St Lucie County Marriage Records are official documents that prove a legal marriage took place in St. Lucie County, Florida. These records include marriage licenses, marriage certificates, and index entries stored by the county clerk’s office. Residents, researchers, and legal professionals rely on these records for name changes, insurance updates, citizenship applications, genealogy, and court matters. The county processes over 2,000 marriage license applications each year and maintains digital access to records dating back to 1905. Certified copies meet Florida state archival standards and carry an official seal for legal use.
How to Request Certified Marriage Records
To get a certified copy of a St Lucie County Marriage Record, applicants must contact the Florida Department of Health’s Office of Vital Statistics. This state-level office handles all certified vital records, including marriages. Start by visiting their official website and downloading the marriage record request form. Fill in both spouses’ full legal names, the exact date of marriage, and the city or courthouse where the license was issued. Attach a clear copy of a government-issued photo ID, such as a driver’s license or passport. The current fee is $10 per copy, payable by credit card or money order. Delivery options include standard mail (5–7 business days) or expedited electronic delivery (2–3 business days).
Online Access to Marriage Records
The St. Lucie County Clerk’s Office provides an online public records portal where users can search for marriage records. This system includes digitized records from 1990 to the present. Users can search by name, date range, or document type. Each record appears as a high-resolution PDF with original signatures and notarizations preserved. For records older than 1990, staff retrieve physical documents from secure storage and scan them upon request. The portal also integrates with the Florida Statewide Automated Recordkeeping System (FSARS), enabling cross-county searches for individuals with records in multiple Florida counties.
Marriage Licenses Issued in St. Lucie County
The Recording Manager at the St. Lucie County Clerk’s Office oversees marriage license issuance. This role includes reviewing applications, verifying identities, and conducting civil wedding ceremonies. Couples must appear in person at one of three clerk locations. Both parties need valid photo IDs and must complete an application form. There is a mandatory 3-day waiting period after applying, unless a waiver is granted. The license is valid for 60 days from the issue date. The office also handles U.S. passport applications, making it a one-stop location for vital services.
What Information Is Included in a Marriage Record?
Each St Lucie County Marriage Record contains detailed information. This includes the full legal names of both spouses, their ages at the time of marriage, occupations, and residential addresses. The record lists the officiant’s name, the date and location of the ceremony, and the license number. It may also note prior marital status, such as divorced or widowed. These details help verify identity and support legal processes like name changes or Social Security updates. Certified copies include a raised seal and the clerk’s signature, making them legally valid.
Public Records Portal Features
The St. Lucie County Public Records Portal offers fast, secure access to marriage records and other official documents. Launched with upgrades in August 2022, the system uses HTTPS encryption and mobile-friendly design. Users can search by name, document number, or filing date. Results show real-time availability of certified copies. On-site kiosks allow immediate printing for common requests. A help desk assists with complex searches or older records. The portal also supports batch downloads for attorneys and title companies handling multiple transactions.
Genealogy and Historical Research
St Lucie County Marriage Records are valuable for family history research. County-maintained records date back to 1905, when the county was established. Statewide registration began in June 1927. Genealogists use these records to trace family lines, confirm relationships, and build family trees. The LDS Genealogy website aggregates these entries and links them to birth and death records. Researchers should verify transcriptions against original indexes, especially for pre-1930 records, due to handwriting variations.
Newspaper Marriage Notices
The St. Lucie County Tribune published marriage notices from 1975 to 2020. These notices provide extra context, such as parental names, occupations, and wedding venues. Digitized by NewsBank, they are searchable by bride or groom surname, marriage date, or year. Users can view high-resolution scans and download citation PDFs. These notices help confirm official records and add personal details useful for genealogy or historical research.
Divorce Records in St. Lucie County
Divorce records are separate from marriage records but are also available through the clerk’s office. Certified divorce decrees cost $15 and require a notarized request form. These records include case numbers, filing dates, judgment details, and the presiding judge’s name. They are available at all three clerk locations and through the state’s vital records portal. Like marriage records, they are used for legal name changes, insurance updates, and citizenship applications.
Clerk Office Locations and Hours
St. Lucie County has three clerk offices that handle marriage records. The Fort Pierce office is at 201 South Indian River Drive, open Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Port St. Lucie office is at 250 Northwest Country Club Drive, with the same hours. The central Records Department also accepts requests. All locations offer in-person, mail, and electronic services. Staff assist with record searches, certified copies, and passport applications.
Legal Uses of Certified Marriage Records
Certified St Lucie County Marriage Records are required for many legal purposes. They prove identity and marital status for name changes on driver’s licenses or Social Security cards. Insurance companies need them to update beneficiary information. Dual citizenship applications often require certified marriage documents. Courts accept them as evidence in family law cases. Only copies with an official seal and clerk signature are legally valid.
Fees and Payment Options
The fee for a certified marriage record is $10. For divorce records, it is $15. Payments can be made by credit card online or by money order for mail requests. Expedited electronic delivery costs the same but speeds up processing. No cash is accepted for mail or online requests. Fees help cover administrative costs and system maintenance.
