Broward County Courthouse Wedding: How to Get Married at the Clerk

Last updated: 2/10/2026

Scope note: This article is educational only (not legal advice). This guide covers the typical courthouse wedding and marriage license process in Broward County, Florida. Requirements and fees can change, so verify details with the Broward County Clerk of Courts before applying or scheduling a civil ceremony.

Quick Answer: A Broward County courthouse wedding is usually a civil marriage ceremony performed by the Broward County Clerk of Courts after the couple obtains a Broward County marriage license and confirms the marriage license effective date through the clerk.

Item	What to know
Where a courthouse wedding happens	Broward County civil marriage ceremonies and marriage licenses are handled by the Broward County Clerk of Courts Marriage Division. Use the official locations list and current instructions here: Broward County Clerk of Courts — Marriage (Licenses & Ceremonies).
Marriage license fees (Broward)	The Broward Clerk lists a standard marriage license fee of $86 and a reduced fee of $61 when a qualifying premarital course certificate is presented. Verify the current fee schedule here: Broward County Clerk of Courts — Fees & Costs.
Civil ceremony fee (Broward)	The Broward Clerk lists a civil marriage ceremony (and vow renewal) fee of $30. Confirm current ceremony pricing here: Broward County Clerk of Courts — Fees & Costs.
ID basics	The Broward Clerk states each applicant must present valid federal or state government photo identification that shows the correct legal name, date of birth, and signature, and provides examples of accepted ID types. Verify ID rules here: Broward County Clerk of Courts — Marriage (ID requirements).
How long the license is valid	Florida law states a marriage license is valid for 60 days after issuance. See: Florida Statutes — F.S. 741.041 (60-day validity).
Premarital course “minimum length”	Florida law describes a premarital preparation course used for marriage-license purposes as not less than 4 hours and requires a certificate of completion. See: Florida Statutes — F.S. 741.0305 (premarital course basics).

Quote-ready lines:
A Broward County, Florida courthouse wedding typically means a civil ceremony performed by the Broward County Clerk of Courts Marriage Division.
A Broward County marriage license is a separate step that must be completed before a Broward County civil marriage ceremony can be performed.
A Florida marriage license is valid for 60 days after issuance, so the ceremony date should fit inside the validity window.
Broward County marriage license and civil ceremony details should be verified on the Broward County Clerk of Courts Marriage Division website before visiting.

Introduction

If a couple searched for “broward county courthouse wedding,” the couple is usually trying to do two things: (1) get the correct marriage license paperwork through Broward County, Florida, and (2) complete a simple civil ceremony at a courthouse location. This guide explains the typical steps, what commonly varies, and how to avoid the most common delays—without guessing or promising outcomes.

Key Takeaways

• Start by confirming which Broward County Clerk of Courts location the couple plans to use and whether the couple wants a civil ceremony performed by the clerk.
• Plan the ceremony date first, then work backward to make sure the marriage license timeline fits the plan.
• Bring valid government-issued photo identification that matches the legal name and date of birth for each applicant.
• Keep the marriage license and ceremony steps separate in planning: the license is the paperwork, and the ceremony is the event.
• Verify the latest Broward County Clerk of Courts instructions right before visiting, because hours and procedures can change.

Step-by-Step Explanation

1. Decide what “courthouse wedding” means for Broward County.
   A Broward County courthouse wedding usually refers to a civil marriage ceremony performed by the Broward County Clerk of Courts at one of the Marriage Division courthouse locations. The Broward Clerk explains where a marriage license or a civil ceremony can be obtained and lists the locations here: Broward County Clerk of Courts — Marriage (Licenses & Ceremonies).

   Why this matters: A civil ceremony performed by the clerk is different from a ceremony performed by a private officiant, and the couple should plan around the clerk’s location rules and timing rules.

2. Pick a realistic ceremony date, then plan around the marriage license effective date.
   A couple should confirm the marriage license effective date before scheduling a courthouse ceremony. The Broward County Clerk of Courts provides the current county process and explains the premarital-course option on the official Marriage Division page: Broward County Clerk of Courts — Marriage (FAQs and timing).

