Where to Get a Marriage License in Orange County
425 N. Orange Avenue, Suite 120, Orlando, FL 32801 — Orange County Clerk of Courts. Hours: Mon–Fri 7:30 AM–4 PM. Online pre-application available at myorangeclerk.com.
Orange County (Orlando) is one of the top destination wedding jurisdictions in Florida, benefiting from Walt Disney World, Universal Studios, and dozens of resort venues in the area. The clerk's office routinely processes applications from couples who traveled internationally specifically to marry here.
Fee — $90
Orange County's fee is $90. Florida's 3-day waiting period is automatically waived for non-Florida residents — the majority of couples marrying in the Orlando area.
Accepted payment at most Florida county offices: cash, credit/debit card, money order. Personal checks are generally not accepted. Call the office to confirm current payment options before your visit.
Required Documents — Bring These
Both applicants must appear together in person and each bring:
- Valid, unexpired government-issued photo ID: Driver's license, state ID, U.S. passport, military ID, or equivalent. Foreign passports accepted.
- Social Security Number: Required on the application for both parties. Physical card not required — just know the number. Non-U.S. citizens without an SSN write "None."
- Prior marriage information: Date and state where prior marriage ended (divorce date or death of spouse). For divorces finalized within the past 6 months, bring a certified copy of the divorce decree.
Government office hours, appointment policies, and accepted payment methods can change without public notice. A 2-minute phone call the day before your visit prevents wasted trips. The office number is available on the Orange County government website.
Waiting Period — 3 days*
Orange County has one of the most efficient pre-application systems in Florida. Completing the online form at myorangeclerk.com before your visit significantly reduces counter time. Both parties still must appear in person, but pre-applicants are typically seen faster.
Use our Wedding Date Planner to calculate the exact window for applying based on your ceremony date and Florida's waiting period and validity rules.
License Validity — 60 days
Your Orange County marriage license is valid for 60 days from the date of issue. It is valid for ceremonies performed anywhere in Florida. Do not apply too far in advance — if the license expires before your ceremony, you must reapply and pay the fee again. Use our expiration calculator to track your exact window.
After the Ceremony
Your officiant must sign and return the completed marriage license to the Orange County issuing office within the timeframe required by Florida law (typically 10–30 days after the ceremony). After recording, certified copies of the marriage certificate are available for $10.00 each. Order at least 4–6 certified copies — you will need them for name changes at the Social Security Administration, DMV, passport agency, and financial institutions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Florida requires both applicants to appear together in person to apply for a marriage license. Both must present valid photo ID and provide their Social Security numbers. There are very limited exceptions for active military deployment in some states — contact the office directly if one party cannot appear.
Yes. Florida has no residency requirement for marriage license applicants. The license is valid for ceremonies performed anywhere in Florida, regardless of where you live. Out-of-state ID is accepted.
Order at least 4–6 certified copies when you're at the office (or request them after recording). You will need one each for: Social Security Administration name change, state DMV name change, passport name change, and potentially one or two more for banks, insurance companies, or professional licensing boards. Ordering multiple copies at once is far more efficient than reordering individually later.
An expired marriage license cannot be used. If your ceremony is delayed beyond the validity window, you must return to the Orange County office, reapply, and pay the $90 fee again. There is no extension process. Use the expiration calculator to track your deadline.
Planning Your Visit to Orange County Clerk of Courts
The Orange County Clerk of Courts is located at 425 N. Orange Avenue, Orlando, FL 32801. Orange County (Orlando) benefits from Walt Disney World and Universal Studios tourism, generating substantial destination wedding traffic. The clerk's online pre-application at myorangeclerk.com is one of the best in Florida — complete it before your visit to minimize counter time. Both parties must still appear in person to finalize.
The downtown Orlando courthouse is in the heart of the city, accessible by SunRail (Church Street Station) and LYNX bus. The Clerk of Courts office handles civil ceremony scheduling separately from the marriage license — ask about magistrate ceremony availability at the time of your application.
What Makes Orange County, Florida Different
Orange County (Orlando) benefits from Walt Disney World and Universal Studios tourism, generating substantial destination wedding traffic. The clerk's online pre-application at myorangeclerk.com is one of the best in Florida — complete it before your visit to minimize counter time. Both parties must still appear in person to finalize.
Timeline: From Application to Certified Copies
Here is the complete sequence for a Orange County, Florida marriage, from the day you apply to the day you have certified copies in hand for name changes:
- Application day: Both parties appear at Orange County Clerk of Courts. Bring photo IDs, Social Security numbers, and the $90 fee. The application takes 15–25 minutes at the counter.
- License issued: You leave with a physical paper marriage license. Guard it — if it is lost or damaged, you must reapply.
- Waiting period: 3 days (auto-waived for non-residents) from the moment of issuance (if applicable for this state). Plan your ceremony date accordingly.
- Ceremony: Hold your ceremony anywhere in Florida within the 60 days validity window. Your officiant signs the license immediately after the ceremony.
- Officiant returns license: The signed license must be returned to the issuing office within the timeframe required by Florida law (typically 10–30 days).
- Certificate recorded: The county records the marriage. Allow 2–4 weeks.
- Order certified copies: Request certified copies from the Orange County Clerk of Courts or through VitalChek. Order at least 4–6 copies at once.
- Name changes: Use certified copies for SSA, DMV, passport, and financial accounts. See our complete name change guide.
Download our free Day-Of Marriage License Checklist PDF — a print-ready document you can fill in with your county-specific details and bring to the Orange County Clerk of Courts on your application day. No signup required.