1.How do we get a marriage license?

A couple must apply together, in person, at any Duval County Clerk of Courts office.  Both parties must be present with their State issued ID, military ID, or passport, as well as their Social Security cards.

If either applicant has been married previously, you will need to know the exact date of divorce, death, or annulment. If the marriage ended within the last sixty (60) days, you must bring proof showing how the marriage ended.

The fee for a marriage license is $93.50, and must be paid in cash only. Other forms of payment are not accepted. If both parties have taken a premarital class with a registered premarital course provider, the fee is reduced to $61.00.

There is a three (3) day waiting period for marriage licenses unless a premarital class has been taken from a registered premarital course provider. If both applicants are Non-Florida residents, then this waiting period shall be waived.

2. Do you charge for mileage?
In general no. I service from Amelia Island down to St. Augustine and all of Duval County. Outside of that area there is a small mileage fee.

3. Will you take suggestions and do you have any restrictions?
This is your day… not mine. As long as we legally perform the ceremony then it is really up to you to decide what you want said and how it is done.  Children participating… video taping… this is Your Perfect Day!

4.  I thought we had to use a minister to get married.
The state of Florida does not require a minister to marry you.  It is one of the few states that allow a Notary Public to perform the ceremony.  Your marriage will be legal around the world.

5.  Do you require premarital counseling?
No.  If you are getting married then I hope that you have thought this through carefully.  There is no legal requirement for any counseling. But see the next question for a further explanation.

6.  Is there a waiting period or blood tests to get a marriage license?
There is no blood test requirement.  If you are a Florida resident… you can either choose to take a 4 hour counseling course by an approved provider OR wait three days.  If you are a non-resident of Florida then there is no waiting period or counseling requirement.

7.  What does it cost to get a license?
$93.50.  If you take a counseling course then the fee is reduced to $61.00.

8.  Are there any extra or hidden charges for you to perform the wedding ceremony?
The only extra charges are holiday fees. Depending on the holiday, they can range from $50 to $100.

9.  After we are married… how do we change our name(s)?
Until recently, most women in the United States changed their last names at marriage. By tradition, the bride took the last name of the groom. Today, many brides choose to keep their own names or to use a hyphenated name. Legally, a bride can start using her spouse’s name or the hyphenated combination as soon as she says “I do.” If the bride would like to formally change her name to that of her husband for everyday use, formal action must be taken to change her name on necessary documentation.

• Driver’s License. Take the certified copy of the marriage license to a Florida Driver’s License Department. There will be a fee to process the change. (At this writing, it is $10).
• Social Security Card. Pick up Form SS-5 at any Social Security office. You can call the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213 to request that a form be mailed to you. You can also read and download a copy of Form SS-5 at http://www.ssa.gov/online/forms.html. The Social Security office must see the certified copy of your marriage license, so it is a good idea to go to your local office in person. (Although the name change can be done by mail, your certified copy may not be mailed back to you.)
• Bank Accounts. Take your marriage license and valid photo identification to banks, savings and loans institutions, and credit unions where you have accounts.
• Credit Cards. Normally, a copy of your marriage license with a note is sufficient. You need to mail the information to the address the credit card company uses for correspondence. This address can be found on a current bill. However, some credit card companies may be willing to change your name with a simple phone call to customer service.
• Voter Registration. A voter registration application may be included when the certified copy of the marriage license is returned to the newly married couple. Otherwise, you can get the form from the office of the Supervisor of Elections. Fill it in, sign it, and return it to the Supervisor of Elections.
• Other. Your passport, library card, car registration/title, frequent flier card and other club cards, and business and professional licenses should also be changed if you want to make a formal name change. You should also notify your employer, your insurance provider, and your school or university, if you are currently enrolled.

Some women choose to keep their maiden names after marriage. If you are one of these women, it may be helpful to have one form of identification that identifies you by your husband’s name. A passport could be a good choice, because it is a legal document. For men who are interested in changing their last name after marriage, it is currently necessary to obtain a formal name change through the court system.

Name-Change Kits

You don’t need to purchase an advertised name-change kit. The process is very straightforward. Here are the steps to take:

1. Make a list for yourself that includes all the places that you need to change your name.
2. Make sufficient copies of your certified marriage certificate.
3. A toll-free call to a company’s customer service department will tell you if a special form is needed. In some cases, the change can be made over the phone, without paperwork.
4. A note asking for the name change, together with a copy of your marriage certificate, is usually all that is required for other agencies.