📜 The Marriage License: What You Actually Need
The Nassau County Clerk of Courts issues marriage licenses from two locations — including one right in the heart of the historic district on Centre Street. The whole process takes about 30 minutes. You do not need to be a Florida resident to get married here. You just need to get the license in Florida before the ceremony.
Where to Get Your License
📍 Two Locations in Nassau County
Nassau County Historic Courthouse (Downtown Fernandina Beach)
416 Centre Street,
Fernandina Beach, FL 32034
Mon–Fri 8:30am – 5:00pm ·
(904) 548-4600
Nassau County Courthouse (Off-Island, Near I-95)
76347 Veteran's Way, Suite 456, Yulee, FL 32097
Mon–Fri 8:30am – 5:00pm
Both are equally valid. If you're staying on the island, the Centre Street courthouse is the obvious choice — it's a 2-minute walk from the Palace Saloon and a beautiful building in its own right.
Requirements at a Glance
| Requirement | Details |
|---|
| Both parties present | Yes — both must appear in person together |
| Photo ID | Driver's license, state ID, passport, or military ID |
| Social Security number | Just the number — no card needed. Non-US citizens may use passport or immigration number |
| Minimum age | 18 years old. No exceptions without parental consent & court involvement |
| Previous marriages | Must provide date divorce was finalized or date spouse died. If divorced within last 30 days, bring certified copy of final divorce decree |
| Blood test | Not required in Florida |
| Residency requirement | None — anyone can get married in Florida |
| License cost | $93.50 standard · $61.00 with premarital course completion |
| License valid for | 60 days from date of validity. Ceremony must happen within 60 days. |
| Return after ceremony | Officiant must return signed license to clerk's office within 10 days after ceremony |
The Waiting Period — and How to Skip It
| Your Situation | Waiting Period | How to Waive |
|---|
| Both are Florida residents | 3-day wait required | Both complete a state-approved 4-hour premarital course. License fee drops to $61. Can get married same day. |
| Both are non-Florida residents | No waiting period | Applies automatically. Get married the same day you get the license. |
| One FL resident, one non-resident | 3-day wait applies | FL resident must complete the premarital course. Waiting period waived, but no fee discount. |
💡 Destination Couples: You're All Set
If you're flying in from out of state for your wedding, the three-day waiting period does not apply to you. Show up to the courthouse Monday, get married Thursday on the beach — no courses, no waiting. This is one of the reasons Amelia Island is so popular for destination weddings. Couples apply online in advance through the Nassau County Clerk's portal at
marriage.nassauclerk.com to speed up the in-person visit.
1
Pre-apply online
Go to
marriage.nassauclerk.com and complete the pre-application. Bring your transaction number to the office. Saves significant wait time.
2
Go to the courthouse — both of you, together
Bring photo ID and know your Social Security numbers. If previously married, know the end date. If divorced in the last 30 days, bring the certified divorce decree.
3
Pay the fee & receive your license
$93.50 standard. $61.00 if both completed a registered premarital course. License is valid immediately for non-residents; 3-day wait for FL residents (unless course was completed).
4
Have your ceremony within 60 days
Your officiant signs the license after the ceremony and must return it to the Nassau County Clerk within 10 days. Most professional officiants on the island handle this automatically — confirm with yours.
🏛️ Civil Ceremony Option
The Nassau County Clerk's office also performs civil wedding ceremonies at the courthouse for $30 additional fee. Available Monday–Friday between 9am–11am and 2:30pm–4pm. Good for couples who want legal marriage handled simply before a separate celebration. Call (904) 548-4600 to book at least 24 hours in advance.
🌊 Best Beach Ceremony Locations
No permit is required for beach weddings on Amelia Island. This is one of the most important things to know — and one of the things that most sets Amelia apart. You can hold a ceremony at any of the 40+ public beach access points without permits, fees, or city approval. The only things actually prohibited: open fires, balloons, streamers, and strings (wildlife protection). No alcohol on city or county beaches.