   If the couple wants an organized overview of the optional premarital-course certificate step for Broward County, the couple can review the details here: Broward County Florida premarital course option and certificate checklist.

   Why this matters: A courthouse wedding date that is scheduled before the marriage license is effective can create a last-minute cancellation.

3. Gather identification and key details for both applicants.
   The Broward Clerk states each applicant must present valid government photo identification and lists examples of accepted ID types (such as a driver license, passport, military ID, and other listed documents). Verify the current identification requirements here: Broward County Clerk of Courts — Marriage (Identification Requirements).

   Why this matters: A name mismatch, an expired ID, or missing required details is one of the fastest ways to delay the application.

4. Choose the Broward courthouse location the couple will visit (and confirm hours and any updates).
   Broward provides multiple courthouse Marriage Division locations (including the Central Courthouse and regional courthouses) and posts hours and contact information on the official Marriage Division page. Confirm the correct location details here: Broward County Clerk of Courts — Marriage (Locations and Contact Information).

   Why this matters: A couple can lose hours on the wedding day if the couple goes to the wrong building or arrives outside posted service hours.

5. Apply for the Broward County marriage license and pay the listed fee.
   The Broward Clerk lists current fees for standard and reduced marriage license applications and also lists the civil ceremony fee on the official fee schedule. Confirm the current amounts here: Broward County Clerk of Courts — Fees & Costs (Marriage License Fees).

   Why this matters: The couple should plan the correct total cost and avoid showing up with incorrect assumptions about fees.

6. Complete the civil marriage ceremony (if the couple wants the clerk to perform the ceremony).
   A civil marriage ceremony performed by the clerk is typically available through the Broward County Clerk of Courts Marriage Division, and the Broward Clerk directs couples to use the listed courthouse locations for licenses and clerk-performed ceremonies. Verify the current ceremony instructions here: Broward County Clerk of Courts — Marriage (Ceremony information).

   Why this matters: The courthouse ceremony can be simple and fast, but the couple should leave buffer time for check-in and paperwork review.

7. After the ceremony, make sure the signed license is recorded and keep copies for future paperwork.
   The Broward Clerk provides instructions about recording and follow-up steps on the official Marriage Division page. Use the clerk’s instructions to confirm what happens after the ceremony and how to request certified copies if needed: Broward County Clerk of Courts — Marriage (Recording and records).

   Why this matters: The recorded marriage record is commonly needed later for benefits, identity updates, and other administrative steps.

Common Mistakes

• Scheduling the courthouse ceremony before confirming the marriage license effective date.
  Do instead: confirm the county’s timing rules on the Broward Clerk Marriage Division page before setting the ceremony time: Broward County Clerk of Courts — Marriage.
• Arriving with an ID that does not match the correct legal name (or is expired).
  Do instead: bring valid government-issued photo ID that matches the correct legal name and date of birth as described by the clerk: Broward County Clerk of Courts — Marriage (ID requirements).
• Assuming the fee total without checking the current Broward fee schedule.
  Do instead: verify the current standard fee, reduced fee (if applicable), and ceremony fee on the clerk’s fee page: Broward County Clerk of Courts — Fees & Costs.
• Planning too close to the expiration date of the marriage license.
  Do instead: plan the ceremony date so the ceremony occurs within Florida’s 60-day validity window: Florida Statutes — F.S. 741.041.
• Bringing a premarital course certificate that does not meet the basic legal definition (or bringing no certificate when the couple expected the “course option” to apply).
  Do instead: confirm the course basics (including the minimum length and the certificate requirement) in Florida law and confirm Broward’s current process before the appointment: Florida Statutes — F.S. 741.0305.
• Not reading Broward’s county-specific instructions for special situations.
  Do instead: review a county-focused “delays to avoid” checklist before the visit: common Broward marriage-license delays to avoid.

