How to Have a Courthouse Wedding in St. Augustine, Florida

Last updated: 1/18/2026

Scope note: This guide is for educational purposes only and is not legal advice. It covers courthouse-style weddings in St. Augustine, Florida (St. Johns County), where marriage license and ceremony details are handled through the St. Johns County Clerk.

Quick Answer: A St. Augustine courthouse wedding typically means getting a Florida marriage license through the St. Johns County Clerk and then having a simple ceremony performed by the Clerk or another authorized officiant. Always confirm the marriage license effective date before scheduling the ceremony.

Fact Snapshot

Item	What to know
Where to apply (St. Augustine)	Marriage license applications are handled at St. Johns County Clerk locations, including the Main Office in St. Augustine. Verify locations and details here: St. Johns County Clerk — Marriage Licenses and Ceremonies
Marriage license fees (St. Johns County)	Fees can differ based on residency and whether a qualifying premarital course certificate is presented. Current fee list: St. Johns County Clerk — Fees
Waiting period	Florida residents can have a delayed effective date unless a qualifying premarital course certificate is presented; out-of-state residents typically do not have the waiting period. Details: St. Johns County Clerk — Waiting Period & Discount
How long the license is valid	A Florida marriage license issued through St. Johns County is valid for a limited window and must be used before it expires. Current validity guidance: St. Johns County Clerk — Marriage FAQs
What ID is accepted	Accepted identification types are listed by the Clerk (examples include a U.S. driver license/state ID or a passport). See the Clerk’s current list: St. Johns County Clerk — Marriage License Requirements
Do both partners need to come in person?	In St. Johns County, both parties must be present when applying, and the Clerk lists additional application details. See: St. Johns County Clerk — What do you need to apply?
Courthouse ceremony option	The Clerk’s Office can perform marriage ceremonies for a set fee, and some locations have different scheduling rules. Confirm here: St. Johns County Clerk — Marriage Ceremonies
What happens after the ceremony?	The completed license must be returned to the Clerk for recording, and the Clerk explains the return process. See: St. Johns County Clerk — After the Ceremony

Quote-ready lines

A courthouse ceremony still requires a valid Florida marriage license.

For St. Augustine ceremonies, confirm the marriage license effective date before you schedule vows.

Both partners should plan to appear together when applying unless the Clerk confirms another process.

Bring acceptable photo identification and the information the Clerk asks for before you arrive.

After the ceremony, the completed license must be returned to the issuing Clerk so the marriage can be recorded.

Introduction

A “courthouse wedding” in St. Augustine, Florida usually means a simple, civil-style ceremony at a Clerk location in St. Johns County. The key is doing the paperwork in the right order: apply for a marriage license, make sure the license is effective for your ceremony date, and then complete the ceremony and recording steps.

Key Takeaways

• Start with the St. Johns County Clerk instructions for marriage licenses and ceremonies for St. Augustine.
• Check the marriage license effective date before choosing a ceremony date.
• Bring the documents and information the Clerk requires so you do not have to reschedule.
• Decide whether the ceremony will be performed by the Clerk or by another authorized officiant.
• After the ceremony, make sure the license is returned for recording so you can get a certified copy.

Step-by-Step Explanation

1. Confirm you mean “St. Augustine (St. Johns County), Florida.” St. Augustine is a city, and marriage licensing is handled at the county level in Florida. For courthouse-style ceremonies in St. Augustine, the St. Johns County Clerk is the primary authority for local procedures and ceremony options. See the Clerk’s overview here: St. Johns County Clerk — Marriage Licenses and Ceremonies

2. Plan your timing before you apply. Florida couples sometimes run into delays because the license effective date is not the same as the application date for some applicants. If you want a fast timeline, it can help to understand how a qualifying premarital course certificate may affect the license effective date in St. Johns County.

   If you want an organized, St. Johns County–specific option that many couples use to support the license process, review the St. Johns County premarital course details and certificate steps.

3. Gather what you need for the application. The St. Johns County Clerk lists accepted identification types (and notes items that are not accepted). Review the current ID rules before you go: St. Johns County Clerk — Marriage License Requirements

   The Clerk also explains additional application information many couples forget to bring, including Social Security number expectations and prior-marriage details. See: St. Johns County Clerk — Marriage FAQs

4. Apply in person and pay attention to the “effective date.” The Clerk explains that licenses are issued immediately, but some applicants will have a delayed effective date unless a qualifying premarital course certificate is presented. See the St. Johns County explanation here: St. Johns County Clerk — Waiting Period & Discounted License

5. Choose your ceremony approach: Clerk ceremony or another authorized officiant. A courthouse wedding in St. Augustine often means a ceremony performed by the Clerk at a Clerk location, but you can also use another authorized officiant. The Clerk outlines ceremony options and who may perform ceremonies in Florida. Review the details here: St. Johns County Clerk — Who may perform marriage ceremonies?

