How to Get Your Marriage License in Key West
Planning a destination wedding in Key West is exciting, but before the ceremony, you need one essential piece of paperwork: your marriage license. Many couples worry about the logistics, especially when they are traveling from out of state.
The good news is that getting a Key West marriage license is one of the simplest parts of your wedding planning. Florida makes it easy for destination couples, with no waiting period for out-of-state residents, no blood tests, and no residency requirements. You can pick up your license and get married the same day.
We have helped hundreds of couples navigate this process over the past 20 years. Below is everything you need to know so there are no surprises when you arrive in Key West.
Where to Get Your Marriage License in Key West
You will need to visit the Monroe County Clerk of Court in person. Both partners must be present at the time of application.
Monroe County Courthouse (Key West) The Lester Building 500 Whitehead Street Key West, FL 33040 Phone: (305) 292-3458 Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM (closed weekends and holidays)
Wherever you are staying, the courthouse is nearby because Key West is a very small island. Most couples can walk, bike, or take a short ride to get there.
You can also obtain your Florida marriage license at two other Monroe County locations if you are visiting the Upper or Middle Keys:
Marathon Branch Courthouse 3117 Overseas Highway, Marathon, FL 33050 Phone: (305) 289-6027
Upper Keys Government Center (Plantation Key) 88770 Overseas Highway, Suite 2, Plantation Key, FL 33070 Phone: (305) 852-7145
Keep in mind that your Florida marriage license is valid statewide. You do not have to get married in the same county where you obtained your license.
What You Need to Bring
Make sure both partners bring the following to the courthouse:
- A valid photo ID with your date of birth (driver’s license, passport, military ID, state ID, or alien registration card)
- Your Social Security number (required for all U.S. citizens)
- If either partner has been previously married, you must provide the exact date your last marriage ended by divorce, death, or annulment. If that prior marriage ended within the last 60 days, you will also need to bring proof such as a certified copy of the divorce decree or death certificate.
Cost and Payment
The marriage license fee is $86.00. Florida residents who complete a state-approved premarital course receive a discount, bringing the fee down to $61.00.
Payment can be made by personal check, cash, cashier’s check, or money order. The clerk’s office has historically not accepted credit cards, so bring an alternative form of payment to be safe. Contact the courthouse directly at (305) 292-3458 to confirm current accepted payment methods before your visit.
Waiting Period
Out-of-state residents:
There is no waiting period. You can apply for your license and get married the same day. This is one of the reasons Key West is such a popular destination wedding location.
Florida residents:
There is a 3-day waiting period from the date of application before the license becomes effective. However, this waiting period is waived if both parties complete a state-approved premarital preparation course and present the original certificate of completion at the time of application. The course must be taken through an authorized provider listed in Monroe County, and a list of providers is available from the clerk’s office upon request.
Florida residents also have the option of obtaining their marriage license at their local county clerk’s office before traveling to Key West. Your Florida marriage license is valid statewide, so you can pick it up closer to home and bring it with you.
Mixed residency:
If only one partner is a Florida resident and that partner completes the premarital course, there is no waiting period.
Additional Requirements
- No blood tests or medical exams are required.
- Witnesses are not required at the wedding ceremony under Florida law.
- Both partners must be at least 18 years old to obtain a marriage license. Applicants under 18 should contact the Monroe County Clerk’s office directly for information on additional legal requirements.
- Applicants cannot be related by blood.
- The marriage license is valid for 60 days from the effective date. Your ceremony must take place within this window.
Who Can Perform the Ceremony?
Under Florida law, a marriage ceremony may be performed by any of the following:
- An ordained member of the clergy
- A judicial officer
- A Florida notary public
- The Clerk of the Circuit Court or deputy clerks
Our team at Aaron’s Key West Weddings includes experienced, licensed officiants who handle all the legal details for you. After your ceremony, we sign the marriage license and file it with the Monroe County Clerk’s office within the required 10-day window. You do not have to worry about any of the post-ceremony paperwork.
After the Wedding: Getting Your Marriage Certificate
Once your officiant returns the signed license to the clerk’s office, it is recorded and a certified copy of your Florida marriage certificate is mailed to you. This process typically takes three to four weeks.
If you need additional certified copies for name changes, insurance updates, or other legal purposes, you can request them directly from the Monroe County Clerk of Court.
Tips From Our Team
After officiating hundreds of weddings in Key West, here are a few things we always tell our couples:
- Visit the courthouse early in your trip. Try to pick up your license at least a day before your ceremony. This gives you a buffer in case there is a line, you forgot a document, or the courthouse has an unexpected closure.
- Keep your license safe. Bring it to us before or on your wedding day. We need the license in hand before we can legally perform your ceremony.
- Plan around holidays. The courthouse is closed on all federal and state holidays. If your wedding falls near a holiday weekend, make sure you pick up the license beforehand. Check with the clerk’s office for the most current holiday schedule.
- Cruise ship couples: If you are arriving on a cruise ship, the courthouse at 500 Whitehead Street is close to the cruise ship dock. You can pick up your license before your ceremony and still have plenty of time to enjoy your day.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do we need to be U.S. citizens to get married in Key West?
No. There is no citizenship or residency requirement to obtain a Florida marriage license. International couples are welcome and just need to bring a valid passport as identification.
Can we get our marriage license online?
Some Florida counties offer online marriage license applications for non-residents. However, Monroe County (Key West) currently requires in-person applications. Contact the clerk’s office at (305) 292-3458 to confirm the most current process.
Do we need witnesses at our ceremony?
No. Florida law does not require witnesses to be present at a wedding ceremony.
How long does it take to get the license at the courthouse?
The application process is usually quick, typically 15 to 30 minutes depending on how busy the office is.
What if one of us was previously married?
You will need the exact date your prior marriage ended. If the divorce or death occurred within the last 60 days, bring a certified copy of the decree or death certificate.
Can we get married on the same day we get our license?
Yes, if both partners are non-Florida residents. Florida residents must wait 3 days unless they have completed a premarital preparation course.
Will Aaron’s Key West Weddings handle the paperwork after the ceremony?
Yes. After your ceremony, our officiant signs the license and files it with the Monroe County Clerk’s office for you. Your certified marriage certificate will be mailed to you within 3 to 4 weeks.
Ready to Plan Your Key West Wedding?
Now that you know how simple the marriage license process is, the next step is choosing the right wedding package for your ceremony. Whether you want a simple beach elopement or an elegant affair on Sunset Key, we can plan every detail for you.
Contact us today at 305-295-0137 or explore our wedding services to see everything we can arrange for your special day.
