Premarital Course

The State of Florida requires you and your partner, if in-state residents, to take a four-hour premarital preparation course or wait three days before a marriage license can become effective. If you intend to apply for a marriage license, you may, together or separately, complete a premarital preparation course of not less than 4 hours.

A certificate of completion will be issued to you once you complete a premarital preparation course. You will need to submit a valid certificate of completion with the marriage license application.

The marriage license fee will be reduced by $25 if you complete the course and submit the certificate of completion with your marriage license application.

You are responsible for paying any costs associated with the premarital preparation course.

Premarital Course Providers:

Many local churches and counseling services offer the course. The Lake County Clerk’s Office provides a roster of Premarital Preparation Course Providers (PDF) as a convenience.

How to Register as a Premarital Course Provider:

All area course providers need to register with the Clerk’s Office by filing an affidavit in writing attesting to the provider’s compliance with the premarital preparation course requirements. The course instructor’s name and qualifications, including the license number, if any, or, if an official representative of a religious institution, a statement as to relevant training should be included. The affidavit must also include the addresses where the provider may be contacted.

Register as a Premarital Course Provider