Expert Reviewer: Kristen Franzen, Licensed Mental Health Counselor (Florida LMHC MH22317), National Certified Counselor (NCC #1727660), and registered Martin County premarital course provider.
Last updated: 1/27/2026
Scope note: This is educational information about getting a marriage license through the Martin County, Florida Clerk of Court. Procedures can change, so confirm details with the Martin County Clerk before you apply.
Quick Answer: Martin County Marriage License
To get a Martin County, Florida marriage license, both applicants must apply in person at the Martin County Clerk’s office (Stuart or Hobe Sound locations). You must bring a valid government-issued photo ID and your Social Security Number (or permitted alien registration number). The standard fee is $86.00, but Florida residents can drop this to $61.00 and skip the mandatory 3-day waiting period by completing an approved Florida premarital preparation course.
Fact Snapshot
| Requirement | Martin County Details |
|---|---|
| Where to apply | Martin County Clerk (Stuart Main Courthouse or Hobe Sound Branch). |
| Standard Fee | $86.00 (payable by cash, check, or credit card; 3.5% fee applies for cards). |
| Discounted Fee | $61.00 (if a qualifying premarital course certificate is presented). |
| Waiting Period | 3 days for Florida residents. No wait for non-residents or residents with an approved premarital course certificate. |
| Validity Window | Valid for 60 days after issuance anywhere in the State of Florida. |
| Required Docs | Valid photo ID (driver’s license, state ID, passport), SSN, and date any prior marriages ended. |
Introduction & Expert Advice
Navigating the Martin County, Florida marriage license process is simple when you prepare ahead of time. As a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC MH22317) and registered course provider in Florida, I always advise couples to complete an approved Florida Premarital Course before visiting the courthouse. Not only does this fulfill the state requirement to skip the mandatory 3-day wait, but it also instantly drops your county fee from $86.00 to $61.00. For a broader view of statewide rules, see this guide on Florida wedding license requirements couples often miss.
Key Takeaways
- Skip the Wait: Florida residents face a 3-day wait before marrying, unless they take an approved premarital course.
- Save Money: The premarital course reduces the Martin County application fee by $25.
- Bring the Right Docs: Both partners must bring a valid ID, SSN, and the exact date any previous marriages ended.
- Time It Right: The license expires exactly 60 days from the issue date.
Step-by-Step Martin County Application Process
- Complete Your Premarital Course (Optional but Recommended): Take our 4-hour Martin County Premarital Course to instantly get your certificate. Presenting this to the clerk legally waives your 3-day wait and saves you $25. (Learn more about how a Florida marriage course works).
- Gather Your Documents: Bring valid photo identification (driver’s license, state ID, or passport) and your Social Security number or alien registration number. If either of you has been married before, you must provide the exact month, day, and year the last marriage legally ended.
- Go to the Clerk’s Office: Both parties must appear in person at the Martin County Clerk’s office. You can visit the Courthouse Stuart Office (100 SE Ocean Blvd) or the Hobe Sound Branch (11730 SE Federal Highway).
- Read the Handbook & Apply: Florida law requires both applicants to read the Family Law Handbook and sign a statement verifying you have read it prior to applying.
- Pay the Fee: Pay the $86 standard fee, or $61 if you present your premarital course certificate. The clerk accepts cash, check, or credit cards (note: a 3.5% transaction fee applies to card payments).
Common Mistakes (and what to do instead)
- Booking a ceremony before the waiting period is over: If you are a Florida resident and don’t take a premarital course, you must wait 3 days before you can marry. Do instead: Take the course, or apply at least a week before your wedding date.
- Forgetting exact divorce dates: You cannot guess when your previous marriage ended. Do instead: Have the exact month, day, and year memorized or written down.
- Only one person showing up: You cannot apply for your partner. Do instead: Plan a time when both of you can go to the clerk’s office together with valid IDs.
- Letting the license expire: Do instead: Ensure your wedding is held within 60 days of the license issue date, as strictly required by Florida law.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Where do you apply for a Martin County, Florida marriage license?
You apply in person at the Martin County Clerk’s office. You can visit the Main Courthouse located at 100 SE Ocean Blvd in Stuart, or the Hobe Sound Branch at 11730 SE Federal Highway.
Do both people have to show up in person in Martin County?
Yes. The Martin County Clerk strictly requires both parties to be present with valid photo identification when applying for a marriage license.
Is there a waiting period in Martin County, Florida?
For Florida residents, there is a mandatory 3-day waiting period. However, this is completely waived if you present a certificate of completion from an approved premarital preparation course. Non-Florida residents do not have a waiting period.
How much does a marriage license cost in Martin County?
The standard marriage license fee in Martin County is $86.00. If you complete an approved Florida premarital course, the fee is reduced to $61.00.
How long is a Martin County marriage license valid?
A Florida marriage license is valid for 60 days from the date of issuance. The ceremony must be solemnized within this timeframe.
What identifying numbers are required on the Martin County application?
Florida law requires each party to provide the Clerk’s office with their Social Security number, passport number, alien admission number, or alien file number.
About the Author & Reviewer
Kristen Franzen is a leading authority on relationship dynamics and premarital preparation. She is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in Florida (LMHC MH22317). Her deep clinical expertise is backed by national and state-level board certifications, including National Certified Counselor (NCC #1727660), and active licenses in TX (97926), CO (0019499), PA (PC016512), LA (10219), AZ (23358), NC (20928), MO (2023037577), TN (8036), and MN (CC04980). Kristen designed the Florida Premarital Course and Texas Premarital Course to help couples build resilient marriages while providing the required legal certifications to access state waivers and fee discounts.
