Broward Marriage Records Search gives you direct access to official marriage licenses issued in Broward County, Florida, starting from 1927. Whether you need to verify a marriage, apply for a certified copy, or research family history, the county’s online tools make it fast and secure. You can search by full legal name, ceremony date, license number, or city of issuance. The system matches exact spellings only, so accuracy matters. Adding the wedding date narrows results to one record. For older licenses before 1978, some steps require in-person visits. This page explains every step clearly, with real links, fees, and tips to avoid scams.
How to Search Broward Marriage Records Online
Start your Broward Marriage Records Search on the official Clerk of Courts website. Enter at least one spouse’s full legal name exactly as it appears on the license. Include middle names, initials, or suffixes like Jr. or Sr. The database treats small spelling differences as separate entries. For example, “John Smith” and “John A. Smith” show up as two different records. If you know the ceremony date, add it to get one exact match. You can also filter by license number, city where the license was issued, or the officiant’s name. These filters help when names are common. The system includes records from January 1, 1927, to today. Always double-check spelling before you submit. Mistakes lead to zero results.
The search tool is free and updated daily. It draws data directly from the Clerk’s official index. Results show the couple’s names, license number, issue date, and ceremony location. You can view a summary online but must request a certified copy to get the raised seal. Only copies with the official seal are valid for legal use, such as name changes or passport applications. Avoid third-party sites that charge extra for “fast access.” The real service is free at browardclerk.org.
Getting Certified Copies of Marriage Licenses
To get a certified marriage certificate, you must request it through the Broward County Clerk of Courts. Start by using the online pre-application form. Print it on standard 8.5 × 11 inch paper. Bring it to any of the eleven marriage license offices. The main office is at 201 N. Andrews Ave., Fort Lauderdale. Other branches include North Lauderdale at 1500 NW 18th St. and Fort Lauderdale at 115 N. Andrews Ave. All locations are open Monday through Friday, 8 am to 5 pm.
You need three things: a valid photo ID, proof of your Social Security number, and the $93 fee. Pay with cash, check, or credit card. If you’re under 18, bring a notarized parental consent form and a court order if you’re 16 or 17. Applicants aged 17 who used the county’s premarital counseling program must show a completed certificate. After you submit, the office mails your certified copy within five business days. It arrives with the official seal and watermark to prevent fraud.
Free vs. Paid Third-Party Record Sites
Some websites offer Broward Marriage Records Search for free but charge for certified copies. These third-party portals, like County Office and Marriage Records Archives, list basic details such as names, wedding date, and license number. They update their data weekly from the Clerk’s index. While previews are free, you still pay $93 for an official copy—the same as the county. Some sites add small processing fees, so compare prices.
Always verify the URL before entering personal data. Only https://www.browardclerk.org provides free, official searches. Other domains may look real but sell your information or overcharge. The Clerk’s website warns users about fake “express processing” fees. There is no law requiring extra charges. If a site asks for credit card info just to view records, leave immediately. Report broken links to the County Office feedback form to keep listings accurate.
Searching Older Records Before 1978
Records from 1927 to 1977 are not fully digitized. You can search basic details online, but certified copies require a manual request. Find the license number first. It appears in the top-right corner of the original certificate and in the county index. Then mail a written request to the Records Division at 201 N. Andrews Ave., Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301. Include the spouses’ full names, wedding date, license number, and your contact info. There is no online form for these older files.
The Search and Copy Services department retrieves microfilm records within five to ten business days. They charge $10 per page for copies, plus mailing fees. Expedited service is not available for pre-1978 records. Call (954) 831-8500 for help locating hard-to-find licenses. Staff can guide you through the process but cannot give legal advice. Keep your request clear and include a self-addressed stamped envelope to speed delivery.
Using the Official Records Search Portal
The Broward County Official Records Search covers all documents recorded after January 1, 1978. This includes deeds, liens, judgments, and marriage licenses. You can filter by instrument number, recording date, or grantor name. Each result links to a high-resolution PDF. Certified copies cost $10 per page and ship with tracking via USPS. The portal does not include records before 1978.
For documents from 1977 or earlier, search fields are limited. You can only use instrument number, book and page, or recording date. If you need a marriage license from this era, visit the Records Division in person or mail a request. The office is open Monday to Friday, 8 am to 4:30 pm. Staff will pull microfilm copies and mail them after payment. Always call ahead to confirm availability.
Vital Records: Birth, Death, and Marriage Certificates
The Broward County Vital Records Division handles marriage certificates along with birth and death records. These documents are needed for passports, probate, and name changes. To request a marriage certificate, provide either the full names of both spouses, the exact ceremony date, or the license number. The online ordering system offers standard processing in four to six business days or expedited service in 24 hours for an extra $25.
