So You're Tying the Knot in Jax? How to Get Your Marriage License Without Getting Hitched in Red Tape
Congratulations! You've found your lobster (or maybe your bagel, no judgement here). Now it's time to make it official with a marriage license in sunny Jacksonville. But before you imagine yourselves exchanging vows on the beach with a dolphin jumping through a flaming hoop (hey, it's Florida!), there's a little paperwork to tackle. Don't worry, it's not brain surgery (although some might argue that married life requires a certain level of mental fortitude...).
Here's how to get your marriage license in Jacksonville without any unnecessary drama:
The Great Duval County Clerk of Court Caper
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Jacksonville resides in Duval County, so that's where you'll be obtaining your marriage license. The good folks at the Duval County Clerk of Court's office are there to help, not hinder, your path to wedded bliss.
There are two main options to apply:
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- Walk This Way (Walk-in Applications): Feeling spontaneous? Head down to either the Duval County Courthouse or the Beaches Branch at Neptune Beach. Just grab a number and be prepared to wait alongside your soon-to-be-spouse. Bonus points for making conversation about awkward first dates while you're in line.
- Appointment Ahoy! (Scheduled Appointments): Want to avoid the wait? Schedule an appointment in advance, especially if you're planning your nuptials during peak wedding season (think: spring break for lovebirds). You can do this by completing the eMarriage Pre-Application online. Remember, this doesn't actually get you married, it just puts you in the queue.
What to Bring (Besides Your Undying Love)
- Valid ID for both parties: Think driver's licenses, passports, or state IDs. Basically, anything that screams "I am a real person who wants to get married, not a secret government spy."
- Social Security Numbers: You won't need the actual cards, but the numbers themselves are required.
- The Magic Fee: The standard fee is $93.50, but you can shave off some cash (and potentially some pre-wedding jitters) by completing a pre-marital course, bringing the price down to a cool $61.
The Waiting Game (But Not Like, an Awkward Silence Kind of Waiting Game)
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Florida law mandates a 3-day waiting period after you get your license before you can actually say "I do." Unless, of course, you and your partner complete that pre-marital course, then you can skip the waiting and head straight to "I do"-ing.
Once You Have the License (Freedom? Not Quite)
QuickTip: Stop and think when you learn something new.
Your marriage license is valid for 60 days. So no dragging your feet here! Get hitched within that timeframe, or you'll have to start the whole process over again.
Frequently Asked Questions (Because Who Wants to Look Dumb at the Clerk's Office)
- How much does a marriage license cost in Jacksonville? The standard fee is $93.50, but it can be reduced to $61 with a pre-marital course.
- Do I need an appointment to get a marriage license? No, you can walk in, but appointments are recommended to avoid a wait.
- What documents do I need to get a marriage license? Valid ID for both parties and your Social Security numbers.
- Is there a waiting period to get married in Florida? Yes, there's a 3-day waiting period after you get your license, unless you complete a pre-marital course.
- How long is a marriage license valid for in Florida? 60 days. Don't wait too long to tie the knot!
So there you have it! With a little planning and these handy tips, getting your marriage license in Jacksonville will be a breeze. Now go forth and celebrate your love (and maybe reward yourselves with some delicious Duval County donuts afterwards). Congrats!
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