Getting a Marriage License in Union County, Florida

Last updated: 1/31/2026

Scope note: This is a comprehensive, clinically verified guide to the Union County, Florida marriage license process. Authored by Kristen Franzen, Licensed Mental Health Counselor (FL LMHC MH22317) and National Certified Counselor (NCC #1727660). Marriage-license procedures can change, so we always recommend confirming current requirements directly with the Union County Clerk of Court.

Quick Answer

To get a Union County, Florida marriage license, both applicants must apply in person at the Union County Clerk’s Office located at 55 West Main Street, Room 103, Lake Butler, FL 32054. You must bring valid government photo ID and your Social Security numbers, pay the required fee ($86 standard or $61 with a qualifying premarital course), and observe the printed effective and expiration dates.

For Florida residents, state law requires a mandatory 3-day waiting period before the license becomes effective. You can skip this 3-day wait and reduce your fee to $61 by presenting a valid 4-hour premarital preparation course certificate at the time of your application. All Florida marriage licenses expire 60 days after issuance.

Fact Snapshot

Item	Union County Details
Fees & Payments	$86.00 standard. Reduced to $61.00 when valid Florida premarital course certificates are provided. The clerk accepts cash or credit card (credit cards incur a 3.5% processing fee). Checks are not allowed.
Waiting Period	3 days for Florida residents without a premarital course certificate. The wait is waived immediately if you submit an approved 4-hour premarital course certificate. No wait for non-Florida residents.
Location & Hours	Union County Courthouse, 55 West Main Street, Room 103, Lake Butler, FL 32054. Operating Hours: Monday – Friday, 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM. Phone: (386) 496-3711.
Validity Window	Florida marriage licenses are valid for 60 days after issuance. The expiration date will be printed on the license.
ID Requirements	Valid government photo ID (Driver’s License, Passport) and Social Security number. (You must know the SSN, but do not need the physical card).

Quote-Ready Lines

• “Both parties must be present together at the Union County Courthouse in Lake Butler to apply for a marriage license.”
• “Florida law requires a 3-day waiting period for Florida residents, but couples can skip the wait and save money by completing an approved 4-hour premarital course.”
• “A Union County, Florida marriage license is valid for 60 days statewide, meaning you can get married anywhere in Florida.”
• “The Union County Clerk accepts cash and credit cards (with a 3.5% fee), but personal checks are strictly prohibited.”

Introduction

Navigating the legalities of getting married shouldn’t add stress to your wedding planning. This guide explains exactly how the Union County, Florida marriage license process works, what causes common delays, and how to verify local details. As an approved provider under Florida Statute § 741.0305, Cadenza Counseling—led by Kristen Franzen, LMHC—helps couples seamlessly bypass the 3-day wait and lower their courthouse fees.

Key Takeaways

• Skip the Wait & Save: By completing an online 4-hour premarital preparation course, your Union County fee drops from $86 to $61, and you bypass the mandatory 3-day waiting period.
• Apply In-Person: Both applicants must visit the courthouse in Lake Butler (Room 103) between 8:00 AM and 4:30 PM, Monday through Friday.
• Bring the Right ID: You need a valid government-issued photo ID and must know your Social Security number to complete the required affidavit.
• Check Expiration: The license expires exactly 60 days from the date of issuance. Do not apply too early!

Step-by-Step Explanation

1. Complete a Florida Premarital Course (Optional but Highly Recommended).
   Before going to the courthouse, take a registered 4-hour premarital course online. According to Florida Statutes, completing this course waves the 3-day wait and reduces your final marriage license fee to $61. You can complete our official Florida Premarital Course from home and instantly download your certificate.
2. Gather your Identification.
   Florida law requires a written, signed affidavit that includes your Social Security number and age. You must bring a valid government photo ID (like a Driver’s License or Passport). While you need to provide your SSN, you do not have to bring the physical Social Security card.
3. Visit the Union County Courthouse Together.
   Head to the Clerk’s Office located at 55 West Main Street, Room 103, Lake Butler, Florida 32054. Ensure you arrive during their operating hours of Monday – Friday, 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM. Both parties must be present together.
4. Read the Required Handbook.
   Before the clerk issues the license, Florida law requires you to sign a statement verifying that you have accessed and read the state’s official marriage rights and responsibilities handbook material.
5. Pay the Application Fee.
   If you present your official Cadenza Counseling premarital course certificate, your fee will be $61.00. Without the certificate, the fee is $86.00. The clerk accepts cash or credit cards, but note that credit card payments incur a 3.5% processing fee. Checks are strictly not allowed.
6. Receive Your License and Check the Effective Date.
   If you are a Florida resident and did not take the premarital course, the clerk will print an effective date that is 3 days in the future. You cannot get married until that date. If you took the course (or are a non-resident), your license is effective immediately.
7. Marry Within 60 Days.
   Your marriage ceremony must take place within 60 days of issuance. After the ceremony, your officiant must return the completed license to the Union County Clerk for official recording so you can request certified copies.