🐢 Sea Turtle Season Note — May Through October
Sea turtle nesting season runs May–October. During this period, no flash photography or lighting is permitted on the beach after dusk or before dawn. This applies to wedding photography too — daytime ceremonies are totally fine. Sunset and golden-hour ceremonies are stunning (and legal) as long as photography wraps before true dark. Plan your timeline accordingly if booking a summer or fall wedding.
🌅
Most Iconic · Facilities On-Site
Main Beach Park
The most recognizable beach on the island. Broad open sand, easy parking (free), boardwalk access, restrooms, outdoor showers. Faces east for sunrise ceremonies; the right edge of the beach gets beautiful warm light in late afternoon. Sliders Seaside Grill is steps away for a post-ceremony celebration. Best for groups up to 100+.
No PermitFree ParkingADA Boardwalk
🌊
Most Secluded Feel · Locals' Pick
Peter's Point Beachfront Park
The south end of the island — wider, quieter, and less trafficked than Main Beach. Spacious free lot, picnic areas, restrooms. The beach stretches wide and the dune backdrop is stunning. 4WD beach driving allowed with a Nassau County permit if you want a dramatic entrance. Best for intimate to mid-size ceremonies.
No PermitFree ParkingBeautiful Light
✨
Most Private · Pristine
Amelia Island State Park (South Tip)
The most secluded beach on the island by far. $2/person honor box entry. Capped at 300 people — so it never feels crowded. No lifeguards, no restaurants, just undisturbed beach and dunes. Extraordinary for intimate ceremonies, elopements, and vow renewals. 4WD beach driving allowed — dramatic and memorable.
$2/personMost PristineElopement Ideal
🏰
Historic · Dramatic · Unique
Fort Clinch State Park Beach
The north end — the Civil War fort overlooks the beach for ceremony backdrops that are genuinely one-of-a-kind. Florida State Park entry fee applies (~$6/vehicle). Secluded, no crowds, dramatic driftwood and sea grass scenery. Best for couples who want something unusual. Wedding photography here is extraordinary.
State Park FeeDramatic Setting
🌴
Most Versatile · Downtown Adjacent
Seaside Park (Sadler Road)
Centrally located with covered pavilions, picnic tables, boardwalk, and a great beach. Sliders rooftop is right there for your post-ceremony drinks. Easiest transition from ceremony to reception of any beach access point. Ample free parking. The pavilion can be reserved for additional structure.
No PermitPavilion AvailableDrive-On Beach
🌄
Sunset Ceremony Gold Standard
Intracoastal Waterway — Walker's Landing Area
Not a beach — but worth including. If you want a true sunset ceremony, the Intracoastal side of the island faces west. Walker's Landing at the Omni offers waterfront ceremony space with the most dramatic sunset backdrop on the island. Dolphins frequently appear at dusk. Past brides have described it as the most cinematic moment of their lives.
Omni VenueBest Sunsets
🧂
Salt My Heart Insider Pick
"If I were getting married here — and I'm not ruling it out — I'd do the ceremony at Peter's Point at 10am when the light is soft and the beach is quiet, then walk back to the Ritz or the Ocean Club for the reception. You get the real island, not the tourist version. Nobody's watching you from a hotel balcony. It's just the ocean and the people you love."
✨ Wedding Venues: Every Price Point
💎
Ritz-Carlton Amelia Island" style="color:inherit;text-decoration:none;border-bottom:1px solid currentColor;opacity:.85;">The
Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island
4750 Amelia Island Pkwy · The Gold Standard
★ Luxury
The definitive Amelia Island luxury wedding. Set along 13 miles of dune-lined beachfront with ocean views from virtually every corner. Crystal chandeliers, lush floral arrangements, an extremely talented on-property catering team, and full-service wedding consultants who handle flowers, linens, music, and décor. Both indoor and outdoor spaces — from beachfront ceremony setups to grand ballroom receptions. For couples who want every detail handled by professionals who have done it thousands of times.
