17th Annual Valentine's Day Wedding Ceremony
Please join us for the Pinellas Clerk’s 17th Annual group wedding ceremony uniting multiple couples in marriage.
Couples wanting to make the most romantic day of the year extra special, with a wedding or vow renewal, were encouraged to register for the Annual Wedding Ceremony. Up to 60 couples, 30 couples for the wedding ceremony and 30 couples for renewals, are expected to be joined together on Valentine’s Day, Tuesday, February 14, 2023 in the picturesque Florida Botanical Gardens.
To be eligible to participate in the Valentine’s Day Wedding event, an application for a marriage license must be made between December 16, 2022 and February 10, 2023. The Clerk has waived the normal $30.00 wedding ceremony fee. Standard marriage license fees will still apply. Wedding photography packages are being offered and may be purchased through Eventbrite registration link.
Couples should arrive by 1:00 p.m. on Valentine’s Day with their marriage license and identification. Wedding photography packages may be purchased through the Eventbrite registration link and will be mailed to the couples after the ceremony. The ceremonies will take place in the Wedding Garden of the Florida Botanical Gardens located at 12520 Ulmerton Road, Largo, FL 33774.
“The Valentine’s Day Group Wedding is an event we look forward to every year, and we are excited to see this year’s couples” said Ken Burke, Pinellas County Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller. “Helping local and out-of-state citizens get married or renew their vows is an honor and we are thrilled to be part of their big day.”
A single ceremony will unite each couple participating in the wedding ceremony. Couples will receive a special Commemorative Marriage Certificate, which will be mailed with the official Certificate of Marriage within one week from the date of the ceremony. The ceremony will be live-streamed on the Clerk’s YouTube Channel for guests unable to attend.
For more information regarding the event, please contact Recording Services at (727) 464-3008 or email clerksvalentinesdaywedding@mypinellasclerk.gov. For more information about the Wedding Garden or the Florida Botanical Gardens, visit www.flbg.org.
The Clerk’s office values the health of our customers and employees. Several precautions have been taken to maintain a safer environment, such as providing employees with hand sanitizer and gloves. Facilities have also increased cleaning times in all county buildings and placed large containers of hand sanitizer in public areas. Everyone is encouraged to use telephones and video conferencing instead of face-to-face meetings as much as possible. Most importantly, we continue to monitor the situation and work closely with our judicial and government partners on a coordinated response to ensure the safety of our customers and employees.
What's Changed:
Per the new Florida Supreme Court Administrative Order 20-17, all criminal or civil jury trials, jury selection, and grand jury proceedings are now suspended through Friday, April 17, 2020. All summoned jurors have been excused and will not be rescheduled.
Per Florida Supreme Court Order 20-15 and Administrative Order 2020-008 effective Monday March 23, the Sixth Judicial Circuit Court of Florida will suspend assorted proceedings and hearings for an unspecified time, addressing only "mission critical" cases, such as first appearances, detention hearings, terminations of parental rights, issuance of warrants/authorization of wiretaps, and other emergency matters as determined by each judge. For more information, visit the Sixth Judicial Circuit Court website.
The Clerk's Record Center located at 14155 49th Street North has been closed to the public. Records requests can be submitted online or by calling (727) 464-6171. All other office locations remain open during normal business hours.
Due to Passport Services in Miami closing to the public as of March 19, expedited passport applications will not be accepted. The Clerk's office remains fully operational and will be accepting routine passport applications. However, the normal processing times for passports may be impacted.
In an effort to assist our citizens, payable citations and court fines with due dates of March 16, 2020 through May 31, 2020 have been extended by 60 days. To make a payment or get more information regarding payment options, call (727) 464-7000 or visit our Online Payment Center.
What's the Same:
The Clerk’s office will still be accepting domestic violence injunction petitions at our offices located in Downtown Clearwater, St. Petersburg and the Pinellas County Justice Center. These cases will continue to be scheduled for return hearings if ordered by the court.
Pay tickets and fines online, by phone at (727) 464-4846, or at any Amscot location.
Electronically record documents (mortgages, deeds and other official records).
Bid on Tax Deed Sales.
Apply for a passport at our offices located in Downtown Clearwater, St. Petersburg and North County.
Search and download most official records online.
Search and download many court records online.
Download our packets and forms for Civil and Family matters free of charge.
The Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller acts as an Agent for the State of Florida to issue Marriage Licenses within Pinellas County, Florida; pursuant to Florida Statute 741.01. Clerk’s Recording Services offers Marriage License, Marriage Ceremony and Marriage Photo services. For Marriage Licenses and Ceremonies, you may visit Recording Services, Room 150 of the Clearwater Courthouse, the St. Petersburg Branch, or the North County Branch of the Clerk’s office.
The 60 days period begins on the effective date written on the license and ends on the expiration date written on the license. If a marriage ceremony is performed before the effective date or after the expiration date, the marriage license is not valid. If a couple allows a marriage license to expire and they wish to be married, then they will need to apply for a new marriage license.
1. Complete & Submit the online EMarriage Application
The EMarriage Application is a required form that must be filled out prior to obtaining a Marriage License from the Clerk’s office. The application is an online form that can be completed at the couple’s convenience prior to coming into the Clerk’s office, or on a public terminal within one of the Clerk’s office locations offering Marriage services.
EMarriage Application
2. The couple applies in person at the Clerk's office with proper identification
Both applicants are required to appear in person and provide the Clerk with proof of the following:
Biological Child in common Applicants who are both the biological parent of a minor child/children, born within the State of Florida should complete the Affirmation of Common Children form and present it to the Clerk at this time.
3. Premarital Preparation Course
If a Premarital Preparation Course was completed, the Certificate should be presented to the Clerk while applying for a Marriage License. Premarital Preparation Courses are not provided by the Clerk. The Clerk can provide a list of qualified, registered providers in Pinellas County. List of Providers
Qualified, registered providers interested in being included on the Clerk’s list: Request for inclusion on Pinellas Clerk's Premarital Preparation Course Provider List Please Note: A Premarital Preparation Course is not required, but it can have a positive effect on the Fee and Effective date of a Marriage License for Florida Residents.
Marriage License Effective Date When at least one party is a Florida Resident, Florida Statute 741.04(5) requires a 3 day waiting period between the day the License is purchased and the day the License will become Effective for the couple to marry. For a Marriage to be valid, the ceremony must take place between the Effective date and Expiration date listed on the License. Completing a Premarital Preparation Course and presenting the Certificate of Completion to the Clerk will waive the three day waiting period, when at least one of the applicants is a Florida Resident. This will allow the couple to marry the day they purchase the License. When both parties are non-Florida Residents, the waiting period does not apply.
Marriage License Fee
The fee for obtaining a Marriage License is $86.00.
When both applicants complete a Premarital Preparation Course and present the Certificate to the Clerk, the fee is reduced to $61.00.
4. Family Law Handbook Requirement
While applying for a Marriage License, the couple will be presented with the Family Law Handbook which outlines the Rights and Responsibilities of parties to a Marriage.
Both Parties are required to sign the Statement of Family Law Handbook, which acknowledges that each party has obtained and read/accessed the information contained within the Handbook. Each party will also mark whether or not a Premarital Preparation Course was completed. The Statement is required in order for a Florida Marriage License to be issued, pursuant to Florida Statute 741.04(4). Family Law Handbook Family Law Handbook - Spanish version
5. Oath and Signature
Once the Marriage License is prepared, the couple will review the License for accurate information. The couple will then be instructed to take an oath attesting to the truthfulness of the information they have provided, and to sign the Marriage License.
6. Payment
A single payment (Cash, Card, Check, etc.) made payable to the Clerk of Court.
Marriage Ceremony Fee
For your convenience, Deputy Clerks are authorized and available during normal working hours, Monday through Friday, to perform Marriage Ceremonies. No Appointment is necessary, and the Ceremony can take place as soon as the License is purchased, as long as the Effective Date is valid. The fee for this service is $30.00.
Marriage Photo & Certificate
The Clerk's Office offers a Wedding Photo service for a $10.00 fee. The Clerk’s Office also offers a Wedding Certificate for a $5.00 fee.
A Marriage License is Only Valid for a 60 day period
The 60 days period begins on the Effective Date written on the License and ends on the Expiration Date written on the License. If a Marriage Ceremony is performed before the Effective Date or after the Expiration Date, the Marriage License is not valid. If a couple allows a Marriage License to expire and they wish to be Married, then they will need to apply for a new Marriage License.
Marriage Ceremony
A Florida Marriage License allows a couple to get Married anywhere in Florida, regardless of the County the License was purchased from. For your convenience, Pinellas County Deputy Clerks are authorized to perform Marriage Ceremonies for a $30.00 fee. No Appointment is necessary, and the Ceremony can take place as soon as the License is purchased, as long as the Effective Date is valid. Additional services provided include a Marriage Photo for a $10.00 fee and a Marriage Certificate for a $5.00 fee.
