Search Bradenton Marriage Records

Marriage records for Bradenton go through the Manatee County Clerk of Court. The clerk office issues licenses, performs ceremonies, and stores all recorded marriage documents for the county.

Where to Get a Marriage License in Bradenton

Bradenton is the county seat of Manatee County. The Manatee County Clerk of Court handles all marriage license applications at the courthouse in downtown Bradenton. Call (941) 749-1800 for hours and information.

Both people must show up together with valid photo ID. Accepted forms include driver licenses from any state, passports, military IDs, state ID cards, alien registration cards, and naturalization certificates. U.S. citizens need a Social Security number. If you were married before, bring the date your last marriage ended.

Walk-ins are welcome during office hours. An appointment helps cut the wait, especially on busy days. Fill out the pre-application form on the clerk website before your visit. It saves time at the counter when the clerk already has your basic data.

Since Bradenton is the county seat, the courthouse is the main hub for all marriage license business in Manatee County. Residents from nearby areas like Palmetto, Anna Maria, and Holmes Beach all use this same office.

Bradenton Marriage License Fees

The license fee is $86 in Manatee County. A premarital course brings it down to $61. The course must be from an approved provider and finished within one year. Under Florida Statute 741.0305, the course also waives the three-day waiting period for Florida residents.

The clerk charges $30 for a ceremony. Cash, Visa, Mastercard, Discover, and American Express are accepted. No personal checks. Duplicate licenses run $30. Amendments need a court order plus $30.

Certified copies are $9 for the first one and $7 for each extra. If you do not know the marriage year, the clerk charges $2 per year searched. Order online, in person, or by mail.

Search Bradenton Marriage Records Online

The Manatee County Clerk website has an online records search. Look up marriage records by name for free. Ordering a certified copy costs money, but the search does not.

Records not available online may need a phone or in-person request. Call (941) 749-1800 for help with older records. Records from before June 6, 1927 exist only at the county level.

The Florida Department of Health keeps state marriage certificates from 1927 onward. The state charges $5 for a search and one certified copy, plus $4 for extras. VitalChek is another route at $15 plus $7 processing. For Bradenton marriages, the Manatee County Clerk is usually faster.

Bradenton Marriage License Process

Here is the step-by-step process:

• Fill out the pre-application on the Manatee County clerk website
• Both parties visit the Bradenton courthouse with valid photo ID
• Bring Social Security numbers (U.S. citizens)
• Pay $86 (or $61 with premarital course proof)
• Wait three days if you are a Florida resident without the course
• Use the license within 60 days at any Florida location

The wait only applies to Florida residents. Out-of-state couples skip it. Taking the premarital course removes the waiting period for everyone. The course provider must be registered with the state.

Under Florida Statute 741.07, ordained ministers, judges, clerks of court, deputy clerks, and Florida notaries public can perform the ceremony. Witnesses are not legally required but are a good idea. The officiant signs the license and returns it within 10 days. The clerk records it and sends data to the Bureau of Vital Statistics. Processing takes about 60 days.

Getting Certified Copies in Bradenton

Three options for certified copies. Online from the Manatee County Clerk website is fastest. Pay by credit card and copies ship to you. In person at the Bradenton courthouse works for immediate needs. Mail requests need a cashier's check or money order payable to the Clerk of Court.

Manatee County marriage records are public under Florida Statutes Chapter 119. Anyone can search or request copies. Social Security numbers and personal details are redacted. For confidential filing, ask about the form under Section 119.071.

Need proof of a Bradenton marriage right away? The county clerk is your fastest source. The state office takes about two months to process records after the ceremony date.

Other Cities in Manatee County

All cities in Manatee County use the same clerk office for marriage records. Select a city below for local details.