🌊 Beachfront Ceremony
🍽️ In-House Catering
💐 Full Floral Service
🎵 Music & AV Coordination
💰 Luxury Pricing — starts ~$10,000+ for venue
👗 Full planning team included
🌊
39 Beach Lagoon Rd · Seven Distinct Wedding Spaces
★ Luxury
Seven different wedding venues ranging from a 16,800 sq ft indoor ballroom to an oceanside terrace and Walker's Landing — a marsh-side deck with jaw-dropping Intracoastal sunset views. Dedicated Catering Services Manager assigned to your wedding. All food and beverage must be provided by Omni (they do it extremely well). Guests staying on-property get a curated group rate. Contact: (904) 261-6161.
7 Ceremony/Reception Spaces
🌅 Walker's Landing (Best Sunsets)
🎳 16,800 sq ft Ballroom
🍽️ Exclusive In-House Catering
💰 Luxury Tier — 25% deposit required
📞 (904) 261-6161
🌿
The Preserve at The Amelia River Club
Marshfront · No Noise Restrictions · Open as Late as You Want
◆ Mid-Range
The island's hidden gem venue — and one of the only wedding spaces with no noise restrictions and no curfew. Cape cod-style building with magnificent truss ceiling and huge sliding doors creating the perfect indoor-outdoor flow. Over 10,000 sq ft across the property with vast green space as a blank canvas. Coordinator Michelle Miller is consistently named in reviews as exceptional. Couples have described watching dolphins swim in the marsh during their vows at sunset. Private drive, exclusive use.
🌅 Marsh + Sunset Views
🎉 No Noise Restrictions
🏡 10,000+ sq ft Indoor/Outdoor
🦬 Bridal + Groom Suites
📅 Day-before + Day-after Access
💰 Mid-range · Contact for pricing
🐚
Ocean Club of Amelia Island
Beachside Cottage · Intimate · 80 Guests Max
◆ Mid-Range
A tastefully renovated beach cottage set right in the dunes overlooking the Atlantic. Coastal-chic two-story interior with driftwood chandeliers, natural stone patios, and an open covered dining patio where the sea breeze blows through every event. Perfect for intimate weddings up to 80. Multiple beach wedding coordinators cite this as their top recommendation for ceremony-then-reception flow — ceremony on the beach, reception steps away at the Club.
🏖️ Oceanfront · Steps from Beach
👥 Max 80 Guests
🎨 Coastal Chic Interior
⭐ Most Recommended by Local Planners
💰 Mid-range
🏛️
Florida House Inn
22 S. 3rd St · Built 1857 · 350-Year-Old Live Oak
◆ Historic Charm
Florida's oldest surviving hotel and genuinely one of the most romantic spots in
Fernandina Beach. The courtyard features a mermaid fountain and a 350-year-old live oak draped in twinkling lights — a first-dance backdrop that no resort can replicate. The inn is described as nostalgic, classic, and timeless. Full kitchen and in-house catering ranging from laid-back Lowcountry boils to elevated bites. Perfect for smaller weddings, rehearsal dinners, and intimate gatherings with out-of-town guests staying on-site.
🌳 350-Year-Old Live Oak
🧜 Mermaid Fountain Courtyard
🍤 Lowcountry to Elevated Catering
🛏️ Guests Stay On-Site
💰 Mid-range · Great value for intimate events
⚓
Oyster Bay Yacht Club
Marina Views · 7,500 sq ft · One Wedding Per Week
◆ Mid-Range
Classic Southern coastal architecture with over 7,500 sq ft of event space overlooking the marina. The Marsh View Canopy and Verandah are exceptional outdoor ceremony spaces. Award-winning in-house caterers and coordinators. Notably, the Yacht Club books only one wedding per week — meaning you get their undivided attention and the whole place to yourself. Capacity: up to 115 with covered outdoor Verandah. Excellent for couples who want a polished, private experience without resort pricing.
⛵ Marina & Marsh Views
💫 1 Wedding/Week Policy
👥 Up to 115 guests
🏆 Award-Winning Caterers
💰 Mid-range · Private Club Feel
🌾
The Barn at Cottonwood Ranch
Rustic · Open Country · High Personalization
◆ Rustic/DIY
Open land, natural scenery, and a relaxed countryside atmosphere — very different from the beachfront options but beloved by couples who want room to personalize every detail. Full DIY flexibility, bring your own caterers and vendors. Ideal for laid-back celebrations with room to dance, tent space for large groups, and a setting that photographs beautifully at golden hour against the North Florida landscape.
