Golden Gate Marriage Records

Marriage records for Golden Gate are managed by the Collier County Clerk of Court. The clerk office processes license applications, performs ceremonies, and maintains all recorded marriage documents.

Where to Get a Marriage License in Golden Gate

Golden Gate is a census-designated place in Collier County. There is no separate marriage license office in Golden Gate. The Collier County Clerk of Court handles all marriage license applications at the courthouse in Naples, the county seat. Call (239) 252-2646 with questions.

Both parties must show up in person at the same time. Bring valid photo ID. The clerk accepts driver licenses from any state, passports, military IDs, state ID cards, alien registration cards, and naturalization certificates. U.S. citizens need to provide a Social Security number. If either person was married before, have the exact date the last marriage ended.

Walk-ins are accepted during regular hours. Appointments help cut the wait. The clerk has an online pre-application. Fill it out before your visit and the intake process moves faster at the courthouse.

Golden Gate is east of Naples, so the drive to the courthouse is short. Most Golden Gate residents can reach the clerk office in about 15 minutes. There is parking available at the courthouse.

Golden Gate Marriage License Fees

A marriage license costs $86 in Collier County. Taking a premarital course brings the fee down to $61. Under Florida Statute 741.0305, the course must come from an approved provider and be done within one year. The course also waives the three-day waiting period.

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

Certified copies of a marriage record run $9 for the first copy and $7 for each extra. If you are not sure what year the marriage took place, there is a $2 search fee per year. Order copies online, in person at the courthouse, or by mail.

Search Golden Gate Marriage Records Online

The Collier County Clerk provides an online records search. Look up marriage records by name for free. Certified copies have a fee, but basic searches cost nothing.

Records not available online may need a phone or in-person request. Call (239) 252-2646 for help with older or hard-to-find records. Records before June 6, 1927 exist only at the county level.

The Florida Department of Health maintains state marriage certificates from 1927 to now. A state search is $5 for one certified copy plus $4 for extras. VitalChek charges $15 plus a $7 processing fee. For Golden Gate marriages, going through the Collier County Clerk is usually faster and costs less.

Marriage License Steps for Golden Gate Residents

Here is what you need to do:

• Complete the pre-application on the Collier County clerk website
• Both parties visit the Naples courthouse with valid photo ID
• Provide Social Security numbers (U.S. citizens)
• Pay $86 (or $61 with a premarital course certificate)
• Wait three days if you are a Florida resident without the course
• Use the license within 60 days anywhere in Florida

The three-day wait is for Florida residents only. Couples from out of state skip it. Taking the premarital course removes the wait for everyone. The course provider has to be registered with the state.

Ceremonies can be performed by ordained ministers, judges, clerks of court, deputy clerks, or Florida notaries public under Florida Statute 741.07. Witnesses are not legally needed, but having one or two is smart. The officiant must sign the license and return it to the clerk within 10 days. The clerk records it and forwards data to the state Bureau of Vital Statistics. Full processing takes about 60 days.

Certified Copies of Golden Gate Marriage Records

You can get certified copies three ways. Online is the quickest option. Visit the Collier County Clerk website and pay by credit card. Copies get mailed to you. In-person requests are handled at the Naples courthouse. Mail requests need a cashier's check or money order payable to the Clerk of Court.

Collier County marriage records are public under Florida Statutes Chapter 119. Anyone can request copies. Social Security numbers and certain details are redacted. If you need confidential filing, ask about the form under Section 119.071.

Got married near Golden Gate recently? The county clerk can give you a certified copy much faster than the state office. State processing runs about two months behind the ceremony date.

Other Cities in Collier County

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