Lee County Clerk of Court, FL
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Marriage Licenses & Ceremonies
Obtaining a Marriage License
Applying for a marriage license is a two-step process: first, you must complete the online application, and second, you must have the license officially issued and signed.
A marriage license may be obtained from any county in the State of Florida (regardless of where you live) and can only be used for ceremonies performed within the State of Florida. Once issued, licenses are valid in any Florida county for a period of 60 days from the license effective date.
Waiting Period & Residents
If one or both parties is a Florida resident, the couple must wait three days before the marriage license becomes effective. This waiting period can be waived by completing a 4-hour premarital preparation course. There is no waiting period for non-Florida residents.
Searching & Certified Copies
To obtain a free copy of a marriage license record in Lee County, you may search the Official Records. Detailed information regarding certified copy options is available on our Copies of Documents page. Please note that if your license was obtained in another county or state, you must search the records in that specific jurisdiction.
The certified copy of your marriage license is the legal document needed to change your name with the Social Security Administration, the Division of Motor Vehicles, your banking institution, your employer, and credit card accounts.
Important: The Social Security office does NOT accept electronically certified documents. A certified copy will need to be obtained by mail or in person from one of our office locations.
Requirements
Both individuals applying for the marriage license must be present at the time of application.
- Photo Identification: You must provide ID showing your name and date of birth, such as a U.S. Driver's License, U.S. State Identification Card, Military ID, Passport, Matricula ID Card, Foreign Passport, or U.S. Permanent Resident Card. Note: Birth Certificates are not acceptable forms of ID.
- Identification Numbers:
- Social Security number (U.S. Citizens)
- Foreign Passport number (non-U.S. Citizens)
- Age Requirements: Applicants must be at least 18 years old. For applicants under 18, please visit our FAQ section.
Waiting Period & Discounted Marriage License
There is a 3-day waiting period before Florida residents can use the marriage license to get married. The 3-day waiting period starts once the actual license is issued by the Clerk's office. The waiting period can be waived if both applicants have completed a pre-marital counseling course with an approved Pre-Marital Course Provider and present a certificate of completion at time of application. There is no waiting period for non-Florida residents but if the couple has one Florida resident, the waiting period applies.
NOTE: The marriage license is only valid for 60 days from license effective date.
All area Marital Course Providers must be registered with the Clerk. For providers who wish to be registered with the clerk, view Instructions on How to Register.
Additionally, both residents and non-residents of Florida may receive at $25 dollar discount on their marriage license by completing a pre-marital course. The course must be completed no more than one year prior to the date of application for the marriage license. Both parties must attend the course to be eligible for the discount.
How to Apply
The marriage license can only be issued when both applicants appear in person at the Clerk's office with a completed application and kiosk transaction number.
- Complete the Marriage License Online Application and write down the Marriage License Kiosk Transaction Number. You will present this number to the Clerk.
- Both parties must read the Family Law Handbook. It is available in English and Spanish.
- Print and fill out the Statement of Compliance.
- Print and fill out (DO NOT sign) the Affirmation of Common Children Born in Florida form only if applicants have a minor child together that was born in the State of Florida.
- Appointments are recommended: Make an appointment.
Note: The Marriage License Online Application is valid for 30 days. After 30 days, applications are purged and you will have to apply again online.
Ceremonies
The Clerk's Office performs marriage ceremonies at our Fort Myers Official Records Office and at our Cape Coral branch location.
Ceremony Requirements
- Valid License: The couple must possess a valid Florida marriage license to have a ceremony performed in our office.
- Identification: Each party must present the same form of ID that was submitted at the time of obtaining the marriage license.
- Ceremony Fee: A fee of $30.00 will be collected at the time of the ceremony.
- Appointments: Appointments are recommended: Make an appointment.
The Process
- Upon arrival, each party will present their identification and valid Florida marriage license to the clerk.
- Depending on the location, couples may be married in a wedding ceremony room, a designated ceremony area, or at the counter:
- Fort Myers (Ceremony Room): Maximum of 15 persons, including the couple.