🌾 Rustic + Natural Setting
🎨 Full DIY Freedom
🎉 Bring Your Own Vendors
💰 Budget-Friendly
🪵
The Pavilion at Amelia Island
Open-Air · Repurposed Wood Beams · Newest Venue
◆ Mid-Range
Fernandina Beach's newest event venue — an open-air pavilion with beams made from repurposed wood and a flexible layout that works beautifully for both ceremonies and receptions. Full kitchen and in-house catering offering everything from Lowcountry boils to Korean short ribs and elevated bites. Designed with flexibility in mind — easy to configure for intimate gatherings or larger celebrations.
🌿 Open-Air Design
🍽️ In-House Catering
🪵 Repurposed Wood Interior
💰 Mid-range · Newest on Island
📷 Photographers & Videographers
Amelia Island has a strong photography community — the light here is genuinely exceptional, and local photographers know where and when to shoot for maximum impact. Book photographers as early as possible; the best on-island photographers book 9–12 months out for peak season (October–May).
Photography + Videography
Legacy Movies
Award-winning local photographers and videographers who approach weddings as storytelling. Multiple high-definition cameras, wireless mics, and a focus on narrative over posed shots. Life story films available as add-ons — a genuinely beautiful heirloom. Reviews consistently call them professional and at ease to work with.
Starting from $1,995(904) 650-2242Photo + Video
Photo Booth + Events
Bokeh & Birch Photobooth Co.
Elevated photo booth experiences styled to complement each venue — not the cheesy backdrop kind. Thoughtful design that integrates seamlessly with the venue aesthetic. Works extensively across Amelia Island venues including The Preserve, Walker's Landing, and Ocean Club. A beloved reception addition.
bokehandbirch.comReception Upgrade
Beach Wedding Package Photography
Amelia Island Beach Wedding
Specializes specifically in beach ceremonies — 1 hour of professional photography included in their packages. Excellent for couples doing a simpler beach ceremony who want photography included without a separate vendor. Customizable à la carte packages, all-inclusive options, and filing of the marriage license by the officiant.
ameliaislandbeachwedding.comAll-in-One Option
Full-Service Beach Wedding Photography
Sun & Sea Beach Weddings
Photography, florals, ceremony setup, and planning all under one roof. Expert knowledge of Amelia Island locations — they recommend Sliders and the Ocean Club specifically for seamless ceremony-to-reception flow. Good for couples who want minimal vendor management.
sunandseabeachweddings.comTurn-Key Option
📅 Booking Timeline Tip
Peak wedding season on Amelia Island runs October through May — the weather is perfect and the light is extraordinary. If you're planning a peak-season wedding, start photographer outreach 9–12 months in advance. Summer weddings (June–August) are easier to book last-minute but require careful timing around sea turtle restrictions after dark and afternoon storms.
🍽️ Catering & Food
The island's culinary identity is built on fresh Gulf and Atlantic seafood, Lowcountry tradition, and a warm Southern hospitality that extends naturally to event catering. For venue-specific catering (Omni, Ritz, Golf Club of Amelia, Oyster Bay Yacht Club) you'll typically use in-house catering exclusively. For more flexible venues, here's who locals recommend:
In-House · Resort Catering
Custom menus based entirely on personal preferences. Manages florals, linens, and music coordination in addition to food. The standard other island caterers are measured against. For Ritz venue bookings only.
Luxury TierVenue-exclusive
Lowcountry Boil to Elevated Bites
Florida House Inn / The Pavilion
Both venues offer excellent in-house catering through the same culinary team — menus ranging from laid-back Lowcountry boils (perfect for rehearsal dinners) to Korean short ribs, spanakopita, and elevated bites. Genuine Southern hospitality woven into every event.
Mid-rangeLocal Flavor
Private Catering + Events
Sliders Seaside Grill
Oceanfront restaurant with a private upstairs facility available for rent — completely private, oceanfront, newly renovated. Perfect for beach ceremony at Seaside Park followed by a reception right at Sliders. Casual beachy vibe done well. Seafood-forward menu with cocktails. Locally beloved.