Recording the License after the Marriage Ceremony
Once the Marriage Ceremony has been performed, a Pinellas County Marriage License is to be returned to the Pinellas County Clerk to Record into the Official Records. A Marriage License obtained in Pinellas County is valid for the Marriage to be performed anywhere in Florida, but a Pinellas County Marriage License must be Recorded in Pinellas County.
Once the Completed Marriage License is recorded, the Clerk will provide one Certified Copy to the couple without charge. Additional Certified Copies will cost $3.00 each. To have a completed Marriage Licenses recorded, visit Recording Services, Room 150 of the Clearwater Courthouse, or the St. Petersburg or North County Branches of the Clerk’s Office.
Viewing Marriage Licenses
Pinellas County Marriage Licenses from May of 1972 through the present date are available to view on the Clerk’s Official Records site. Copies of Pinellas County Marriage Licenses are available for purchase through the Clerk’s Online Copy Request and Payment Center. Marriage Licenses may also be viewed and purchased in Official Records, Room 163, at the Clearwater Courthouse.
Amending a Marriage License
In the event an Amendment to a Recorded Marriage License is necessary, complete the following form and visit Recording Services, Room 150 of the Clearwater Courthouse, or the St. Petersburg, or North County Branches of the Clerk’s Office. Affidavit Amendment to Marriage License
There is a 3 day waiting period for Florida Residents, which can be waived if: The couple complete a Premarital Preparation Course from a qualified, registered course provider and present the Certificate of Completion to the Clerk prior to obtaining the Marriage License. The couple must also sign the Statement of Family Law Handbook, acknowledging they have accessed the Family Law Handbook, and mark the section of the Statement that certifies whether or not a Premarital Preparation Course was completed. Please note: There is not a waiting period when both parties are Non Florida Residents.
There is a 3 day waiting period for Florida Residents, which can be waived if:
Please note: There is not a waiting period when both parties are Non Florida Residents.
The Clerk does not provide the course. We can provide with a list of qualified, registered providers in Pinellas. Providers set their own fees and terms. For example, some ministers will only provide the course for members of their congregation. If you receive a Certificate of Completion of a Premarital Counseling it must state the course was a minimum of four hours, it was given within the past year, and state whether it was given by personal instruction or other means. The certificate must be presented at the time of application for the license. List of Providers
The Clerk does not provide the course. We can provide with a list of qualified, registered providers in Pinellas.
Providers set their own fees and terms. For example, some ministers will only provide the course for members of their congregation.
If you receive a Certificate of Completion of a Premarital Counseling it must state the course was a minimum of four hours, it was given within the past year, and state whether it was given by personal instruction or other means.
The certificate must be presented at the time of application for the license.
List of Providers
Florida Statute 741.07 grants the following individuals the right to perform Marriage Ceremonies: All regularly Ordained Ministers of the gospel, Elders in communion with a church, or other Ordained Clergy. All Judicial Officers, including retired Judicial Officers, Clerks of the Circuit Courts, and Notaries Public of the State of Florida. "Quakers" or "Friends," may perform marriages in the manner and form used or practiced in their societies.
Florida Statute 741.07 grants the following individuals the right to perform Marriage Ceremonies:
A Minister who has been recognized in the manner required by the regulations of the respective Denomination to perform Marriage Ceremonies.
Yes. Deputy Clerks are authorized and available during normal working hours, Monday through Friday, to perform Marriage Ceremonies. No appointment is necessary. The fee for this service is $30.00. The Clerk's Office also offers a Wedding Photo service for a $10.00 fee.
Yes. If the Captain is a Notary Public of the State of Florida, the ship is in Florida waters at the time of the ceremony, and the Florida Marriage License is valid. Florida waters: within three geographic miles from the coastline.
Once the Marriage Ceremony has taken place and the Officiator has completed their required fields on you Marriage License, return to the Clerk’s Office to have the document recorded into Official Records. The Clerk will provide the couple with one Certified Copy, the price of which was include in the purchase of the License. Additional certified copies will cost $3.00 each.
No. There are no citizenship or resident requirements.
