Common Questions
Marriage Licenses
Common Questions
Marriage Licenses Commonly Asked Questions

ESCAMBIA COUNTY FLORIDA
MARRIAGE LICENSE
PUBLIC NOTICE
Effective January 1, 1999, all Florida residents who apply for a marriage license will have a three-day waiting period and must read a marriage handbook available at the Clerk's office. To avoid this three-day requirement, couples must complete a pre-marital preparation course (given by a course provider registered with the Escambia County Clerk of the Circuit Court). By completing both the course and the handbook, the marriage license fee will be reduced from $93.50 to $61.00 (a savings of $32.50). To contact the Clerk's Marriage Division, call 850-595-4170.




  1. How much does a Marriage License cost?
  2. Is a blood test required?
  3. Is there a difference in the fee or waiting period if we take premarital counseling?
  4. How do we find out which providers of premarital counseling are registered with the Clerk of Courts?
  5. Is a waiting period required?
  6. How is the waiting period counted?
  7. How long is a Marriage License good for?
  8. What kind of identification do I need?
  9. Will I need my social security number to apply for a marriage license?
  10. Will we have to read any material prior to our marrige license being issued?
  11. Do I need to bring witnesses?
  12. What is the age limit a person can get a Marriage License without parental consent?
  13. Do I need to bring my divorce papers or spouse's death certificate with me to get my Marriage License?
  14. What are your hours?
  15. Where are you located?
  16. Who can perform marriage cermonies?
  17. Can we be married there at your office?
  18. If I get a Marriage License in the State of Florida, can I take it to another state and be married?
  19. How much does it cost for a certified copy of my marriage license?




How much does a Marriage License cost?

The current fee for a Marriage License is $93.50.

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Is a blood test required?

The State of Florida does not require a blood test.

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Is there a difference in the fee or waiting period if we take premarital counseling?

If both the bride and the groom have taken a premarital preparation course within one year prior to applying for their marriage license, from a provider that is registered with the Clerk of Courts, you will qualify for a reduction in the fee of $32.50, which will make the fee $61.00. The waiting period will then be waived.

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Is a waiting period required?

If both the bride and the groom are not a resident of the State of Florida, then no waiting period is required and the fee for the marriage license is $93.50.

If either the bride or the groom are a resident of the State of Florida, then Florida requires a three day waiting period from the date you apply for you license before you can be married and the fee is $93.50.

If both the bride and the groom have taken a premarital preparation course within one year prior to applying for their marriage license, from a
provider that is registered with the Clerk of Courts, you will qualify for a reduction in the fee of $32.50, which will make the fee $61.00. The waiting period will then be waived.

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How is the waiting period counted?

The date the license is issued does count as the first day. You will need to wait two additional full days. You may then be married on the following day.

For example, assuming you are eligible for the three day waiting period:
If you obtain your marriage license on Monday, then you can get married on Thursday.
If you obtain your marriage license on Tuesday, then you can get married on Friday.
If you obtain your marriage license on Wednesday, then you can get married on Saturday.
If you obtain your marriage license on Thursday, then you can get married on Sunday.
If you obtain your marriage license on Friday, then you can get married on Monday.

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How long is a marriage license good for?

A Marriage License must be used within 60 days from the effective date.

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What kind of identification do I need?

Any legal document with your date of birth on it: i.e. drivers license, military ID, or passport.

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Will I need my social security number to apply for a marriage license?

Yes. We will need to give us your social security number when you apply for your marriage license.

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Will we have to read any material prior to our marrige license being issued?

Yes. Both the bride and the groom must read and make a sworn affidavit that they have read the Florida Marriage / Family Law Handbook created by the Family Law Section of the Florida Bar. The handbooks are freely available at the Clerk's Marriage Division or click here to download a copy from this website.

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Do I need to bring witnesses?

Witnesses are not required in the State of Florida

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What is the age limit a person can get a marriage license without parental consent?

The individual must be at least 18 years of age.

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Do I need to bring my divorce papers or spouse's death certificate with me to get my marriage license?

We just need you to give us the complete date of the divorce or death verbally.

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What are your hours?

Monday through Friday, 8:00AM to 5:00PM. You must arrive prior to 4:30PM to have your license issued.

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Where are you located?

We are located in the M.C. Blanchard Judicial Building, First Floor, Clerk's One Stop Division 190 Governmental Center, Pensacola, Florida

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Who can perform marriage ceremonies?

Ordained ministers or elders in communion with some church, all judicial officers, clerks of the circuit courts, and notaries public of the State of Florida.

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Can we be married there at the Clerk's office?

Yes. We perform ceremonies at the Clerk's office for small parties. There is a charge of $30.00 for us to perform the ceremony. We ask that you be at the office no later than 3:30PM for your license to be issued and the ceremony to be performed no later than 4:30PM.

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If I get a marriage license in the State of Florida, can I take it to another state to be married?

No. The license is only good in the State in Florida and you must be married in the State of Florida.

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How much does it cost for a certified copy of my marriage license?

Each certified copy of a marriage license cost $3.00.

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