Mid-rangeOceanfrontBeach Ceremony Combo
DIY Catering
Shrimp off the Boat + Local Farms
For true DIY receptions, the island's fresh shrimp (ask any local who they use — there's usually a boat or two selling directly), local farms with CSA boxes, and the
Fernandina Beach Farmers Market can form the backbone of a spectacular catered-by-friends rehearsal dinner or small reception. Unique, local, and genuinely memorable.
Budget OptionMost Local
💐 Florists, Officiants, Music & More
Transportation
Blue Sky of Amelia / 8 Flags Transport
Both handle wedding day transportation elegantly. Blue Sky (
Ritz-Carlton service background) is ideal for luxury transfers and bridal party arrivals. 8 Flags handles larger groups and airport shuttles for guests flying in — $75 flat rate to JAX for up to 5 passengers.
blueskyofamelia.com8flagstransport.com
Officiant + License Filing
Amelia Island Beach Wedding Package
Their all-inclusive packages include an officiant who files the marriage license with Nassau County — a detail couples often overlook until after the ceremony. Confirm this service with any officiant you hire independently.
License Filing Included
Venue Coordinator
Michelle Miller at The Preserve
The Preserve's coordinator Michelle is named by name in review after review as exceptional — called "on top of everything" and described as making the whole process feel effortless. If you're booking The Preserve, you're in good hands.
Highly Reviewed
Horses on the Beach
Amelia Island Horseback
Yes, this exists. Some venues and beaches permit horseback riding — riding off into the sunset after your ceremony is a real thing here. Amelia Island Horseback riding services can coordinate for ceremony transportation or post-ceremony photo opportunities. Unforgettable and very Amelia Island.
Only on AmeliaMemorable
🌿 The DIY Beach Wedding Playbook
Amelia Island is one of the best places in Florida for a self-planned beach wedding precisely because no permit is required. A beautiful, legal, personally meaningful ceremony can happen for well under $1,000 if you know what you're doing. Here's the lean path:
1
Get your license (pre-apply online)
2
Pick your beach
Peter's Point (most beautiful, quietest), Main Beach (most accessible + facilities), or Amelia Island State Park (most secluded). No permits. Arrive early on weekends to claim the best stretch of sand. Weekday morning ceremonies are almost entirely private.
3
Hire an officiant
A Florida notary public can legally perform marriage ceremonies. Find registered officiants through The Knot or local wedding directories. Cost: $100–$300 for simple ceremonies. Confirm they will file your license with Nassau County within 10 days.
4
Book a photographer
Even for simple ceremonies, this is the one thing worth spending on. A 1–2 hour beach session captures everything. Legacy Movies and Sun & Sea Beach Weddings both have packages designed for exactly this.
5
Chairs, arch, and flowers
Chairs available from local rental companies ($5/chair). Simple bamboo or driftwood arch can be rented or built ($50–$200). Fresh flowers from the
Fernandina Beach Farmers Market or a local florist can be arranged the morning of. The beach and the sky do most of the decorating for free.
6
Celebrate after
Walk straight from the beach to Sliders rooftop, the Palace Saloon (Florida's oldest bar — perfect for a toast), or book a private table at one of Centre Street's best restaurants. Your 8-person wedding dinner at a waterfront restaurant can easily be the best meal of the trip.
🚫 What's Actually Prohibited on the Beach
Not allowed on any Amelia Island public beach:
Open fires or bonfires · Alcohol · Balloons · Streamers · Strings of any kind (wildlife hazard) · Anything left on the beach unattended after 8pm (it will be removed and destroyed)
Sea turtle season (May–October): No flash photography or lighting on the beach after dusk or before dawn. Daytime ceremonies are completely unrestricted.
