Broward Marriage Records Search gives people fast, free access to official marriage licenses and certificates in Broward County, Florida. The system pulls from records starting in 1927, covering both old and new marriages. To find a record, users must enter the full legal name exactly as it appears on the original license. Spelling matters—even small changes like Jr., Sr., or middle names count as separate entries. Adding the wedding date helps narrow results to one match. Other filters include license number, city where the license was issued, or the officiant’s name. Always double-check spelling before searching to avoid missing the right record.
How to Use the Official Broward County Marriage License Search Tool
The Broward County Clerk of Courts runs the official online search portal for marriage licenses. This free tool lets anyone look up records using names, dates, or license numbers. Start by visiting the Clerk’s website and choosing “Marriage License Search.” Enter at least one spouse’s full legal name—first, middle (if any), and last—exactly as written on the application. If you know the ceremony date, add it to get a single result. You can also filter by license number or location. The database includes every license issued since 1927, so both recent and historic records are available. Results show key details like names, date, officiant, and filing location. For certified copies, follow the steps below.
Getting Certified Copies of Broward Marriage Records
If you need an official copy with the county seal, you must request a certified marriage certificate. Start by filling out the online pre-application form on the Broward Clerk’s site. Print it on regular 8.5 × 11 inch paper. Then visit any of the eleven marriage license offices across the county. Bring a valid photo ID, proof of your Social Security number, and payment for the $93 fee. Cash, check, or credit card are accepted. Minors under 18 also need a notarized parental consent form and a court order if they’re 16 or 17. If you used the county’s premarital counseling program, bring the completed certificate. Certified copies arrive by mail within five business days with the official raised seal.
Where to Find Third-Party Broward Marriage Records Databases
Some independent websites collect and display Broward County marriage records. These portals let you search by name, date, or certificate number. They update their data weekly from the official county index. Basic info like spouse names and wedding dates are often free. But only the county can issue certified copies. Third-party sites may charge extra for PDF downloads or “express” services that aren’t required. Always check if the site links back to the official Broward Clerk domain. Report broken links to help keep these resources current for other users.
Searching Older or Historical Broward Marriage Records
Records before 1978 aren’t fully digitized. If your marriage license was issued before that year, you’ll need to submit a manual request. Mail a written letter to the Records Division at 201 N. Andrews Ave., Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301. Include the full names of both spouses, the wedding date, and the license number if known. Processing takes longer than online requests—usually two to three weeks. There’s no extra fee beyond the standard $93 for certified copies. For research purposes, the Broward County Historical Society also holds archived records and may assist with genealogy requests.
Using the Official Records Search for Marriage Licenses
Broward County’s Official Records Search covers all documents recorded from January 1, 1978, to today. This includes marriage licenses, deeds, liens, and judgments. You can search by instrument number, recording date, or grantor name. Each result shows key details and lets you order certified copies online for $10 per page. The Clerk’s office mails them with tracking. Documents from 1977 or earlier aren’t online. For those, visit the Search and Copy Services department in person or call (954) 831-8500. Hours are Monday through Friday, 8 am to 4:30 pm.
Vital Records: Birth, Death, and Marriage Certificates in Broward
The Vital Records Division manages birth, death, marriage, and domestic partnership certificates for Broward County. These documents are needed for passports, name changes, probate, and legal name updates. To request a marriage certificate, provide either both spouses’ full names, the exact ceremony date, or the license number. Standard processing takes four to six business days. Expedited service (24 hours) costs an extra $25. Pay by credit card online. Every certified copy includes the official county seal and the Clerk’s signature. Instructions and forms are available on the County Office website.
Free Public Access to Broward Marriage Records Online
Several free public databases list Broward County marriage certificates. These sites pull data directly from the Clerk’s office and show bride and groom names, wedding dates, and license numbers. No login or payment is needed to view basic info. However, only the county can provide certified copies with legal validity. Some portals also show trends, like how many marriages happened each decade since 1927. Researchers can find archive locations, such as the Broward County Historical Society at 1400 N. Federal Hwy., Fort Lauderdale. Always verify info against the official source before using it for legal purposes.
Avoiding Scams and Unnecessary Fees When Searching Records
The Broward County Clerk warns residents about third-party sites that charge high fees for basic record searches. Only https://www.browardclerk.org offers free, official access. Unofficial vendors may claim “express processing” or “priority service,” but these aren’t required by law. Never enter personal or payment info on sites that don’t end in .gov or .org. In 2015, the county issued a consumer alert signed by Paul Rowe, Operations Manager. He reminded users to stick to the official site and avoid credit card requests for simple lookups. If unsure, call (954) 797-8779 for help.
Florida Department of Health Marriage Certificates
The Florida Department of Health in Broward also issues marriage certificates for weddings after June 6, 1927. Their online portal requires spouse names, wedding date, or certificate number. Applicants must upload a government-issued photo ID and provide a self-addressed stamped envelope. Standard copies cost $12; expedited service is $24. All certificates include a raised seal. 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, not local licenses.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Searching Broward Marriage Records
- Using nicknames instead of full legal names
- Skipping middle names or suffixes like Jr. or Sr.
- Entering approximate dates instead of exact ceremony dates
- Searching on unofficial websites that charge fees
- Forgetting to bring required ID when picking up certified copies
Always use the exact name from the original license. Even small spelling differences will return no results. If you’re unsure, check a photo ID or old document with the correct spelling. Include middle names and suffixes exactly as written. For dates, use the wedding day, not the license issue date. Stick to the official Broward Clerk site to avoid extra charges. When visiting an office, bring a driver’s license or passport, Social Security proof, and payment.
How Long Does It Take to Get a Broward Marriage Record?
