Ocala Marriage Records

Marriage records in Ocala are managed by the Marion County Clerk of Court. The clerk office issues licenses, performs civil ceremonies, and maintains all marriage documents for the county.

Where to Get a Marriage License in Ocala

Ocala is the county seat of Marion County. The Marion County Clerk of Court runs the marriage license office out of the Marion County Courthouse at 110 NW 1st Avenue, Ocala, FL 34475. Since Ocala is the county seat, this is the main location for all marriage license business. Call (352) 671-8545 with questions.

Both people have to appear together. Bring valid photo ID. A driver license from any state, passport, military ID, or state-issued ID card works. U.S. citizens must provide a Social Security number. If either party was married before, bring the date that marriage ended.

The clerk takes walk-ins during regular office hours. Appointments are also available and can cut down the wait time. The whole application usually takes about 20 to 30 minutes. Your license gets issued that same day, but Florida residents must wait three days before it is active. A premarital course or out-of-state residency waives the wait.

Marion County also offers an online pre-application through a kiosk system. You can fill out some of the forms before you go, which saves time at the counter. Both parties still have to come in person to finish the process and show ID.

Ocala Marriage License Fees

A marriage license in Marion County costs $86. Take a premarital course and the price drops to $61. The course needs to be from a state-approved provider and completed within one year of applying. Under Florida Statute 741.0305, the course also eliminates the three-day waiting period for Florida residents.

The clerk performs civil ceremonies for $30. Cash, Visa, Mastercard, Discover, and American Express are accepted. No personal checks. Duplicate licenses cost $30. Amendments to recorded licenses require a court order and come with an extra fee.

Certified copies of Marion County marriage records are available at the clerk office. Pricing depends on the copy type. You can get them in person, by mail, or through the online ordering system. In-person service at the Ocala courthouse is the quickest option.

Search Ocala Marriage Records Online

The Marion County Clerk website provides access to an online records search. Look up marriage records by name at no charge. The free search shows index data like both parties and the recording date. Certified copies cost money but browsing is free. The database covers many years of recorded documents.

Older records not in the online system can be requested by phone or in person. Records from before June 6, 1927 are only available at the county level since the state did not start collecting marriage data until that date.

The Florida Department of Health keeps state marriage certificates from 1927 to now. A certified copy from the state costs $5. Extra copies are $4 each. VitalChek handles online orders at $15 plus a $7 processing fee. For Ocala marriages, the Marion County Clerk is generally faster and cheaper than the state route.

Ocala Marriage License Steps

Here is the full process for Ocala residents:

• Fill out the online pre-application if available through the kiosk system
• Both parties go to the Marion County Clerk in Ocala
• Bring valid photo ID and Social Security numbers
• Provide the date any prior marriage ended
• Pay $86 (or $61 with a premarital course)
• Wait three days if you are a Florida resident without the course
• Use the license within 60 days anywhere in the state

Only Florida residents face the three-day wait. Out-of-state applicants can use the license the same day. A premarital course removes the wait for everyone. The course needs to be done within a year and come from a registered provider.

Under Florida Statute 741.07, ordained ministers, judges, clerks, deputy clerks, and Florida notaries public can perform the ceremony. The law does not require witnesses, but having a couple is a good idea. The officiant signs the license and returns it to the clerk within 10 days. The clerk then records the marriage and sends the data to the Bureau of Vital Statistics. Processing takes about 60 days from the ceremony.

Certified Copies of Ocala Marriage Records

There are a few ways to get certified copies. The Marion County Clerk at 110 NW 1st Avenue, Ocala, FL 34475 handles in-person requests during office hours. Online ordering is available through the clerk website. Mail requests should include a check or money order payable to the Marion County Clerk of Court.

Marion County marriage records are public under Florida Statutes Chapter 119. Anyone can look them up or get copies. Social Security numbers and certain personal info are redacted from public copies. If you need a confidential filing, ask the clerk about options under Section 119.071.

Need quick proof of a recent Ocala marriage? Go to the county clerk. The state office takes roughly 60 days to process ceremony data. The county clerk has records on file sooner, making it the better choice when time matters.

Other Cities in Marion County

Marion County cities use the same clerk office for marriage records. Select a city for details.