Marriage License

Obtaining a marriage license in Escambia County, FL, is an essential step for couples looking to tie the knot. This article offers a detailed breakdown of the entire marriage license process in Escambia County, from eligibility to requirements, application procedures, and fees. By following this guide, you will be well-prepared to navigate through the steps and avoid any unnecessary delays or confusion.

Understanding the Basics of a Marriage License in Escambia County

A marriage license is a legal document issued by the county Clerk's office, which authorizes two individuals to marry. In Escambia County, FL, the marriage license process is straightforward, but it is important for couples to understand the requirements and steps involved. This section provides a comprehensive introduction to the process, including eligibility, key documents, and the role of the Clerk’s office.

Who Can Apply for a Marriage License?

Before you begin your application for a marriage license in Escambia County, there are a few important eligibility criteria to meet:

Age Requirement: Both parties must be at least 18 years old.

Residency: You do not need to be a resident of Escambia County to apply for a marriage license, but you must marry within Florida.

Legal Status: Both parties must be free to marry (i.e., not already married to someone else).

How to Apply for a Marriage License in Escambia County

The process of applying for a marriage license in Escambia County requires a few necessary steps. This section will guide you through the entire process from scheduling an appointment to completing the application form.

Schedule an Appointment

In Escambia County, you must make an appointment to obtain a marriage license. Appointments can be scheduled Monday through Thursday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. CST. If you plan on having your marriage ceremony at the same time as applying for the license, only one appointment is necessary.

Click here to schedule your marriage license appointment.

Required Documents

Both parties need to bring the following documents to their appointment:

A completed Marriage License Application.
A valid form of photo identification (e.g., driver’s license, military ID, passport).
Social Security numbers (or alien registration number if applicable).
If applicable, premarital counseling certificates (to waive the waiting period).
If either applicant has been married before, details of the previous marriage.

Special Marriage License Requirements for Escambia County

Certain situations require additional documents or actions, which are explained in the following sections.

Premarital Counseling to Waive the Waiting Period

In Escambia County, if both parties are Florida residents, there is a three-day waiting period before you can marry. However, this waiting period can be waived if you complete premarital counseling from a registered provider. The counseling must be completed within one year prior to applying for the license.

You can find a list of registered premarital counseling providers on the official website.

Affirmation of Common Children

If you have minor children in common born in Florida, you must complete an Affirmation of Common Children form and bring it with you to the appointment.

Download the Affirmation of Common Children form.

Additional Requirements for Non-Florida Residents

For non-Florida residents, there is no waiting period to marry in Escambia County, FL. However, you must marry within the state of Florida, as the marriage license is only valid within Florida.

Marriage License Fees in Escambia County

When applying for a marriage license, couples should be prepared to pay the applicable fees. These fees vary depending on whether you have completed premarital counseling or not.

$86.00: Standard marriage license fee (without premarital counseling).

$61.00: Discounted fee if both parties have completed premarital counseling.

$3.50: Additional fee for administering the oath for the Affirmation of Common Children form, if applicable.

Fees can be paid using cash, check, debit, or credit card. Please note that a 3.5% processing fee will be applied to credit/debit card transactions.

Marriage License Validity and Expiration

Once issued, the marriage license is valid for 60 days. The effective date is printed on the license. You must get married within this 60-day period, or the license will expire, and you will need to reapply.

Marriage Ceremony in Escambia County

If you wish to have a marriage ceremony performed by a Clerk’s office official, you must schedule it after obtaining your marriage license. Ceremonies are performed by appointment only and cost $30.00.

Schedule your marriage ceremony once your license is obtained.

Marriage License Fees Summary

Fee Description	Amount
Standard License Fee	$86.00
Discounted License Fee (with premarital counseling)	$61.00
Oath Fee (for Common Children form)	$3.50
Marriage Ceremony Fee	$30.00

Contact Information for Escambia County Marriage License Services

For your convenience, here is the contact information for the departments handling marriage licenses in Escambia County, FL.

Escambia County Clerk's Office (Main Office)
Physical Address: 190 W Government Street, Pensacola, FL 32502
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 333, Pensacola, FL 32591-0333
Phone: 850-595-4310
Hours: Monday–Thursday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM, Friday: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Century Office
Physical Address: 7500 N Century Boulevard (Highway 29), Century, FL 32535
Phone: 850-256-6161
Hours: Monday–Thursday: 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM, 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM, Friday: 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM, 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM

Public Records Center
Physical Address: 120 E Blount Street, Pensacola, FL 32501
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 333, Pensacola, FL 32591-0333
Phone: 850-595-4146
Hours: Monday–Friday: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Official Records/Recording
Physical Address: 221 Palafox Place, Suite 110, Pensacola, FL 32502
Phone: 850-595-3930
Hours: Monday–Thursday: 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM, Friday: 8:00 AM – 3:30 PM

For further details or to book your marriage license appointment, please visit the Escambia County Clerk's website.

Escambia County Marriage License FAQs

How Do I Apply for a Marriage License in Escambia County?

To apply for a marriage license in Escambia County, you must make an appointment with the Clerk’s office. Appointments are available Monday through Thursday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. CST. Both parties must be present, and you will need to bring a completed marriage application form, valid photo identification (such as a driver’s license, military ID, or passport), and Social Security numbers or alien registration numbers. If either party has been married before, details of the previous marriage will be required. More information can be found here.

What Is the Waiting Period for a Marriage License in Escambia County?

If either applicant is a Florida resident, there is a mandatory three-day waiting period before the marriage license is effective. However, this waiting period can be waived if both parties complete a premarital counseling course provided by a registered provider in Florida. Non-Florida residents are not subject to the waiting period and can marry immediately after receiving the license. Additional details on the waiting period are available here.

Can I Marry on the Same Day I Apply for a License in Escambia County?

Yes, you can marry on the same day you apply for your marriage license, but only if you complete both the application and ceremony appointment in a single visit. However, you must schedule the appointment in advance, and the ceremony will be performed by a Clerk’s office official for a fee. The cost for the ceremony is $30.00. Learn more about marriage ceremonies here.

What Fees Are Associated with Obtaining a Marriage License?

The standard marriage license fee in Escambia County is $86.00. If both parties have completed premarital counseling with a registered provider, the fee is reduced to $61.00. Additionally, there is a $3.50 fee for administering the oath if an Affirmation of Common Children form is required. These fees can be paid by cash, check, debit, or credit card, with a 3.5% processing fee for card transactions. Details about fees can be found here.

How Long Is a Marriage License Valid in Escambia County?

A marriage license issued in Escambia County is valid for 60 days from the date it is issued. You must marry within this 60-day period, or the license will expire, and you will need to reapply. The effective date is printed on the license. For more information, visit the official page here.