How to Get Married at the Miami Courthouse

Expert Reviewer: Kristen Franzen, LMHC (Florida License MH22317), NCC (#1727660)

Last updated: July 2026

Scope note: This article is an educational guide and not legal advice. It covers courthouse-style marriage steps in Miami-Dade County, Florida (often searched as “Miami courthouse wedding” or “Miami-Dade marriage license”). Rules and fees can change, so confirm details with the official Miami-Dade County clerk sources before your appointment.

Quick Answer: How to Get Married in the Miami Courthouse

To get married at the Miami courthouse, you must first apply in person for a Miami-Dade County marriage license. Florida residents are subject to a mandatory 3-day waiting period before they can legally marry, unless they complete a state-approved Florida Premarital Course, which waives the wait entirely and reduces the license fee from $86 to $61. Non-residents have no waiting period. Once issued, the license is valid for 60 days to hold your civil ceremony, and the signed document must be returned to the clerk within 10 days after the wedding.

Fact Snapshot: Miami-Dade Marriage Rules & Fees

Item	What to know
Fees & Discounts	The standard marriage license fee in Miami-Dade is $86. This fee drops to $61 if you present a certificate of completion from an approved premarital course when applying.
Waiting Period	Florida residents face a strict 3-day waiting period between application and the ceremony. This wait is waived if you take a certified Florida premarital course. Out-of-state couples have no waiting period.
Validity Window	Florida marriage licenses expire 60 days from the date of issuance.
Required Documents	Both applicants must appear in person with valid government-issued photo ID (like a driver’s license or passport), Social Security numbers, and the exact date/location of your last divorce or spouse’s death (if previously married).

Quote-Ready Lines

• In Miami-Dade County, a courthouse wedding has two separate legal parts: applying for the marriage license and holding the civil ceremony.
• Couples who take an approved Florida premarital course can skip the mandatory 3-day waiting period and marry on the same day they apply for their license.
• You must apply for a Miami-Dade marriage license in person, but the 60-day validity window means you have two months to plan your ceremony.

Step-by-Step Explanation: Miami Courthouse Wedding

1. Complete a Florida Premarital Course (Optional but Recommended)
   As a Florida Licensed Mental Health Counselor (MH22317), I always advise couples to start here. Completing our Miami-Dade approved premarital course online takes just 4 hours and allows you to instantly bypass the 3-day legal waiting period while saving $25 on your courthouse fee.
2. Build Your Application Folder
   Both partners must be physically present at the Miami-Dade County Clerk’s office. Bring government-issued photo ID, your Social Security numbers, exact dates of any prior marriage dissolutions, and a printed copy of your premarital course completion certificate.
3. Apply for the Marriage License
   Visit a Miami-Dade Clerk of Courts location. The clerk will process your application, verify your documents, and issue the license. Verify the effective date and the expiration date printed on the license before leaving.
4. Observe the Waiting Period (If Applicable)
   If you are Florida residents and chose not to take a premarital course, you must wait 3 full days before your ceremony can legally take place.
5. Have the Ceremony and Protect the Paperwork
   You have exactly 60 days to hold your civil ceremony before the license expires. If having a civil ceremony at the clerk’s office, follow their local scheduling procedures. If using an outside officiant, ensure they sign the document appropriately.
6. Return the License for Official Recording
   Within 10 days of your ceremony, the completed marriage license must be returned to the Clerk’s Office. Once recorded, you can request certified copies of your marriage certificate for name changes, insurance, and legal proof.

Common Mistakes (and What to Do Instead)

• Mistake: Expecting a same-day courthouse wedding as a Florida resident without taking the course.
  Do instead: Either plan your ceremony 3 days after applying, or complete an authorized premarital course to skip the wait.
• Mistake: Showing up with incomplete divorce records.
  Do instead: Verify the exact month, day, and year your previous marriage legally ended before stepping up to the clerk’s window.
• Mistake: Letting the marriage license expire.
  Do instead: Calendar your wedding date strictly within the 60-day validity window printed on your paperwork.

Real-World Tips from an LMHC

• Match your names perfectly. Use the exact legal names on your IDs, the application, and all supporting documents.
• Timing is everything. Taking a premarital class doesn’t just check a box—it aligns you and your partner while removing bureaucratic red tape. If you’re trying to keep things simple and fast, read about Florida elopement basics.
• Snap a photo. Having a digital copy of your effective and expiration dates on your phone prevents last-minute panic.

When to Verify / Who to Contact

Always verify the current steps with the Miami-Dade County Clerk of the Court and Comptroller before leaving your house. Check for:

• Appointment requirements versus walk-in availability.
• Civil ceremony scheduling availability.
• Accepted payment methods for the $86 or $61 fee (Miami-Dade does not accept contactless/tap-to-pay for certain records).

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the “Miami courthouse” the same as the City of Miami government?

No. Marriage licenses are handled entirely at the county level by the Miami-Dade County Clerk, not the city government.

Do we need a premarital course to get married in Miami-Dade?

No, the course is optional. However, taking a state-approved 4-hour premarital course saves Florida residents $25 on the license fee and legally waives the mandatory 3-day waiting period.

Can we apply for the license and have the courthouse ceremony on the same day?

Yes, but only if you are out-of-state residents OR if you are Florida residents who have completed the approved premarital course. Otherwise, Florida law strictly enforces a 3-day waiting period before you can hold the ceremony.

How much does a marriage license cost in Miami?

The standard fee for a marriage license in Miami-Dade County is $86. If you submit a completed premarital course certificate, the fee is discounted to $61.

How long is a Miami marriage license valid?

Once issued, a Florida marriage license is valid for 60 days. If you do not hold your ceremony within this window, the license expires and you will have to pay for a new one.

Disclaimer

This content is for general education only and is not legal advice. Marriage license rules, fees, and office procedures can change, so confirm your next steps with official Miami-Dade County and Florida sources before you apply or schedule a ceremony.