Florida Statute 741.04(1) does not allow for a Marriage License to be issued to a person who is younger than 18 unless: 741.04(1)(a): They are 17 years old and can provide written consent from their Parents/Legal Guardians, which is acknowledged by an officer authorized by law to take acknowledgments and administer oaths And 741.04(2)(b): The older party to the marriage is not more than 2 years older than the younger party. Which means the Clerk’s Office will issue a Marriage License to: A 17 year old & another 17 year old, when they have both obtained Parental/Guardian consent, as stated above. A 17 year old with Parental/Guardian consent, as stated above, & the other party is either 18 or 19 years old. The Clerk will not issue a Marriage License to a 17 year old, even with legally acknowledge Parental/Guardian consent, with anyone who is 20 years old or older. The Clerk will not issue a Marriage License to anyone who is 16 years old or younger.
Florida Statute 741.04(1) does not allow for a Marriage License to be issued to a person who is younger than 18 unless:
And
Which means the Clerk’s Office will issue a Marriage License to:
The Clerk will not issue a Marriage License to a 17 year old, even with legally acknowledge Parental/Guardian consent, with anyone who is 20 years old or older. The Clerk will not issue a Marriage License to anyone who is 16 years old or younger.
No. Speak to your clergyman, chaplain or other advisor.
In Pinellas County a Domestic Partnership can be registered with the Clerk of Court in accordance with Pinellas County Code of Ordinances, Chapter 70, Article III, Section 70-237: Registration of Domestic Partnerships. To Register a Domestic Partnership, visit Recording Services, Room 150 of the Clearwater Courthouse, or the St. Petersburg or North County Branches of the Clerk’s office.
A Registered Domestic Partnership means the entity formed by two persons who have met the criteria listed in Section 70-237, Pinellas County Code and filed an Affidavit of Domestic Partnership with the Clerk.
Requirements for Domestic Partnership Eligibility
To register for a Domestic Partnership, both partners are required to appear in person and provide the Clerk with Identification: Driver’s License, State ID, Military ID, or Passport. The Affidavit of Domestic Partnership Registration Form must be completed. The document is required to be signed by both Partners under the pains and penalties of perjury, witnessed and signed by two Witnesses and to be Notarized. The fee to Register a Domestic Partnership is $50.00. Affidavit of Domestic Partnership Registration Form
Certificate of Domestic Partnership Card Upon registration with the Clerk, each partner will receive a Certificate of Domestic Partnership Card, reflecting the registration of the Domestic Partnership within Pinellas County. The Certificate Card will include the assigned DPR Registration number. Printable Guide for Pinellas Domestic Partnership Registration
An Amendment to a Registered Domestic Partnership is necessary in the event the legal address for the Registered Domestic Partners changes; a legal name change of a Domestic Partner takes place; or to update the list of dependents of the Domestic Partnership. The Fee to Amend a Registered Domestic Partnership is $25.00. Complete the following form and visit Recording Services, Room 150 of the Clearwater Courthouse, or the St. Petersburg or North County Branches of the Clerk’s office. Domestic Partnership Amendment Form
An Affidavit of Termination of Domestic Partnership must be signed by one or both partners and submitted to the Clerk upon voluntary termination of the partnership. Additionally, under the Pinellas County Code, a Domestic Partnership will be terminated by operation of law upon the occurrence of certain events. However, even with the occurrence of an event resulting in automatic termination, it is a Domestic Partner’s obligation to file an Affidavit of Termination of Domestic Partnership with the Clerk within 10 days of the occurrence. The partner filing an Affidavit of Termination shall provide a copy of the termination to the Former Domestic Partner at their last known address. There is no fee for recording an Affidavit of Termination of Domestic Partnership. Complete the following form and visit Recording Services, Room 150 of the Clearwater Courthouse, or the St. Petersburg or North County Branches of the Clerk’s office. Affidavit of Termination of Domestic Partnership Form
To the extent not superseded by federal, state, or other city law or ordinance, or contrary to rights conferred by contract or separate legal instrument, Registered Domestic Partners shall have the following rights:
Recording Services Department 315 Court Street, Room 150 Clearwater, FL 33756 (727) 464-7000 Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. North County Branch 29582 U.S. 19 North Clearwater, FL 33761 (727) 464-7000 Monday - Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. St. Petersburg Branch 545 First Avenue North St. Petersburg, FL 33701 (727) 464-7000 Monday - Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Recording Services Department 315 Court Street, Room 150 Clearwater, FL 33756 (727) 464-7000 Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
North County Branch 29582 U.S. 19 North Clearwater, FL 33761 (727) 464-7000 Monday - Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
St. Petersburg Branch 545 First Avenue North St. Petersburg, FL 33701 (727) 464-7000 Monday - Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