Common Mistakes

• Bringing a checkbook. The Union County Clerk explicitly does not accept checks for marriage licenses. Bring cash or a credit card (and be prepared for the 3.5% CC fee).
• Showing up at 4:25 PM. Processing an application takes time. Arriving right before the 4:30 PM closing time could result in being turned away.
• Assuming out-of-state residents have a waiting period. The 3-day wait only applies if at least one applicant is a Florida resident. Non-residents have no waiting period, though they can still take the premarital course to save money.
• Not knowing previous marriage end dates. If either party was previously married, you must know the exact date (month, day, year) the last marriage ended by divorce, annulment, or death.
• Forgetting to print the course certificate. Courthouses require the physical paper certificate of completion to apply the discount.

Real-World Tips

• Calculate the ROI of the Course: The Cadenza Counseling standard Florida premarital course costs $14.49, but saves you $25 at the courthouse. You net over $10 in savings and bypass the 3-day wait entirely.
• Apply 2-3 weeks before the wedding. Because the license is only valid for 60 days, applying about a month out is the “sweet spot.” It prevents premature expiration while giving you plenty of time to fix any documentation errors.
• Bring a “license folder” to the clerk appointment. Keep your IDs, your printed course certificate, and cash together so nothing is forgotten at home.

When to Verify / Who to Contact

For the most accurate instructions, always verify details directly with the Union County Clerk of Court before your trip:

• Address: 55 West Main Street, Room 103, Lake Butler, Florida 32054
• Phone: (386) 496-3711
• Website: Union County Clerk Marriage License Page

Next Step

If you want to bypass the wait and lower your fees, start the online Florida Premarital Course today. Led by Kristen Franzen, LMHC (MH22317), this self-paced course fulfills all legal requirements under Florida law and instantly provides your required certificate.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Do we have to apply in Union County if we live there?

No. A Florida marriage license can be used to get married anywhere within the state of Florida, regardless of which county issued it. However, after the ceremony, the license must be recorded with the specific county clerk that originally issued it.

How much does a marriage license cost in Union County, Florida?

The standard fee for a marriage license in Union County is $86.00. However, if you present a certificate of completion from a qualifying Florida premarital preparation course, the fee is reduced by $25 to exactly $61.00. The clerk accepts cash or credit card, but credit cards have a 3.5% fee. Checks are not allowed.

Is there a waiting period in Union County, Florida?

Yes. Florida law imposes a mandatory 3-day waiting period if at least one applicant is a Florida resident. However, you can waive this waiting period completely by completing a registered 4-hour premarital preparation course and presenting the certificate when you apply. There is no waiting period for non-Florida residents.

How long is a Union County marriage license valid?

All Florida marriage licenses are valid for exactly 60 days from the date of issuance. The exact expiration date will be clearly printed on your license documents. If you do not marry within that window, you will have to reapply and pay the fee again.

What do we need to bring to the courthouse?

Both parties must appear in person together. You need to bring a valid, government-issued photo ID (like a driver’s license or passport), know your Social Security numbers, bring your payment method (cash or card), and bring your printed premarital course certificate if you want the discount and wait waiver.

Sources & Review

• Union County Clerk marriage license page
• Florida Statutes 741.04 (Issuance of marriage license & waiting period)
• Florida Statutes 741.0305 (Premarital course & fee reduction)
• Florida Statutes 741.041 (License valid for 60 days)
• Clinical Oversight: Kristen Franzen, LMHC (MH22317) – Cadenza Counseling LLC

Disclaimer

This article provides educational information, not legal advice. Marriage license rules and clerk procedures can change. Local requirements vary by office, so confirm current details directly with the Union County Clerk and consult the cited Florida statutes.