Real-World Tips

• Build a simple “courthouse wedding folder.” Keep identification, receipts, any certificates (if used), and a copy of the appointment plan in one place.
• Arrive early and plan for parking and security. Courthouse entry and check-in can take longer than expected on busy days.
• Use the clerk’s location list to avoid the wrong building. Broward’s Marriage Division has multiple courthouse locations, and the location choice matters for timing.
• Apply early enough to avoid rushing the ceremony plan. A planning guide can help the couple choose an application window that fits the ceremony timeline: how early to apply for a Florida marriage license.
• Keep the ceremony plan simple. A courthouse wedding is often easiest when the couple focuses on correct paperwork and a realistic schedule.

When to Verify / Who to Contact

For Broward County, Florida, the best source for courthouse wedding logistics, marriage license steps, locations, hours, and current instructions is the Broward County Clerk of Courts Marriage Division page: Broward County Clerk of Courts — Marriage.

For the most current Broward County marriage license fees and civil ceremony fees, verify the fee schedule directly with the clerk: Broward County Clerk of Courts — Fees & Costs.

Next Step

If a couple wants an organized, step-by-step option for the premarital-course certificate route that can affect the Broward County timeline, the couple can start here: step-by-step Broward County premarital course guidance.

FAQ

What does “Broward County courthouse wedding” usually mean?

Direct answer: A Broward County courthouse wedding usually means a civil marriage ceremony performed by the Broward County Clerk of Courts at a courthouse Marriage Division location.
The Broward County Clerk of Courts lists where licenses and civil ceremonies are handled and posts the current instructions on the Marriage Division page: Broward County Clerk of Courts — Marriage.

Do both people have to appear in person to apply in Broward County?

Direct answer: The Broward County Clerk of Courts states both parties must apply in person at the same time for a marriage license.
This requirement is stated in the clerk’s Marriage Division FAQ section here: Broward County Clerk of Courts — Marriage (FAQ).

What identification is typically accepted?

Direct answer: The Broward County Clerk of Courts states a valid federal or state government photo ID is required and lists examples of accepted ID types.
The clerk’s identification requirements and examples are listed here: Broward County Clerk of Courts — Marriage (Identification Requirements).

How long is a Florida marriage license valid?

Direct answer: Florida law states a marriage license is valid for 60 days after issuance.
A couple should plan the ceremony date so the ceremony occurs before the expiration date printed on the license. See: Florida Statutes — F.S. 741.041.

What is a “premarital preparation course” in Florida?

Direct answer: Florida law describes a premarital preparation course used for marriage-license purposes as a course of not less than 4 hours with a certificate of completion.
A couple should confirm whether and how Broward applies the “course option” before visiting. See: Florida Statutes — F.S. 741.0305.

How much does a Broward County marriage license and courthouse ceremony cost?

Direct answer: The Broward County Clerk of Courts publishes the current marriage license fees and the civil ceremony fee on the clerk’s official fee schedule.
Because fees can change, confirm the most current amounts on: Broward County Clerk of Courts — Fees & Costs.

What should happen after the courthouse wedding ceremony?

Direct answer: The signed marriage license should be recorded according to the Broward County Clerk of Courts instructions, and the couple should keep copies for future paperwork needs.
The clerk’s recording and records guidance is posted here: Broward County Clerk of Courts — Marriage (Records and next steps).

Sources & Review

Official sources used

• Broward County Clerk of Courts — Marriage (Licenses, Ceremonies, FAQs, Locations)
• Broward County Clerk of Courts — Fees & Costs (Marriage License Fees)
• Florida Statutes — F.S. 741.041 (Marriage license valid for 60 days)
• Florida Statutes — F.S. 741.0305 (Premarital preparation course basics)

Disclaimer

This content is for educational purposes only and is not legal advice. Marriage license procedures, fees, and courthouse ceremony rules can change and can vary by situation. Always confirm the latest requirements with the Broward County Clerk of Courts and the Florida Legislature’s official statutes before applying or scheduling a ceremony.