Clay County Marriage Records

Clay County marriage records are on file with the Clerk of the Circuit Court in Green Cove Springs. The clerk office issues marriage licenses and records them once the ceremony is done. Residents of Fleming Island, Lakeside, Oakleaf Plantation, Orange Park, and the rest of Clay County all use this office. You can get certified copies, search for older records, or apply for a new license at the Clay County clerk. The Florida Department of Health holds state-level marriage certificates from June 1927 to the present, giving you a second source for Clay County records. Both offices are open to the public, and you do not need to explain your reason for requesting a marriage record.

Clay County Clerk of Court

The Clay County Clerk of the Circuit Court is responsible for all marriage license services in the county. The main office sits in Green Cove Springs. Both applicants must appear at the same time. You need a valid government-issued photo ID. Accepted forms include a driver license, passport, military ID, or state ID card. U.S. citizens must provide a Social Security number. Anyone who was previously married needs to know the exact date of the last divorce, death, or annulment.

Under Florida Statutes Chapter 741, the Clay County clerk issues marriage licenses as an agent of the state. Section 741.01 sets the fee framework. Section 741.04 requires both parties to sign an affidavit confirming their true ages. The license is issued the same day as long as all conditions are met.

Note: Both parties must read the Family Law Handbook before applying for a marriage license in Clay County, as required by Section 741.0306.

Clay County Marriage License Fees

A marriage license in Clay County costs $86 without a premarital course. Couples who bring a certificate from an approved premarital preparation course pay $61. Under Section 741.0305, the course must be completed within one year before the application. Taking the course also wipes out the three-day waiting period for Florida residents, letting Clay County couples apply and get married on the same visit.

Non-Florida residents have no waiting period. No blood test is needed anywhere in Florida. The license stays valid for 60 days from issuance and can be used at any location in the state under Section 741.041. The fee includes a $2 application charge and $25 Domestic Violence Trust Fund contribution per Section 741.01. Ceremonies at the clerk office typically cost $30.

Under Section 741.07, the ceremony can be performed by ordained ministers, judges, court clerks, or Florida notaries public. The Clay County clerk can tell you if ceremony services are available at their Green Cove Springs office when you call (904) 284-6302.

Getting Copies of Clay County Marriage Records

To get a copy of a marriage license recorded in Clay County, contact the clerk in Green Cove Springs. Section 741.09 requires the clerk to maintain accurate records of all licenses issued. After the ceremony, the signed license goes back to the Clay County clerk within 10 days. It is then recorded into the official records, and the couple gets one free certified copy. For additional copies, call (904) 284-6302 to ask about current fees. You can pick up copies in person or request them by mail.

State-level marriage certificates are another option. The Florida Department of Health in Jacksonville has records from June 6, 1927 to the present. A search and certified copy cost $5. Each additional copy is $4. Send your request by mail to P.O. Box 210, Jacksonville, FL 32231-0042 with a check payable to Vital Statistics. Include both spouse names before their first marriage, birth dates, marriage date, and that the license was issued in Clay County.

Online orders go through VitalChek. The cost is $15 for the state fee and $7 for processing. VitalChek is the only contracted vendor. The Florida Department of Health does not recommend any other online service. Processing takes 3 to 5 business days for computer certificates from 1970 forward.

Public Records Access in Clay County

Clay County marriage records are public. Florida Statutes Chapter 119 makes this clear. Section 119.01 says it is state policy that all county records are open for personal inspection and copying by any person. No reason is needed. You do not have to be a party to the marriage. Section 119.07 sets copy fees at 15 cents per page for regular copies. Certified copies are $1 under the general statute, though specific document rates at the Clay County clerk may be different.

Social Security numbers and financial account details are redacted under Section 119.071. Medical data is also exempt. The rest of the Clay County marriage record is fully accessible. The My Florida County Records portal lets you search official records in Clay County and other Florida counties from one site.

The Clay County Clerk of Court website has details on marriage license services, recording, and other court-related functions in the county.

Check the Clay County clerk site for updates on fees, hours, and specific instructions before visiting the Green Cove Springs office for a marriage license.

Applying for a Clay County License

Both people go to the Clay County clerk office in Green Cove Springs at the same time. Each brings a photo ID and Social Security number. Previously married people need the date of their last divorce or spouse death. Both sign an affidavit under Section 741.04. Pay the fee. The clerk issues the license that day.

Florida residents wait three days before the license becomes effective, unless they completed a premarital course. Non-residents can use it right away. The ceremony can take place anywhere in Florida within 60 days. After the wedding, the signed license goes back to the Clay County clerk within 10 days. The clerk records it and sends the information to the state. That state filing takes about 60 days. For quick proof of marriage, contact the Clay County clerk directly. The Florida Court Clerks and Comptrollers website lists every county clerk office in the state and can help you compare Clay County services with other areas.

Cities in Clay County

Clay County has several communities in the greater Jacksonville metro area. Green Cove Springs is the county seat. Marriage license services go through the clerk office there. Several populated areas have their own pages on this site.

Orange Park, Middleburg, Keystone Heights, and Penney Farms are other Clay County communities that use the same clerk office for marriage records.

Nearby Counties

Clay County is in northeast Florida near Jacksonville. Neighboring counties each have their own clerk of court for marriage license services.