St. Augustine Elopement & Marriage License Guide

Last updated: 5/22/2026

Quick Answer: To plan an elopement in St. Augustine, couples must obtain a marriage license from the St. Johns County Clerk, pay an $86.00 application fee, and observe a mandatory 3-day waiting period, which can be fully waived by completing an approved online premarital course.

Requirement	Details
Standard License Fee	$86.00
Fee with Course	$61.00 (Saves $25)
Waiting Period	3 days (Waived with course)
Validity Window	60 days from date of issuance
ID Required	Valid government-issued photo ID & Social Security Number
Where to Apply	St. Johns County Clerk of Court

Understanding St. Augustine, Florida Marriage Requirements

St. Augustine is a beautiful, historic destination for a Florida elopement. However, before you say your vows, you must handle the legal paperwork. Because St. Augustine is located within St. Johns County, you will need to follow the specific procedures set by the St. Johns County clerk to secure your marriage license application. This guide explains the step-by-step process to ensure your vital records are handled correctly and legally.

Key Takeaways

• The 3-Day Rule: Florida law requires a 3-day waiting period for state residents before a marriage license becomes valid.
• Financial Savings: The standard marriage license fee in St. Johns County is $86.00.
• Course Benefits: You can skip the waiting period and reduce your fee to $61.00 by completing an official premarital course.
• Validity: Once issued, your marriage license is valid for exactly 60 days anywhere within the state of Florida.

Step-by-Step Explanation

1. Gather Your Documents: Both applicants must provide a valid government photo ID (such as a driver’s license or passport) and their Social Security Number. If either party was previously married, you must provide the exact date the previous marriage ended.
2. Complete the Florida Premarital Course: Couples planning an elopement in St. Augustine can waive the mandatory 3-day waiting period and save $25 on their marriage license fee by completing an approved St. Johns County premarital course. You will receive a certificate of completion to present to the clerk.
3. Apply at the Clerk’s Office: Both partners must appear together at the St. Johns County Clerk of the Circuit Court. You will present your IDs, course certificate, and payment.
4. Hold Your Elopement Ceremony: You must have a legally authorized officiant perform your ceremony within 60 days of the license being issued.
5. Return the License for Notarization and Recording: After the ceremony, your officiant must return the signed marriage license to the St. Johns County clerk within 10 days so it can be officially recorded into the vital records system.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Applying Too Early: Because the marriage license is only valid for 60 days, applying too far in advance means the license could expire before your elopement in St. Augustine.
• Forgetting the Waiting Period: Many couples forget that Florida residents face a 3-day wait unless they bring a premarital course completion certificate.
• Bringing Expired Identification: The county clerk will strictly refuse expired driver’s licenses or passports. Double-check your expiration dates before going to the courthouse.

When to Verify & Who to Contact

Always verify current fees, hours, and appointment requirements directly with local government agencies before you apply. You can contact the St. Johns County Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller for the most up-to-date procedures regarding your marriage license application. Additionally, you can review state-wide regulations via the Florida Department of Health or consult Florida Statutes Chapter 741 for legal definitions regarding marriage and officiants.

Next Steps: Fulfill Your Requirements Online

Preparing for your elopement should be an exciting experience, not a stressful administrative burden. By taking an official online premarital course, you can fulfill your state requirements from the comfort of your home. Doing so instantly qualifies you for a $25 discount on your license fee and completely removes the mandatory 3-day waiting period. Ready to check this legal requirement off your list? You can begin your online premarital course for St. Johns County right now to secure your discount and simplify your elopement planning.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do we need a witness to elope in St. Augustine?

Florida law does not explicitly require witnesses to sign the marriage license for it to be legally binding; however, your legally authorized officiant must sign and return the document.

Can non-Florida residents elope in St. Augustine?

Yes. The mandatory 3-day waiting period generally only applies to couples where at least one person is a Florida resident. Non-residents can typically obtain their license and marry on the same day.

How long does it take to get a marriage license in St. Johns County?

The clerk issues the physical license on the same day you apply. However, if you are a Florida resident and have not taken a premarital course, you must wait 3 days before you can legally use it for your ceremony.

Who can officiate an elopement in Florida?

Authorized officiants include ordained ministers, clergy, Florida judges, clerks of the circuit court, and Florida public notaries.

Sources & Expert Review

• St. Johns County Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller
• Florida Department of Health – Vital Statistics
• Florida State Statutes (Chapter 741)

Expertly written and clinically reviewed by Kristen Franzen, LMHC (MH22317), NCC (#1727660). Kristen holds board certifications across 9 states, specializing in relationship counseling and premarital education.

Disclaimer

This guide is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Marriage license requirements are subject to change; always confirm details with your local county clerk.