Online searches are instant. Certified copies take five business days by mail. Expedited service (24 hours) is available for an extra $25 through the Vital Records Division. For pre-1978 records, allow two to three weeks due to manual retrieval from archives. Processing times don’t include shipping. Weekends and holidays delay delivery. Track your order using the confirmation number provided at checkout.
Who Can Request a Broward Marriage Record?
Anyone can search for basic marriage info online. But only certain people can get certified copies. Eligible requesters include:
- Either spouse named on the license
- Immediate family members (parents, children, siblings)
- Legal representatives with written authorization
- Government agencies for official purposes
Minors need a parent or guardian to request on their behalf. All requesters must show valid photo ID and proof of relationship if applicable.
Marriage License vs. Marriage Certificate: What’s the Difference?
A marriage license is issued before the wedding. It gives legal permission to marry. A marriage certificate is created after the ceremony. It proves the marriage happened. In Broward County, the license becomes part of the official record once filed. The certificate is the final document with the raised seal. You need the certificate for legal tasks like changing your name or applying for benefits. Both are public records, but only the certificate has full legal weight.
Updating or Correcting a Broward Marriage Record
If there’s an error on your marriage certificate—like a misspelled name or wrong date—you must file a correction request. Contact the Broward Clerk’s Records Division at (954) 831-8500. You’ll need to submit a sworn affidavit and supporting documents (e.g., birth certificate, ID). There’s no fee for corrections due to county error. If the mistake was on your application, you may need a court order. Processing takes three to four weeks.
Marriage Records for Same-Sex Couples in Broward County
Broward County treats all marriages equally, regardless of gender. Same-sex couples receive the same license and certificate as opposite-sex couples. Records are searchable using the same tools. No special forms or processes are required. All protections and rights apply equally under Florida law.
Privacy and Public Access to Broward Marriage Records
Marriage records are public in Florida. Anyone can view basic details like names and dates. However, certified copies require ID to prevent fraud. The county logs all search requests for security. Personal info like addresses or Social Security numbers isn’t shown in search results. Only the full certificate includes sensitive data, and it’s only released to authorized people.
Fees and Payment Options for Broward Marriage Records
| Service | Cost | Payment Methods |
|---|---|---|
| Certified Marriage Certificate | $93 | Cash, Check, Credit Card |
| Expedited Processing (24 hrs) | +$25 | Credit Card Only |
| Copy from Official Records (per page) | $10 | Credit Card Online |
| Historical Record Retrieval | $93 | Check or Money Order |
Fees are non-refundable. Make checks payable to “Broward Clerk of Courts.” Credit cards incur a small processing fee. No cash is accepted for mail requests.
Contact Information for Broward Marriage Records
For help with Broward Marriage Records Search, contact the Clerk of Courts:
Main Courthouse: 201 N. Andrews Ave., Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
Phone: (954) 831-8500
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8 am–5 pm
Website: https://www.browardclerk.org
Frequently Asked Questions About Broward Marriage Records Search
People often have questions about how to find, verify, or use marriage records in Broward County. Below are clear answers to the most common concerns, based on official county policies and state law. Each response gives direct, actionable information so you can complete your task quickly and correctly.
Can I search Broward marriage records for free?
Yes. The official Broward County Clerk website offers free public access to marriage license searches. You can look up records by name, date, or license number at no cost. Only certified copies require a fee. Avoid third-party sites that charge for basic lookups—they are not affiliated with the county. Always use https://www.browardclerk.org to ensure you’re on the legitimate government site. The search tool is available 24/7 and includes records from 1927 to present.
What if I don’t know the exact spelling of the name on the license?
If you’re unsure about the spelling, check a government-issued ID, Social Security card, or old legal document for the correct format. The system treats even minor differences—like “Jon” vs. “John” or missing a middle initial—as separate entries. Try common variations if the first search fails. You can also contact the Records Division at (954) 831-8500 for help. They may ask for additional details like the wedding date or location to locate the record manually.
How do I get a marriage certificate if the wedding was in another Florida county?
Marriage certificates are issued by the county where the license was filed, not where the ceremony occurred. If your wedding was in Broward but the license was issued in Miami-Dade, contact Miami-Dade’s Clerk of Courts. Each county maintains its own records. Use the Florida Department of Health portal only for state-level certificates after 1927. For pre-1927 records, contact the specific county Clerk directly.
Are Broward marriage records available to the public?
Yes. Florida law classifies marriage licenses and certificates as public records. Anyone can view basic details like names, dates, and license numbers online. However, certified copies with full legal validity require proof of identity and, in some cases, relationship to the individuals named. This prevents misuse while preserving transparency. Sensitive personal data like addresses or Social Security numbers are not displayed in public searches.
What should I do if my Broward marriage record has an error?
Contact the Broward Clerk’s Records Division immediately at (954) 831-8500. Provide the correct information and submit a sworn affidavit explaining the mistake. If the error was made by the county, corrections are free. If it resulted from incorrect information on your original application, you may need a court order. Processing takes three to four weeks. Keep a copy of all correspondence for your records.
Can I use a Broward marriage certificate to change my name?
Yes. A certified marriage certificate with the official raised seal is accepted by the Social Security Administration, DMV, and banks for name changes. Ensure the certificate lists both your maiden and married names clearly. Some institutions may also require a court order, but most accept the marriage certificate alone. Request multiple certified copies when applying to avoid delays.
Is there a fee waiver for low-income applicants needing marriage records?
Broward County does not currently offer fee waivers for marriage record requests. The standard $93 fee applies to all certified copies, regardless of income. However, you may qualify for reduced fees through legal aid organizations if the record is needed for court proceedings. Contact Legal Aid Service of Broward County at (954) 736-2400 for assistance. Always ask about payment plans if cost is a barrier.