so the discounted license costs $61.00 and is effective immediately. The Clerk accepts cash or credit card; credit card payments add a 3.5% service charge. Fees can change, so confirm the current amount with the Clerk at (904) 819-3600.

How to Waive the Waiting Period

The 3-day waiting period applies only to Florida residents, and the only way to waive it is to complete a registered premarital preparation course (4-hour minimum) and present the certificate of completion when you apply. There is no fee-only waiver. Out-of-state couples have no waiting period.

Understanding the Waiting Period and Timeline

For Florida residents, state law imposes a 3-day waiting period between applying for your license and getting married. Out-of-state residents have no waiting period and can marry the same day the license is issued. Florida residents can also skip the wait by completing a premarital preparation course.

Key Timeline Points (Florida residents, no course):

• Day 1: Apply for license at Clerk's office
• Day 4: Earliest marriage date (sooner with a premarital course)
• Day 60: License expires

Marriage licenses are valid for 60 days from the date of issuance. If you don't get married within this timeframe, you'll need to apply for a new license and pay the full fee again.

Special Considerations for Out-of-State Couples

St. Johns County welcomes couples from anywhere in the United States or internationally. Your state of residence doesn't affect your ability to obtain a marriage license in Florida, but you must meet Florida's marriage requirements.

What Out-of-State Couples Need to Know:

• No waiting period — out-of-state couples can marry the same day the license is issued (the 3-day wait applies only to Florida residents)
• The license fee is the same $86.00 (or $61.00 with a premarital course)
• Your marriage will be legally recognized in all 50 states
• Some states have different requirements for name changes after marriage
• Consider requesting extra certified copies if you live far away

Many couples choose St. Augustine for destination weddings or elopements, and the no-waiting-period rule for out-of-state residents makes a quick trip easy to plan. Both parties still need to appear in person at the Clerk's office to apply.

After the Ceremony: Completing the Process

Once you're married, there are still important legal steps to complete:

Officiant Responsibilities

Your officiant must complete, sign, and return the marriage license to the St. Johns County Clerk's office within 10 days of the ceremony. This includes:

• Completing and signing the officiant section of the license
• Returning the original license to the Clerk's office (drop off or mail) so it can be recorded

Getting Certified Copies

After the Clerk's office processes your returned license, you can request certified copies of your marriage certificate. These official documents are needed for:

• Changing your name with Social Security
• Updating driver's licenses
• Adding spouse to insurance policies
• Bank account changes
• Passport applications

Courthouse Wedding Option

If you prefer a simple civil ceremony, the St. Johns County Clerk's office performs wedding ceremonies for a $30.00 fee. Details:

• Brief civil ceremony performed by the Clerk
• Available at all three locations — walk-ins at the main courthouse; the Julington Creek and Ponte Vedra annexes are by appointment only
• Florida does not require witnesses, though you may bring your own
• A single edited ceremony photo is available for $15.00 when the Clerk performs the ceremony at the main courthouse (photography is not permitted at the annexes)
• A cost-effective option for couples wanting something simple

Contact the Clerk's office at (904) 819-3600 to arrange your courthouse wedding ceremony.

FAQ

Ready to Plan Your St. Augustine Wedding?

Getting your marriage license is just the first step in your wedding journey. If you're planning an intimate ceremony or elopement in St. Augustine, we'd love to help you document your special day. From the historic streets of the Ancient City to beautiful beach locations throughout St. Johns County, we know all the best spots for couples who want stunning wedding photography.

Last updated: May 2026