Payments are accepted by credit card only. Your certified certificate arrives with the official county seal and the Clerk’s signature. The division does not issue licenses—only copies of existing records. For marriages before June 6, 1927, contact the Clerk of Courts in the county where the license was issued. Broward’s records start on that date. Always check the Florida Department of Health website for state-level options.
Public Databases and Free Marriage Record Lists
Several free public databases list Broward County marriage certificates. Sites like USOHR compile data from the Clerk’s office and display it in searchable tables. You can see bride and groom names, wedding dates, and license numbers at no cost. Some portals show marriage trends by decade, helping researchers track social patterns. Archive locations, such as the Broward County Historical Society at 1400 N. Federal Hwy., are also listed.
While basic info is free, only the county can issue certified copies. You must pay the $93 fee and submit a formal request. Never trust sites that promise “instant” certified documents. Only government offices provide legally valid seals. Use free databases for research, but always go to browardclerk.org for official needs.
Consumer Alerts: Avoiding Scams and Extra Fees
The Broward County Clerk warns residents about fake websites that charge unnecessary fees. A consumer alert from May 26, 2015, reminds users that all official services are free on the government site. Unofficial vendors may add “express processing” charges that are not required by law. Always check that the URL starts with https://www.browardclerk.org before entering personal details.
Paul Rowe, Operations Manager for Records, Taxes and Treasury, is the contact for questions. Call him at (954) 797-8779 or use the protected email on the site. Do not give credit card information to third-party record sites. They cannot provide faster service than the county. Report suspicious pages to the Clerk’s office to help protect others.
Marriage Certificates from the Florida Department of Health
The Florida Department of Health in Broward County issues marriage certificates for weddings that occurred in Florida after June 6, 1927. You can request them online using the spouses’ full names, ceremony date, or certificate number. Applicants must upload a government-issued photo ID and provide a self-addressed stamped envelope. Standard processing costs $12; expedited service is $24 for 24-hour delivery.
Certified copies come with a raised seal and are valid for legal use. For marriages before June 6, 1927, contact the Clerk of Courts in the county where the license was filed. The Health Department only handles state-level records from 1927 onward. Always confirm which office holds your record before applying.
Frequently Asked Questions About Broward Marriage Records Search
Many people have similar questions when starting a Broward Marriage Records Search. Below are the most common concerns, answered clearly and based on official sources. These answers help you avoid mistakes, save time, and get the right document fast. If you need more help, contact the Clerk’s office directly.
Can I search Broward marriage records without a license number?
Yes, you can search without a license number. Use the full legal name of at least one spouse exactly as it appears on the license. Include middle names or suffixes like Jr. or Sr. Adding the ceremony date helps narrow results to one record. If names are common, try filtering by city of issuance or officiant’s name. The system requires precise spelling. Even small errors will return no matches. Always double-check before submitting.
How long does it take to receive a certified marriage certificate?
Certified copies are mailed within five business days after your request. If you apply in person, the office processes your form the same day and ships the document. Expedited service is available through the Vital Records Division for an extra $25, delivering in 24 hours. Standard mail times apply. For records before 1978, add five to ten days for microfilm retrieval. Always include a self-addressed stamped envelope to speed delivery.
Are Broward marriage records public information?
Yes, Broward marriage records are public information. Anyone can search and view basic details like names, date, and license number. However, only certified copies with the official seal are valid for legal use. You must provide ID and pay the $93 fee to get one. The county does not restrict access based on relationship. But third-party sites may misuse your data, so only use official sources.
What if I can’t find my marriage record online?
If you can’t find your record, check your spelling first. Try variations of the name, including middle initials. If that fails, your license may be from before 1978 and not digitized. Mail a request to the Records Division at 201 N. Andrews Ave., Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301. Include full names, wedding date, and license number if known. Call (954) 831-8500 for help. Staff can search microfilm archives.
Can I get a marriage certificate if I was married outside Broward County?
No, you must request your certificate from the county where the license was issued. Broward County only holds records for marriages licensed there. If you were married in Miami-Dade, contact their Clerk of Courts. The Florida Department of Health can also issue state-level certificates for marriages after June 6, 1927. Always confirm the correct office before applying.
Is there a fee waiver for low-income applicants?
No, Broward County does not offer fee waivers for marriage certificate requests. The $93 fee applies to all applicants. Some nonprofit organizations may assist with costs, but the county does not manage these programs. Payment is accepted in cash, check, or credit card at any license office. Online requests require credit card payment.
How do I correct an error on my marriage certificate?
To correct an error, contact the Broward County Clerk of Courts immediately. Bring your original certificate, valid ID, and proof of the correct information, such as a birth certificate or court order. There is a $10 correction fee. The Clerk will reissue a new certificate with the accurate details. Do not alter the document yourself. Only the issuing office can make legal changes.
Official Website: https://www.browardclerk.org
Phone: (954) 831-8500
Visiting Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
Main Office Address: 201 N. Andrews Ave., Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301