Last updated: 9/1/26
Quick Answer
To have a courthouse wedding in St. Lucie County, couples must first apply for a Florida marriage license through the Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller. After securing the legal document and fulfilling any applicable waiting periods, couples can schedule a civil ceremony solemnized by a deputy clerk.
Fact Snapshot
| Item | What to know |
|---|---|
| Standard License Fee | $86.00 (St. Lucie County Clerk) |
| Fee with Premarital Course | $61.00 (St. Lucie County Clerk) |
| Waiting Period | 3 days for FL residents; 0 days with course (St. Lucie County Clerk) |
| License Validity | 60 days from the date of issue (St. Lucie County Clerk) |
| Courthouse Ceremony Fee | $30.00 (St. Lucie County Clerk) |
Quote-Ready Lines
The St. Lucie County marriage license is valid for exactly 60 days anywhere within the state of Florida.
Florida residents generally face a mandatory three-day waiting period unless the couple provides a certificate of completion from an approved premarital course.
Both individuals must appear in person at the St. Lucie County clerk’s office with valid government-issued photo identification to apply for the Florida marriage license.
The standard Florida marriage license fee is $86.00, but completing an approved educational program reduces the state fee to $61.00.
Introduction
Getting married at the courthouse is a practical and popular choice for many couples. A St. Lucie County courthouse wedding involves two distinct legal phases: securing a valid Florida marriage license and completing the civil ceremony. While the process is generally straightforward, understanding the exact statutory requirements set by the Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller helps couples avoid unexpected delays. Clinical experts note that preparing necessary documentation ahead of time reduces administrative stress, allowing couples to focus on their commitment. This guide outlines the specific steps, necessary vital statistics documents, and common mistakes to watch out for when planning a civil ceremony in St. Lucie County, Florida.
Key Takeaways
- A valid Florida marriage license is strictly required before any authorized official can solemnize the marriage.
- The St. Lucie County clerk requires valid government-issued photo identification and Social Security numbers for the marriage license application.
- Florida residents must navigate a mandatory waiting period, though state law provides a specific educational exception to bypass this delay.
- The marriage license application and the courthouse ceremony itself carry separate administrative fees.
Step-by-Step Explanation
1. Gather Required Information and Documents
Before visiting the clerk’s office, both individuals must prepare the necessary documentation. The St. Lucie County Clerk requires each person to present a valid, unexpired federal or state-issued photo ID, such as a driver’s license, passport, or state identification card. If either individual has a Social Security Number, the clerk requires that number, though the physical card is typically not required. Additionally, if either person was previously married, they must provide the exact date (month, day, and year) that the prior marriage ended via death, divorce, or annulment.
2. Consider Premarital Education
If both individuals are Florida residents, the state imposes a mandatory three-day waiting period before the marriage license becomes valid for use. However, couples can legally waive this waiting period and reduce the standard license application fee from $86.00 to $61.00 by completing a certified St. Lucie County premarital course. To understand exactly what qualifies under the statute, review the general Florida premarital course requirements. The couple must bring the printed certificate of completion to the clerk’s office when applying for the license to receive these benefits.
3. Apply for the Florida Marriage License
Both individuals must appear in person together at the St. Lucie County clerk’s office to apply. The Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller maintains locations in both Fort Pierce and Port St. Lucie. The standard application fee is $86.00, according to the St. Lucie County Clerk’s official fee schedule. Once issued, the Florida marriage license is valid for exactly 60 days.
4. Schedule and Attend the Ceremony
After obtaining the valid license and completing the three-day wait, if applicable, the couple can proceed with the ceremony. The St. Lucie County clerk offers civil marriage ceremonies solemnized by deputy clerks. The St. Lucie County Clerk charges a statutory fee of $30.00 to perform the ceremony. Following the ceremony, the officiant will sign the legal document and return it to the vital statistics recording office.
Common Mistakes
- Letting the license expire: A Florida marriage license expires exactly 60 days after the issue date. If the ceremony does not happen within this window, the couple must apply and pay for a completely new license.
- Forgetting the waiting period: Florida residents who do not complete an approved educational program often arrive at the courthouse expecting to marry the same day, only to be turned away due to the mandatory three-day wait.
- Skipping post-wedding federal updates: Getting married does not automatically update legal identity records. Couples must actively submit federal forms to change your name after marriage before updating a driver’s license with the DMV.
- Bringing expired identification: The clerk cannot accept expired driver’s licenses or passports. Both individuals must ensure their ID is current and unexpired.
- Not knowing previous marriage end dates: If a prior marriage ended in divorce or death, the clerk requires the exact date (month, day, year). Bringing the final divorce decree or death certificate can prevent filing errors.
- Assuming the ceremony is free: While the license itself has a set application fee, couples often forget that having a deputy clerk officially solemnize the ceremony incurs an additional $30.00 charge.
Real-World Tips
When planning a visit to the St. Lucie County clerk’s office, check the official website for current operating hours, as government offices generally require couples to arrive by 4:00 PM to process applications before closing. Couples should verify whether the Fort Pierce or Port St. Lucie branch is most convenient for their schedule. Before applying, couples are also generally required to read the Florida Family Law Handbook (F.S. 741.04), which outlines the rights and responsibilities of marriage. If you plan to apply for your license in a different part of the state, review more Florida state-specific guidance to understand regional differences. Finally, organize all documents, identification, and payment methods in a single folder before leaving home to ensure the application process goes smoothly.
When to Verify / Who to Contact
Because government procedures and fees can change, couples should always verify the latest requirements directly with the official authority. For a St. Lucie County courthouse wedding, contact the St. Lucie County Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller.
- Marriage License Information: St. Lucie Clerk Marriage License Department
- Ceremony Information: St. Lucie Clerk Marriage Ceremonies
Next Step
If you want an organized step-by-step option to prepare for marriage and navigate the waiver process, consider taking an online premarital education class designed for St. Lucie County. This fulfills the state requirement, allowing eligible couples to skip the waiting period and reduce their license fee.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need an appointment for a St. Lucie County courthouse wedding?
The requirement for an appointment can vary depending on the specific branch and current clerk policies. Couples should check the St. Lucie County Clerk’s official website or call the marriage license division directly to confirm if walk-ins are accepted for ceremonies on their desired date.
How much does a courthouse wedding cost in St. Lucie County?
A courthouse wedding in St. Lucie County typically costs $116.00 in total for Florida residents who do not take a premarital course. This includes the standard $86.00 marriage license fee and the $30.00 ceremony fee charged by the clerk.
Can non-residents get married at the St. Lucie County courthouse?
Yes, out-of-state residents can obtain a Florida marriage license and have a courthouse wedding in St. Lucie County. Non-residents do not have a mandatory three-day waiting period, meaning the license is typically valid immediately upon issuance.
Who can perform the marriage ceremony in St. Lucie County?
If the couple chooses a courthouse wedding, a designated deputy clerk will solemnize the ceremony. Outside of the courthouse, ordained ministers, Florida notaries public, and recognized judicial officers are legally authorized to officiate the marriage.
Sources & Review
- Written by Kristen Franzen, Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC MH22317, FL) and National Certified Counselor (NCC #1727660).
- Official sources used:
Disclaimer
This article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. County fees, operating hours, and legal requirements are subject to change by legislative or administrative action. Always confirm current rules, exact costs, and documentation requirements directly with the St. Lucie County Clerk’s office before making travel or financial arrangements.
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