Dunedin City Florida marriage records are public documents held by the Pinellas County Clerk of the Circuit Court. Dunedin sits on the west coast of Florida in Pinellas County, north of Clearwater.
People who live in Dunedin apply for marriage licenses, hold ceremonies, and request certified copies through the county clerk office in Clearwater. The clerk office keeps records for all cities in Pinellas County, including Dunedin, St. Petersburg, Largo, and Tarpon Springs. This page covers how to get marriage records in Dunedin, what the costs are, who can perform a marriage, and how to search old records.
Where Dunedin Marriage Records Are Kept
Marriage records for Dunedin are kept by the Pinellas County Clerk of the Circuit Court. The clerk office is the official record keeper for all marriage licenses and certificates issued in the county. Dunedin does not have its own city clerk for marriages. All couples from Dunedin go to the county office in Clearwater to apply, get copies, or search records.
Pinellas County Clerk Office Details
The main clerk office sits at 315 Court Street, Clearwater, FL 33756. The phone number is (727) 464-3341. Office hours run from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. The office closes on weekends and state holidays. Dunedin is about 5 miles north of Clearwater, so the drive takes 10 to 15 minutes. Couples need to visit the office in person to apply for a marriage license.
Florida Department of Health Role
The Florida Department of Health Bureau of Vital Statistics keeps state-level marriage records. They hold Florida marriage records starting from June 6, 1927. Records before that date stay only at the county level. State records take about 60 days longer than county records to update after a marriage. For recent Dunedin marriages, the county clerk is the faster source. For older records or statewide searches, the state office is the right choice.
How to Apply for a Marriage License in Dunedin
Couples in Dunedin follow a set process to get a marriage license. Both partners must appear together at the Pinellas County clerk office. The process takes about 30 to 45 minutes if all documents are ready. The license becomes valid after a short waiting period, unless the couple takes a premarital course.
Documents Needed for the Application
Both partners must bring valid photo ID to the clerk office. Accepted forms include a driver license from any state, a U.S. passport, a state ID card, a military ID, or a naturalization certificate. U.S. citizens must also provide a Social Security number. Non-citizens can use a passport or other government-issued ID instead. If either partner was married before, they need to know the exact date the prior marriage ended and how it ended, whether by divorce, death, or annulment.
Steps to Get a Marriage License
The application process has six main steps. Couples should plan ahead to avoid delays.
- Start a pre-application online at the Pinellas County clerk website to save time at the office.
- Visit the clerk office at 315 Court Street, Clearwater together as a couple.
- Show photo ID and Social Security numbers to the clerk staff.
- Sign the application in front of a clerk employee.
- Pay the license fee of $86, or $61 with a valid premarital course certificate.
- Wait three days for the license to become valid, unless waived by a course or non-resident status.
Who Can Get Married in Florida
Florida law sets a minimum age of 18 for both partners to marry without parental consent. Applicants between 17 and 18 need written consent from both parents or guardians and a court order may be required. Anyone 16 or younger cannot marry in Florida. Same-sex marriage is legal and recognized under Florida law. No blood test or medical exam is required to get a marriage license in Florida.
Marriage License Costs and Fees
Marriage license fees in Dunedin are set by Florida law and the Pinellas County clerk. The standard fee covers the license and basic services. Couples can lower the cost by finishing a state-approved premarital course before applying.
Standard License and Course Discount
The base fee for a Florida marriage license is $86. This fee is the same across all Florida counties. Couples who complete a premarital course from a state-registered provider pay a reduced fee of $61. The course must finish within one year of the application date. The provider must be registered under Florida Statute 741.0305. Couples receive a signed certificate at the end of the course to show the clerk.
Ceremony and Copy Fees
The clerk office performs civil ceremonies for a fee of $30. The ceremony is short and takes place at the courthouse. Cash and credit cards are accepted for clerk services. Personal checks are not accepted for marriage services. Certified copies of a marriage certificate cost $9 for the first copy and $7 for each additional copy. A $2 per-year search fee applies when the marriage year is unknown.
