Who Can Officiate Weddings In Florida?

Florida is a popular destination for weddings, with its beautiful beaches and sunny climate. If you're planning your wedding or have been asked to officiate one, it's important to understand the legal requirements for marriage ceremonies in the state. In Florida, there are specific regulations that must be followed to ensure the marriage is legally valid. While Florida law does not require wedding officiants to register with any government office, there are certain criteria that must be met for someone to be able to perform a wedding ceremony. So, who can legally officiate a wedding in Florida?

Who can perform a wedding ceremony in Florida?

Florida is a popular destination for weddings, with its beautiful beaches and sunny climate. If you're planning a wedding in the Sunshine State, it's important to know who can legally perform your ceremony. Here's a comprehensive guide to help you understand the requirements and ensure your special day goes smoothly.

The Legal Requirements:

Florida has specific regulations when it comes to solemnizing weddings. According to Florida Statutes § 741.07, the following individuals are authorized to perform wedding ceremonies:

• Ordained Ministers: All regularly ordained ministers of the gospel, elders in communion with a church, or other ordained clergy are authorized. This includes online ordained ministers from organizations like American Marriage Ministries (AMM).
• Judicial Officers: All Florida judicial officers, including retired judicial officers, are authorized.
• Clerks of the Circuit Court: Deputy clerks are authorized and often perform ceremonies at their office locations.
• Notaries Public: Florida notaries public are permitted to solemnize weddings.
• Quakers or Friends: Members of the Society of Friends or Quakers can perform marriages according to their rites and ceremonies.
• Captains of Ships: Interestingly, if a captain of a ship is a notary and the vessel is in Florida waters (within three miles from the coastline), they are authorized to perform weddings.

No Registration Needed:

It's important to note that wedding officiants in Florida are not required to register with any government office before performing a marriage. However, it is recommended to keep personal records of ordination credentials, as proof of ordination may be requested by the couple, government officials, or the wedding venue.

Age and Other Restrictions:

To perform a wedding in Florida, there is a minimum age requirement. Officiants must be at least 18 years of age, and they may be required to provide proof of their ordination or credentials. Additionally, the state of Florida requires both the couple and the officiant to be physically present during the ceremony.

The Couple's Consent:

Florida law mandates two essential elements for a legal wedding ceremony. Firstly, the couple must verbally consent to enter into marriage, traditionally by saying "I do." Secondly, the officiant must formally pronounce the couple as married. The rest of the ceremony can be customized to include any rituals, traditions, or vows the couple chooses.

In conclusion, while Florida offers a beautiful backdrop for weddings, it's crucial to ensure that your special day complies with the legal requirements. By understanding the regulations and choosing an authorized officiant, you can rest assured that your wedding ceremony will be valid and recognized by the state of Florida.

What are the requirements to become a wedding officiant in Florida?

To become a wedding officiant in Florida, you must be at least 18 years old. There are no restrictions on the faith or residency of the minister. However, the minister may need to produce information proving that they are allowed to solemnize weddings. The clerk wants to be sure that the minister has been ordained by a larger institution in an official capacity.

The specific documentation required varies by county, so it is advisable to contact the clerk's office directly to find out what is needed. Typically, it is good practice to have a copy of your ordination credentials on hand.

Online ordination is an option for those looking to become wedding officiants in Florida, and it is recognized by the state. American Marriage Ministries and Universal Life Church are two organizations that provide this service for free.

Wedding officiants in Florida are not required to register with any government office.

What are the steps to becoming a wedding officiant in Florida?

To become a wedding officiant in Florida, you must be at least 18 years old. There is no requirement to register with any government office, but you must be an ordained minister. This can be done online through organisations such as American Marriage Ministries or Universal Life Church.

Once ordained, you can perform weddings anywhere in Florida. It is a good idea to keep a personal record of your official Ministry Credentials, as proof of your ordination may be requested by the couple, government officials, or the wedding venue.

Your legal role as an officiant is to complete the marriage license with the couple and any required witnesses. You will also need to provide personal details, such as your name and address.

After the ceremony, the license must be returned to the clerk within 10 days. It is also a good idea to keep records of all the marriages you have solemnized.

What are the officiant's duties after the wedding ceremony?

In Florida, there are no major restrictions on who can perform a wedding ceremony. The only requirement is that the officiant must be at least 18 years old. This means that friends or family members can officiate a wedding, making the ceremony extra special and personal for the couple.

After the wedding ceremony, the officiant has a few important duties to fulfil to ensure that the marriage is legally binding. Here is a detailed list of the officiant's duties after the wedding ceremony:

Reviewing the Marriage License

After the ceremony, the officiant, together with the couple, should carefully review the marriage license and associated paperwork. This step is crucial as any mistakes or omissions on the form may invalidate it, requiring the couple to apply for a new license and pay the fee again. The officiant will need to provide personal details, including their name and address.

Returning the Marriage License

In Florida, the officiant must return the completed and signed marriage license to the office it was issued from within 10 days of the wedding ceremony. This step is time-sensitive, and if the license is returned after the 10-day period, it will not be accepted.

Signing the Marriage Certificate

The officiant is also responsible for signing the marriage certificate, finalising the marriage and making it official. Depending on the county's regulations, the couple and two witnesses may also need to sign the marriage license.

Record-Keeping

It is recommended that the officiant keeps good records of all the marriages they have solemnised. These records can be helpful if there are any queries about the details of the wedding in the future.

Filing the Marriage Certificate

The final step in the process is to file the marriage certificate with the relevant authority, which varies depending on the county. In some counties, this may be the county clerk, recorder, or registrar. This step seals the deal and makes the marriage official.

What are the requirements for a couple to get married in Florida?

To get married in Florida, couples must meet several requirements. Both parties must be physically present for the ceremony and need to be at least 18 years old. If a minor is at least 17 years old, they can get married with consent from a legal guardian. In some cases, individuals aged 16 or younger may be allowed to marry with parental consent, but these are evaluated on a case-by-case basis.

Couples must apply for a marriage license in person at a county clerk's office and provide valid government-issued photo identification, such as a driver's license, state ID card, or passport. Both parties must also provide their Social Security numbers. If either party has been married before, they must provide the exact date and location of the divorce, death, or annulment.

There is a mandatory three-day waiting period after the application is submitted before the ceremony can take place, unless the couple has completed a premarital preparation course. The license is valid for 60 days, and the ceremony must be performed within this timeframe. The license must be returned to the clerk's office within 10 days of the ceremony.

The cost of a marriage license is typically $86, but it can be reduced to $61 if the couple completes a premarital preparation course.

During the ceremony, the couple must make a clear verbal consent to enter into marriage, and the person officiating must formally pronounce them married. There are no requirements regarding witnesses, and no specific rituals or traditions are mandated.

Frequently asked questions