Marriage records in Alachua County, Florida, are available through several channels. AlachuaCourt.us can help you find publicly available marriage record information for the county. You can also request records directly from the Alachua County Clerk of the Circuit Court, which issues marriage licenses and maintains recorded marriage documents. In-person visits to the clerk's office in Gainesville, mail-in requests, and online ordering through the Florida Department of Health are additional ways to obtain copies of marriage certificates.
Alachua County Marriage Records Search
The Alachua County Clerk of the Circuit Court is the official custodian of marriage licenses issued within the county. Under Florida law, the clerk issues marriage licenses, records the completed marriage certificates returned by the officiant, and maintains these documents as part of the county's official records. The collection includes:
- Marriage license applications and issued licenses
- Recorded marriage certificates returned after the ceremony
- Historical marriage records dating back through the county's record-keeping history
Marriage records filed with the clerk are generally public in Florida. You can search Alachua County court and public records online or contact the office directly. For certified copies of marriage certificates (as vital records), the Florida Department of Health Bureau of Vital Statistics is the statewide authority.
Certified Marriage Record Copies and Fees in Alachua County
There are two main sources for marriage record copies in Alachua County, each with its own fee schedule:
Alachua County Clerk of the Circuit Court
The clerk can provide copies of marriage licenses and recorded marriage certificates from county records. Fees are set per Florida Statutes Chapter 28.
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Certified copy of recorded marriage document | $2.00 first page; $1.00 each additional page |
| Search fee | $2.00 per name per year searched |
Florida Department of Health – Bureau of Vital Statistics
For certified marriage certificates recognized as vital records statewide, the Florida Department of Health in Alachua County or the state Bureau of Vital Statistics processes requests. Fees established under Florida Statute §382.0255 apply:
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Certified copy of marriage certificate | $5.00 |
| Additional certified copy (same order) | $4.00 each |
| Search fee (included in certified copy fee) | Included |
Processing times vary. In-person requests at the local health department office are typically handled the same day or within a few business days. Mail orders through the state may take several weeks.
Order Marriage Certificates Online or In Person in Alachua County
You have three main ways to obtain a marriage certificate in Alachua County:
Online
The Florida Department of Health allows online orders for certified marriage certificates through the Bureau of Vital Statistics. Orders placed online through the state's approved vendor (VitalChek) include additional processing and shipping fees beyond the base certificate cost.
In Person
Visit the Alachua County Health Department vital records office or the Clerk of the Circuit Court:
Bring a valid government-issued photo ID. Walk-ins are accepted for vital records requests.
By Mail
To order by mail from the Florida Department of Health, send the following to the state Bureau of Vital Statistics:
- A completed Application for Marriage Record (DH Form 11A), available on the Florida Department of Health website
- A check or money order for the applicable fee, payable to "Vital Statistics"
- A photocopy of your valid government-issued photo ID
- A self-addressed stamped envelope
For copies of recorded marriage documents from county records, send your request with the appropriate fee to the Alachua County Clerk of the Circuit Court at 201 East University Avenue, Gainesville, FL 32601. Include the full names of both spouses and the approximate date of the marriage. Contact the clerk's office at (352) 264-6900 to confirm current requirements before mailing your request.