Waiting Period and License Validity
Florida has specific rules about when a license becomes active and how long it stays valid. These rules apply to all couples getting married in Dunedin and across Florida.
Three-Day Waiting Period
Florida residents must wait three days after the license is issued before the marriage can take place. The wait starts the day after the license is issued. Non-residents of Florida do not have to wait. Taking a state-approved premarital course waives the waiting period for both residents and non-residents. The course certificate must be presented at the time of application.
60-Day License Validity
A Florida marriage license stays valid for 60 days from the date of issuance. The marriage must take place within this window. If the 60 days pass without a ceremony, the license expires and the couple must apply again and pay a new fee. The license can be used anywhere in the state of Florida, not just in Pinellas County. Couples do not have to marry in the county where they applied.
Who Can Officiate a Wedding in Dunedin
Florida law lists who has the legal power to perform a marriage ceremony. The officiant must be authorized under Florida law for the marriage to be valid.
Approved Officiants Under Florida Law
Under Florida Statute 741.07, the following people can officiate a marriage ceremony: ordained ministers, rabbis, priests, and other clergy in good standing with their religious group. All judges, including federal judges and Florida court judges, can perform marriages. The clerk of court and deputy clerks can officiate. Florida notaries public also have the legal power to perform marriages. Online ordination is accepted by most Florida courts, but couples should check with the clerk office first.
Witnesses and Ceremony Rules
Florida does not require witnesses for a marriage ceremony. Some officiants still ask for witnesses as a personal preference, but it is not a legal requirement. The ceremony can take place indoors or outdoors, at any location the couple chooses, as long as it is legal. After the ceremony, the officiant signs the marriage license and returns it to the clerk office within 10 days. The clerk records the marriage and sends the data to the state Bureau of Vital Statistics.
How to Search Dunedin Marriage Records
Marriage records in Pinellas County are public under Florida Statute Chapter 119. Anyone can search or request copies. Social Security numbers are removed from public copies to protect privacy. Search options include online tools, in-person visits, and mail requests.
Free Online Search Tool
The Pinellas County clerk website offers a free online search of marriage records. Users enter a last name to find matching records. Results show both parties and the date of marriage. The search itself costs nothing. There is a fee only when ordering a certified copy. The online search covers records from 1970 to the present. Older records may require an in-person or mail request.
State Records Through the Florida Department of Health
The Florida Department of Health Bureau of Vital Statistics holds statewide marriage records. A search with one certified copy costs $5 from the state. Additional certified copies cost $4 each. State records cover Florida marriages from June 6, 1927 to the present. State processing takes about 5 to 10 business days. Records before June 6, 1927 are not available through the state and stay only at the county level.
Online Ordering Through VitalChek
VitalChek is an official third-party vendor for Florida vital records. Their service costs $15 plus processing fees per certified copy. VitalChek accepts online orders and phone orders. They offer rush delivery options for an extra fee. VitalChek works directly with the Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics. Their orders take about 7 to 14 business days for standard processing.
Getting Certified Copies of a Marriage Certificate
Certified copies of a marriage certificate are legal documents that prove a marriage took place. People need certified copies for name changes, insurance, immigration, and other legal matters. Dunedin residents have three ways to request certified copies.
In-Person Requests at the Clerk Office
Couples and other eligible people can visit the clerk office at 315 Court Street, Clearwater, FL 33756 to request certified copies. Office hours run from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. The first copy costs $9. Each additional copy costs $7. A photo ID is required to pick up copies. Same-day service is available for in-person requests.
Mail Requests to the Clerk Office
Mail requests go to the same address: 315 Court Street, Clearwater, FL 33756. The request must include a signed written request, a copy of a photo ID, and a money order or cashier’s check payable to the Pinellas County Clerk. Do not send cash through the mail. Include the full names of both spouses and the approximate year of marriage. Mail requests take about 5 to 7 business days to process.
