Bradford County Marriage Records Search
Bradford County marriage records are kept by the Clerk of the Circuit Court in Starke. The clerk issues marriage licenses, records completed documents after ceremonies, and provides certified copies to the public. You can visit the Starke office in person or reach the clerk by phone. The Florida Department of Health maintains state-level marriage certificates dating back to June 1927, so that is another route for Bradford County records. No matter which source you use, the process is open to everyone. These records are public. This page explains how to find, request, and receive Bradford County marriage records from both local and state sources.
Bradford County Quick Facts
Bradford County Clerk of Court
The Bradford County Clerk of the Circuit Court runs all marriage license services. The office is in the Starke courthouse. Both people applying must appear together. Bring valid photo identification such as a driver license, passport, or state ID. U.S. citizens must give their Social Security number. Under Florida Statutes Chapter 741, the Bradford County clerk acts for the state when issuing licenses. Section 741.04 says both parties sign an affidavit stating their correct ages. If either person was previously married, the exact date that marriage ended must be provided to the Bradford County clerk.
The phone number for the Bradford County clerk is (904) 966-6280. Call ahead to check hours and confirm what you need to bring.
| Office | Bradford County Clerk of the Circuit Court |
|---|---|
| Phone | (904) 966-6280 |
| Location | Starke, FL |
| Hours | Monday - Friday, regular business hours |
Marriage License Fees in Bradford County
A marriage license in Bradford County costs $86 for couples who have not taken a premarital course. With proof of completing an approved premarital preparation course, the fee goes down to $61. Section 741.0305 of the Florida Statutes spells out this discount. The course must be finished within one year of the application date. Besides the lower cost, completing the course waives the three-day waiting period for Florida residents.
There is no blood test. No one needs to be a Florida resident to get a license in Bradford County. The license is valid across all of Florida for 60 days under Section 741.041. Payment methods vary by office, so ask when you call. Most county clerks accept cash, money orders, and major credit cards.
Note: Florida residents face a three-day wait after issuance before the license becomes effective, unless a premarital course certificate is presented.
Requesting Bradford County Marriage Records
Certified copies of marriage licenses recorded in Bradford County come from the clerk of court in Starke. Under Section 741.09, the clerk must maintain a correct record of all licenses issued. After the ceremony, the officiant signs the license and it comes back to the Bradford County clerk for recording within 10 days. The couple gets one free certified copy at that point. Later requests for copies involve a fee. Contact the clerk at (904) 966-6280 to ask about the cost for Bradford County marriage record copies.
State-level certificates for Bradford County marriages are available through the Florida Department of Health. Records go back to June 6, 1927. The search fee is $5 and includes one certified copy. Additional copies cost $4. Send your request by mail to P.O. Box 210, Jacksonville, FL 32231-0042. Make the check payable to Vital Statistics. Include both names from the marriage, dates of birth, date and county of the marriage. Processing takes 3 to 5 business days for records from 1970 forward.
VitalChek handles online orders. The state fee is $15, plus $7 for VitalChek processing. This is the only vendor the Florida Department of Health works with. The state strongly warns against using other online services for Bradford County marriage records or any other Florida vital records.
Public Access Rules for Bradford County
Marriage records in Bradford County are public documents. Chapter 119 of the Florida Statutes says all state, county, and municipal records are open for personal inspection and copying. You do not need to be related to either spouse. No explanation for the request is needed. Section 119.07 requires the custodian to permit access at any reasonable time. Standard copy fees under the public records law are 15 cents per page.
Some information is redacted. Social Security numbers, bank accounts, and medical data are exempt from disclosure under Section 119.071. But the marriage record itself stays open. The My Florida County Records portal can help locate official records across multiple counties, including Bradford County, from one search tool.
How the Bradford County License Process Works
Both parties visit the Bradford County clerk office in Starke at the same time. Each person brings a photo ID and Social Security number. Previously married individuals provide the date their prior marriage ended. Both sign the affidavit. The clerk checks everything and issues the license. Florida residents wait three days unless they took the premarital course. Non-residents can use the license that same day.
The ceremony can happen anywhere in Florida within 60 days. Ministers, judges, court clerks, and notaries can all officiate per Section 741.07. After the wedding, send the signed license back to the Bradford County clerk within 10 days. The clerk records it and forwards the information to the state Bureau of Vital Statistics. That state filing takes about 60 days. If you need proof of marriage before then, the Bradford County clerk has the record on file.
The Florida Court Clerks and Comptrollers association website is a handy resource if you need to compare Bradford County with neighboring clerk offices. Each of the 67 counties has its own contact info listed there.
The Florida Department of Health website below is a resource for ordering state-level marriage certificates, including those originally filed in Bradford County.
Use the DOH portal when you want a state-issued certificate instead of a copy from the Bradford County clerk office in Starke.
Cities in Bradford County
Bradford County is a small, rural county in north-central Florida. Starke is the county seat. There are no cities in Bradford County large enough for a separate page on this site. All residents use the clerk office in Starke for marriage licenses and records. Lawtey, Hampton, and Brooker are other small towns in the county.
Nearby Counties
Several counties surround Bradford County. Each has its own clerk of court where you can get a marriage license. A Florida marriage license is valid in all 67 counties.