- Cape Coral (Designated Area): Maximum of 10 persons, including the couple.
- Following the ceremony, the couple will receive a receipt and one certified copy of their signed marriage license. Additional certified copies are available for $3.00 each.
Virtual Marriage Licenses
Marriage licenses are available through a virtual process for couples planning to be married within the next 60 days. Please note that the license remains valid for 60 days from the effective date.
The Virtual Process
- Complete the Marriage License Online Application.
- Both parties must read the Family Law Handbook, available in English and Spanish.
- Fill out the Marriage License Virtual Packet.
- Email your completed, unsigned packet (and your Pre-Marital Course completion certificate, if applicable) to marriage@leeclerk.org.
- Documents must be sent as a PDF (pictures will not be accepted).
- Packets must be typed (no handwritten packets).
- Include both applicants' names in the email subject line.
- Provide three available times between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. for a clerk to contact you.
- A clerk will contact you by phone to verify your information and schedule a Zoom video call.
- Ensure your device has working video and audio capabilities prior to the Zoom call. Both applicants must appear on the Zoom appointment to have the license issued.
- The couple will receive an electronic copy of the issued marriage license.
Important Reminders:
- A clerk will call you from (239) 533-5000. Please be prepared to answer to avoid delays.
- Video calls are typically scheduled more than 5 business days from the date the packet is submitted. If the license is needed sooner, the couple must appear in person.
- Please allow one business day for a response from our office.
- The Online Application is valid for 30 days. After 30 days, applications are purged and you must re-apply.
Virtual Marriage Ceremonies
Marriage ceremonies are available through a virtual process for couples who have been issued a valid Lee County marriage license. Ceremonies are performed Monday through Friday.
Available Appointment Times: 9 a.m., 10 a.m., 11 a.m., 1:30 p.m., 2:30 p.m., and 3:30 p.m.
Requirements
- Lee County License: The marriage license MUST have been issued in Lee County.
- Location: Both parties must be physically present within the State of Florida during the ceremony. A sworn affidavit attesting to this will be signed during the call.
- Technology: Both spouses must have access to an email account on their device. Please verify your device has working video and audio capabilities prior to the Zoom call.
Scheduling Your Ceremony
To schedule, email a request to marriage@leeclerk.org. Please note that appointments must be made for a future date (no same-day scheduling) and will last no more than 30 minutes.
Please include the following in your email:
- Full names of both applicants
- Both email addresses and telephone numbers
- 9-digit Lee County Marriage License Kiosk Transaction Number
- Requested date and time for the ceremony
The Process
- At the start of the call, both parties will present their identification to the clerk.
- A credit card payment for the $30.00 ceremony fee will be processed, and a receipt will be emailed.
- The clerk will acquire signatures on a sworn affidavit regarding your location.
- The clerk will perform the marriage ceremony.
- A certified copy of the recorded marriage license will be mailed to you.
Guest Invitations: You may invite guests by forwarding the Clerk's Zoom invitation. Please be aware that the ceremony must start exactly at the scheduled time; we are unable to wait for late guests.
| Marriage License Type & Services | Fee |
|---|---|
| Florida Residents (three day waiting period) | $86.00 |
| Florida Residents with Pre-Marital Counseling (reduced fee, no waiting period)* | $61.00 |
| Non-Florida Residents (no waiting period) | $86.00 |
| Non-Florida Residents with Pre-Marital Counseling (reduced fee, no waiting period) |
$61.00 |
| One Florida, One Non-Florida Resident (three day waiting period)** | $86.00 |
| Additional Certified Copy | $3.00 |
| Performing Marriage Ceremony | $30.00 |
|
Lost/Stolen Marriage License Affidavit for lost marriage license Notary Fee |
$10.00 $10.00 |
|
Amended Marriage License Affidavit for Amended Marriage License Notary Fee |
$30.00 $10.00 $10.00 |
*If both parties have taken the 4-hour pre-marital course and present a certificate, no waiting period.
**If the Florida resident takes the course, no waiting period.Contact Us
If you have questions about the marriage license process, our team is here to help. You can reach out to us by phone at 239-533-5007.