Online Requests Through the Clerk Website
The Pinellas County clerk website allows online ordering of certified copies. Users create an account, search for the record, and place an order. Payment is by credit or debit card. Online orders are processed within 1 to 2 business days. Certified copies are mailed to the address on file. There is an extra convenience fee for online orders.
Marriage Records for Genealogy Research
People who research family history often need old marriage records. Dunedin marriage records from before 1970 may have limited online access. Genealogists use marriage records to confirm family ties, find maiden names, and trace ancestry across generations.
Where to Find Older Dunedin Marriage Records
Older marriage records for Dunedin are held by the Pinellas County clerk office. Records from before June 6, 1927 stay only at the county level. The clerk office can search records going back to the founding of Pinellas County in 1912. A $2 per-year search fee applies when the year of marriage is unknown. Genealogists should provide as much detail as possible, including full names and approximate dates.
Using FamilySearch and Ancestry Websites
FamilySearch.org offers free access to some Florida marriage records. Ancestry.com has a larger collection of Pinellas County marriage records, but requires a paid subscription. Both websites let users search by name and date. Pinellas County marriage indexes from 1927 to the present are searchable on these sites. Images of original records may be available for some years.
Apostille for Florida Marriage Certificates
People who need to use a Florida marriage certificate in another country may need an apostille. An apostille is a certificate that proves a document is real and legal for use in countries that joined the Hague Apostille Convention.
How to Get an Apostille in Florida
The Florida Department of State handles apostille requests in Florida. Applicants send the certified marriage certificate and a request form to the department office in Tallahassee. The fee is $10 per document. Processing takes 5 to 10 business days. Some counties also offer apostille services through the clerk office. Pinellas County does not currently issue apostilles directly, so couples must use the state office.
Countries That Require Apostilles
Apostilles are needed for countries that joined the 1961 Hague Convention. Most European countries, Australia, Japan, and many South American countries accept apostilles. Some countries, like Canada and China, have different rules and may need other steps. Couples should check with the embassy of the destination country to confirm the right process.
Marriage License Requirements for Special Cases
Some couples have special situations that change the regular application process. Florida law has specific rules for minors, prior marriages, and proxy arrangements.
Requirements for Minors
Couples under 18 have extra requirements. Applicants who are 17 must get written consent from both parents or legal guardians. The consent forms must be signed in front of a notary or two witnesses. A court order may also be required. The clerk office can provide the correct consent form. Anyone under 16 cannot legally marry in Florida under any circumstance.
Proxy and Absent Applicant Rules
Florida does not allow proxy marriages, where one partner is not physically present. Both partners must appear together at the clerk office. No exceptions exist for military members or anyone else. Florida also does not allow marriages by power of attorney or video for the application itself. Both parties must sign in front of the clerk.
Marriage Records and Public Access Laws
Florida has strong public records laws that apply to marriage records. Chapter 119 of Florida Statutes gives the public the right to view and copy marriage records. Some private details are removed before records are released.
What Information Is Removed from Public Records
Social Security numbers are removed from all public copies of marriage records. The full Social Security number never appears on the public version. Other details like full date of birth may also be limited in some online searches. Names of both spouses, the date of marriage, the county, and the license number stay public. The officiant name also remains in the public record.
Who Can Request Certified Copies
Certified copies of marriage certificates are available to anyone who asks, not just the people named on the record. The clerk office does not require proof of relationship for marriage records. This differs from birth and death records, which have stricter rules. Certified copies are the same for all requesters and carry the same legal weight.
Common Questions About Dunedin Marriage Records
People often have similar questions about marriage records in Dunedin. Below are answers to the most common questions about costs, timelines, and how the process works in Pinellas County.
How long does it take to get a marriage license in Dunedin?
The application itself takes 30 to 45 minutes at the clerk office. The three-day waiting period adds extra time unless waived. Total time from application to a valid license is three days for residents without a course, or same day for those with a course or non-residents. Ceremonies can take place right after the waiting period ends.
How much is a certified copy of a marriage certificate in Pinellas County?