Common Reasons People Request Marriage Records
- Changing a last name after marriage
- Applying for a passport
- Updating insurance policies
- Proving marital status for immigration
- Genealogy and family history research
- Legal disputes or court cases
How Long Does It Take to Get a Marriage Record?
Standard mail delivery takes 5 to 7 business days after processing. Expedited electronic service delivers the record in 2 to 3 business days. Processing time depends on request volume and verification steps. In-person requests at clerk offices may be fulfilled the same day if all documents are in order. Delays can occur if information is incomplete or if the record is very old.
What If the Marriage Record Is Missing?
If a St Lucie County Marriage Record cannot be found, contact the clerk’s office immediately. Provide as much detail as possible, including names, date, and location. Staff will search physical archives and digital indexes. In rare cases, a delayed filing or clerical error may have occurred. The office can issue a search affidavit if no record exists, which may be accepted by some agencies in place of a certified copy.
Marriage Records and Privacy Laws
Florida law protects the privacy of vital records. Only eligible individuals can request certified copies. This includes the spouses, their parents, children, siblings, or legal representatives. Others may access basic index information but not full certified documents. Unauthorized access is a violation of state law. The clerk’s office verifies identity before releasing any sensitive records.
Digital Security and Record Integrity
All St Lucie County Marriage Records are stored with high security. Digital files use encryption and are backed up regularly. Physical records are kept in climate-controlled vaults. The online portal requires secure login for sensitive actions. These measures protect against data loss, tampering, or unauthorized access. Users can trust that records are accurate and authentic.
Marriage License vs. Marriage Certificate
A marriage license is issued before the wedding and allows the ceremony to take place. The marriage certificate is completed after the ceremony and filed with the clerk. Both are part of the official record. The certificate includes the officiant’s signature and witness names. Only the certificate proves the marriage occurred. Certified copies usually refer to the final marriage certificate.
Officiants and Wedding Ceremonies
The St. Lucie County Clerk’s Office conducts civil wedding ceremonies. Couples can schedule these at any of the three locations. The Recording Manager or designated staff member serves as the officiant. Religious ceremonies must be performed by authorized clergy. All ceremonies must follow Florida law, including the 3-day waiting period and valid identification.
Military Discharge and Other Records
In addition to marriage records, the clerk’s office files military discharge papers (DD-214), death certificates, and court judgments. These are stored together for easy access. Veterans can request copies of their discharge papers for benefits. Death certificates are needed for estate settlements. All records follow Florida archival standards.
Contact Information
For questions about St Lucie County Marriage Records, contact the Clerk of the Circuit Court. The main phone number is 772-462-6900. The website is stlucieclerk.com. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at all locations. Email support is available through the online contact form. Staff respond within one business day.
Frequently Asked Questions
Many people have similar questions about marriage records. Below are answers to the most common inquiries. These cover request steps, fees, privacy, and legal use. If your question isn’t listed, call the clerk’s office for help.
Can I get a marriage record online?
Yes, you can request a certified marriage record online through the Florida Department of Health’s Office of Vital Statistics. Visit their website, download the form, fill it out, and submit it with your ID and payment. You’ll receive the record by mail or electronically. The county’s public portal lets you view records but not download certified copies. Only the state office issues legally valid documents.
How far back do St. Lucie County marriage records go?
St. Lucie County marriage records date back to 1905, when the county was created. Statewide registration began in 1927. The county’s digital index includes records from 1990 onward. Older records are stored in physical archives and can be retrieved upon request. Genealogists often use these early records to trace family history in Florida.
Who can request a certified marriage record?
Only eligible individuals may request a certified marriage record. This includes the married couple, their parents, children, siblings, or legal representatives. Others may access basic index information but not the full certified document. The clerk’s office checks ID and relationship before releasing any sensitive records to protect privacy.
What is the difference between a marriage license and a marriage certificate?
A marriage license is issued before the wedding and allows the ceremony to happen. The marriage certificate is completed after the ceremony, signed by the officiant and witnesses, and filed with the clerk. Only the certificate proves the marriage occurred. Certified copies usually refer to the final marriage certificate, not the license.
How much does it cost to get a marriage record?
The fee for a certified marriage record is $10. Payment can be made by credit card online or by money order for mail requests. Expedited electronic delivery costs the same but is faster. No cash is accepted for remote requests. Fees help cover processing and system maintenance.
Can I use a marriage record for a name change?
Yes, a certified marriage record is commonly used to change your name after marriage. Submit it to the DMV for a new driver’s license, to Social Security for an updated card, and to banks or insurance companies. Only copies with an official seal and clerk signature are accepted for legal name changes.
What if I can’t find my marriage record?
If your St Lucie County Marriage Record is missing, contact the clerk’s office with full names, date, and location. Staff will search digital and physical files. If no record exists, they can issue a search affidavit. This document may be accepted by some agencies when a certified copy is not available.