Where to Get a Marriage License in Palm Beach County
205 N. Dixie Highway, Room 1.2600, West Palm Beach, FL 33401 — Palm Beach County Clerk & Comptroller. Hours: Mon–Fri 8 AM–4 PM.
Palm Beach County attracts a significant destination wedding market from the Northeast US and from international visitors to the Palm Beach resort area. The county processes applications from a notably high percentage of out-of-state couples compared to other Florida counties.
Fee — $93.50
Palm Beach County's fee is $93.50. Out-of-state applicants automatically receive the 3-day waiting period waiver — no additional paperwork required.
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 Palm Beach County government website.
Waiting Period — 3 days*
Palm Beach County's proximity to the Bahamas and Caribbean creates unique demand from international couples visiting South Florida. Non-US citizens follow the same application process — foreign passports accepted. Florida's non-resident waiting period waiver applies automatically.
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 Palm Beach 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 Palm Beach 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 Palm Beach County office, reapply, and pay the $93.50 fee again. There is no extension process. Use the expiration calculator to track your deadline.
Planning Your Visit to Palm Beach County Clerk & Comptroller
The Palm Beach County Clerk & Comptroller is located at 205 N. Dixie Highway, West Palm Beach, FL 33401. Palm Beach County spans from the Atlantic coast resort towns (Palm Beach, Boca Raton, Delray Beach) to the western agricultural interior. The wealth concentration in Palm Beach creates demand for luxury wedding planning services. The clerk's office is in downtown West Palm Beach near the Brightline station.
Palm Beach County's proximity to Boca Raton, Delray Beach, and the Palm Beaches makes it the natural choice for couples marrying in this corridor. The non-resident waiting period waiver is automatic for out-of-state couples — indicate your out-of-state address on the application.
What Makes Palm Beach County, Florida Different
Palm Beach County spans from the Atlantic coast resort towns (Palm Beach, Boca Raton, Delray Beach) to the western agricultural interior. The wealth concentration in Palm Beach creates demand for luxury wedding planning services. The clerk's office is in downtown West Palm Beach near the Brightline station.
Timeline: From Application to Certified Copies
Here is the complete sequence for a Palm Beach 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 Palm Beach County Clerk & Comptroller. Bring photo IDs, Social Security numbers, and the $93.50 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 Palm Beach County Clerk & Comptroller 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 Palm Beach County Clerk & Comptroller on your application day. No signup required.