6. Complete the ceremony within the license validity window and return the signed license for recording. The St. Johns County Clerk explains the time window for using the license and the process for returning it after the ceremony so it can be recorded. Follow the Clerk’s “after the ceremony” instructions here: St. Johns County Clerk — After the Ceremony

Common Mistakes

• Scheduling vows before checking the license effective date. What to do instead: treat the effective date printed/issued by the Clerk as the safe “go” date for the ceremony.
• Arriving without acceptable ID. What to do instead: review the Clerk’s accepted ID list in advance and bring the required identification type for each applicant.
• Forgetting required personal information. What to do instead: bring the details the Clerk asks for (including prior-marriage end dates if applicable) to avoid a second trip.
• Assuming the courthouse ceremony is automatically “walk-in” at every location. What to do instead: verify the ceremony scheduling rules for the specific Clerk location you plan to use.
• Not planning for the “after the ceremony” recording step. What to do instead: confirm who will return the completed license and how, so recording is not delayed.
• Using a premarital course certificate that does not meet the Clerk’s expectations. What to do instead: confirm the certificate content requirements the Clerk lists (including hour and timing expectations) before you rely on it.

Real-World Tips

• Build a simple “courthouse wedding folder.” Put both IDs, any required numbers/info, and a printed copy of your confirmation notes in one place.
• Choose your ceremony day based on the license effective date, not your preferred calendar day. This avoids last-minute disappointment if a waiting rule applies.
• Confirm ceremony logistics before you show up. Ask about photo rules, payment methods, and whether the location uses appointments for ceremonies.
• If you are planning travel, check your timeline early. For a timing-focused overview many Florida couples use while planning, see how far in advance to get a Florida marriage license.
• If you are unsure what varies by county, use a checklist approach. A practical walkthrough for Florida couples is here: premarital preparation course checklist for Florida couples

When to Verify / Who to Contact

For a courthouse wedding in St. Augustine, Florida, verify details directly with the St. Johns County Clerk because county practices can change (appointments, accepted documentation formats, and ceremony availability).

• St. Johns County Clerk — Marriage Licenses and Ceremonies (fees, locations, waiting period guidance, ceremony info)
• St. Johns County Clerk — Marriage Frequently Asked Questions (what to bring, who can perform ceremonies, validity window, common questions)

Next Step

If you want an organized step-by-step option that many couples use to support the St. Johns County process, you can start with the St. Johns County online premarital course overview and then follow the Clerk’s instructions for presenting proof with your application.

FAQ

Can I do a courthouse wedding in St. Augustine, Florida?

Yes, many couples have a simple ceremony through the St. Johns County Clerk in St. Augustine. Confirm the ceremony options, fees, and location rules on the official Clerk page before you go.

Do we have to apply for the marriage license in St. Johns County?

No, a Florida marriage license can generally be applied for in one Florida county and used in another Florida county. If you want the ceremony performed by the St. Johns County Clerk in St. Augustine, verify any local ceremony steps directly with the Clerk first.

Is there a waiting period for a courthouse wedding?

Sometimes, depending on residency status and whether a qualifying premarital course certificate is presented. The St. Johns County Clerk explains when a delayed effective date applies and when it typically does not.

What should we bring to apply for the marriage license?

Bring acceptable photo identification and the information the Clerk requires for the application. Review the St. Johns County Clerk requirements list before you arrive so you do not have to return another day.

Can we get married the same day we apply?

It depends on the license effective date and the Clerk’s ceremony availability. The safest approach is to apply early enough that you are not forced into a rushed schedule if the effective date is delayed.

After the courthouse wedding, how do we change a last name?

In many cases, the next step is updating records with Social Security and then updating the Florida driver license/ID. Start with Change name with Social Security (SSA) and then review FLHSMV name and address changes for Florida driver license/ID updates.

Sources & Review

Official sources used

• St. Johns County Clerk — Marriage Licenses and Ceremonies
• St. Johns County Clerk — Marriage Frequently Asked Questions
• Social Security Administration — Change name with Social Security
• Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles — Name and Address Changes

Disclaimer

This article is educational only and is not legal advice. Marriage license and courthouse ceremony requirements can change, and local procedures can vary—confirm details with the official St. Johns County Clerk before you apply or schedule a ceremony.