💰 Budget Guide: $500 to $50K+
| Line Item |
DIY Beach |
Island Mid-Range |
Luxury Resort |
| Marriage License | $61–$93 | $61–$93 | $61–$93 |
| Venue | Free (public beach) | $1,500–$5,000 | $8,000–$20,000+ |
| Officiant | $100–$300 | $300–$600 | Included |
| Photography (2–4 hrs) | $800–$1,500 | $2,500–$5,000 | $4,000–$10,000+ |
| Videography | Included in some pkgs | $1,500–$3,500 | $3,000–$8,000 |
| Flowers & Arch | $150–$400 | $800–$2,500 | $3,000–$10,000+ |
| Chairs (20 guests) | $100–$200 | $200–$400 | Included |
| Catering (per person) | $0–$30 (dinner out) | $50–$120/pp | $150–$300+/pp |
| Music / DJ | Bluetooth speaker | $800–$2,000 | $2,000–$6,000+ |
| Transportation | Daniel Transportation $60+ | $300–$600 | $500–$2,000 |
| TOTAL (20 guests) | ~$1,500–$3,000 | ~$12,000–$25,000 | ~$40,000–$80,000+ |
💡 Nassau County Sales Tax
Nassau County sales tax is 7% and applies to venue rental, catering, and most wedding services. Additionally, most vendors add 15–20% service charge or gratuity. Factor this into your budget — on a $20,000 wedding, taxes and service charges can add $3,000–$5,000 to your total.
✦ Special Section · Salt My Heart
Vow Renewals on Amelia Island
No license required. No legal paperwork. Just two people, an island, and the words they want to say. Amelia Island may be even better for vow renewals than first weddings — the pressure is gone, and all that's left is the moment.
📜 No License Needed
Vow renewals are not legal ceremonies — you're already married. No permits, no paperwork, no courthouse. Just show up with your officiant (or no officiant at all) and your people.
📍 Best Spots for Vow Renewals
Amelia Island State Park (most private), Peter's Point at sunrise, Walker's Landing at sunset, or the Florida House Inn courtyard under the 350-year-old oak.
💍 Package Options
Amelia Island Beach Wedding and Sun & Sea Beach Weddings both offer vow renewal packages starting around $300–$600 — ceremony setup, officiant, photography included.
🎉 The Celebration After
Book the Florida House Inn for a private courtyard dinner. Or keep it simple: champagne on the beach at sunset, a dinner reservation at the best restaurant in town, and the whole night to yourselves.
🧂 Insider Tips Locals Know
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Booking without checking the sea turtle calendar (May–Oct affects after-dark photography)
- Forgetting your officiant needs to return the signed license within 10 days
- Not pre-applying online before the courthouse visit
- Scheduling Friday afternoon arrival for a Saturday wedding (Jacksonville traffic is brutal)
- Assuming peak season (Oct–May) has easy vendor availability — book 9–12 months out
- Leaving anything on the beach after 8pm — it will be gone
What Smart Couples Do
- Weekday morning ceremonies — nearly empty beaches, soft light, no crowds
- November–February weddings: perfect weather, off-peak pricing, no turtle restrictions
- Ceremony at Peter's Point, reception at the Ocean Club — smoothest flow on island
- Pre-apply for the marriage license at marriage.nassauclerk.com before flying in
- First look at Fort Clinch — photography there is unmatched
- Use the Palace Saloon (Florida's oldest bar) for rehearsal dinner drinks — a genuine Amelia Island moment
Quick Reference: Everything at a Glance
Print this. Bookmark it. Text it to your planner.
License Location
416 Centre Street
Mon–Fri 8:30am–5pm
(904) 548-4600
License Cost
$93.50 standard
$61.00 with premarital course
Waiting Period
FL residents: 3 days (or 4-hr course)
Non-residents: None
Beach Permit Required
No permit needed
Any public access point
Best DIY Beach
Peter's Point or
Amelia Island State Park
Best Sunset Ceremony
Walker's Landing
Intracoastal Waterway side
Best Mid-Range Venue
The Preserve (no curfew)
Ocean Club (oceanfront)
Top Photographer
Legacy Movies
(904) 650-2242 · from $1,995
Sea Turtle Season
May–October
No flash/lighting after dusk
Vow Renewal License
Not required
No paperwork needed
Best Season to Wed
October–May
Perfect weather + best light