The first certified copy costs $9. Each additional copy ordered at the same time costs $7. A search fee of $2 per year applies when the marriage year is not known. State-certified copies through the Florida Department of Health cost $5 for the first and $4 for each additional copy. Online services like VitalChek charge higher fees for the convenience.
Can I get a marriage license in Dunedin if I am not a Florida resident?
Yes, non-residents can apply for a marriage license in Dunedin. Both partners must still appear together at the clerk office with valid ID. Non-residents do not have to wait three days before the ceremony. The same fees apply to everyone. The license is valid for ceremonies anywhere in Florida, not just Pinellas County.
How do I verify a Florida marriage certificate is real?
The Pinellas County clerk office can verify a certified copy at 315 Court Street, Clearwater, FL 33756. Bring the certificate in person during office hours. The clerk staff checks the seal, signature, and record number. Online verification is not currently available for Florida marriage certificates. People who need official verification for legal matters should contact the issuing clerk office directly.
What if my marriage license expires before the ceremony?
If 60 days pass without a ceremony, the license expires. The couple must apply for a new license and pay the full fee again. There is no refund for expired licenses. Couples who know the ceremony will be delayed should wait to apply until closer to the wedding date to avoid expiration.
Can I get a Dunedin marriage record from before 1927?
Marriage records before June 6, 1927 are kept only at the Pinellas County clerk office. The Florida Department of Health does not have these records. Contact the clerk office at 315 Court Street, Clearwater, FL 33756 to request a search. A $2 per-year search fee applies when the year is unknown. Older records may take longer to locate and copy.
Official Contact Details
For marriage license applications, certified copies, and record searches in Dunedin, contact the Pinellas County Clerk of the Circuit Court. The office is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The office closes on weekends and state holidays. The mailing address is 315 Court Street, Room 150, Clearwater, FL 33756. The phone number is (727) 464-3341. The official website is mypinellasclerk.gov.
Florida Department of Health Bureau of Vital Statistics handles statewide marriage records from 1927 onward. The mailing address is P.O. Box 210, Jacksonville, FL 32231. The phone number is (904) 359-6900. The official website is floridahealth.gov/certificates-records.
Frequently Asked Questions
The questions below cover specific issues that come up for people getting or requesting marriage records in Dunedin. Each answer gives clear facts about costs, timelines, and legal rules. These answers reflect current Florida law and Pinellas County clerk procedures as of 2026.
How do I change my name on a Florida marriage certificate?
A marriage certificate cannot be changed after it is issued. The names on the certificate are the names used at the time of marriage. To change a name after marriage, use the certified copy of the certificate as proof of the name change. Take the certified copy to the Social Security Administration to update a Social Security card, then to the DMV to update a driver license. The marriage certificate itself stays the same forever.
What is the difference between a marriage license and a marriage certificate?
A marriage license is the document that gives legal permission to get married. A marriage certificate is the document that proves a marriage took place. The license is issued before the ceremony. The certificate is created after the officiant returns the signed license to the clerk. Both come from the same clerk office but serve different legal purposes.
Can I marry myself or a family member in Florida?
No, Florida law does not allow self-marriage or marriages between close blood relatives. Marriages between parents and children, siblings, half-siblings, aunts and nephews, uncles and nieces, and grandparents and grandchildren are void under Florida Statute 741.04. First cousins can marry in Florida, but other close relatives cannot. Self-marriage is not legally recognized anywhere in the United States.
How long does it take the clerk to record a marriage after the ceremony?
The officiant must return the signed marriage license to the clerk office within 10 days of the ceremony. After receiving it, the clerk records the marriage in the county system. County records are usually updated within 5 business days of receiving the signed license. State records take an additional 60 days to update because of how the state system works.
Are online-ordained ministers legal in Florida?
Yes, Florida accepts ministers ordained by online groups like the Universal Life Church. The officiant must be ordained in good standing with a religious society. Some couples have had problems with online ordinations that the clerk later questioned. Couples should confirm with the clerk office before the ceremony if there is any doubt about the officiant’s status.