Florida Weddings: Now Or Later?

Florida is a popular destination for weddings, with its sunny weather and beachfront locations. If you're planning a wedding in Florida, there are a few things you need to know to ensure that your special day is legal and recognised. Here's an overview of the requirements and procedures for getting married in the Sunshine State. Firstly, you'll need to obtain a marriage license from any county clerk's office in Florida. There is a fee of around $90 for the license, and you must provide photo identification and your Social Security number. There is also a 3-day waiting period after receiving the license before you can get married, unless you complete a pre-marital course. The marriage ceremony must take place within 60 days of receiving the license. Florida has specific requirements for who can officiate a wedding, including ordained ministers, clergy, and certain government officials. Overall, getting married in Florida involves some paperwork and planning, but it's a great option for couples looking for a sunny and memorable wedding destination.

Where can I get married in Florida?

Florida is a popular destination for weddings, with its sunny climate and beautiful beaches. If you're looking to get married in the state, there are a few things to keep in mind when it comes to choosing a location. Here's a guide to help you navigate where you can get married in Florida.

Beach Weddings

Florida offers plenty of shoreline for beach weddings, with over 6,000 miles of beaches. If you're planning a beach wedding, keep in mind that you'll need a permit from the city or county if you're expecting 20 or more guests. This applies to all public beaches. If you're considering a state park as your venue, be sure to reach out to the specific park for information on permits and reservations.

City Weddings

Florida has many vibrant cities that can serve as a great backdrop for your wedding. Miami, Tampa, Orlando, and Palm Beach are among the most popular choices, offering a range of venues from grand southern-style mansions to high-end party spots. When choosing a city, consider the reception size, whether you prefer an indoor or outdoor venue, and catering options.

Outdoor Weddings

If you're planning an outdoor wedding, be mindful of Florida's weather patterns. The wet season typically lasts from May to October, while the dry season runs from November to April, offering clearer skies and lower humidity. It's always a good idea to have a contingency plan in case of unexpected weather changes.

Venue Availability

Demand for wedding venues in Florida is high, so it's essential to reserve your chosen venue as early as possible. Consider booking at least a year in advance to secure your preferred location. Keep an eye out for cancellations or postponements, which may open up additional options.

Marriage License Requirements

To obtain a marriage license in Florida, you must apply at any county clerk's office. The requirements may vary slightly between counties, so it's best to check the specific county's website for detailed information. Both parties must provide photo identification, such as a driver's license, state ID card, or valid passport, and their Social Security numbers. If either party has been previously married, proof of divorce, annulment, or death is required, including the exact date the previous marriage ended.

The marriage license fee is typically $93.50, but it can be reduced by up to $32.50 if the couple completes a licensed Florida pre-marital course. There is a 3-day waiting period after receiving the license before the wedding can take place, unless the course has been completed, in which case the waiting period is waived. The license is valid for 60 days from the date of issuance, and the ceremony must be performed within this timeframe.

Officiants

Florida law specifies who can solemnize marriages, including ordained ministers, priests, rabbis, or other ordained clergy, judges presiding in the state, Florida clerks or deputy clerks of court, and public notaries of the state. It's important to note that wedding officiants in Florida are not required to register with any government office.

Whether you choose a beach, city, or outdoor venue, Florida offers a range of options for your special day. With its diverse locations and year-round warm weather, you can create a unique and memorable wedding experience in the Sunshine State.

Who can officiate my wedding in Florida?

Florida is a great place for a wedding, with its sunny beaches, high-end party spots, and unique destinations. If you're planning to get married in the Sunshine State, you might be wondering who can officiate your wedding. Here's what you need to know:

Florida Law determines who can officiate a wedding, and there are specific requirements that must be met. The person you choose to officiate your wedding must fall into one of the following categories:

• Ordained minister, clergy, or elder: The person must be regularly ordained and in communion with some church or other recognised religious organisation.
• Florida Judicial Officer (Judge): This includes retired judicial officers as well.
• Florida Clerk of the Circuit Court: Deputy clerks are authorised to perform ceremonies and are available during normal working hours, Monday through Friday, at Clerk locations in Plant City, Brandon, and Downtown Tampa.
• Florida Notary Public: Only notaries public of the State of Florida are authorised to perform weddings. Additionally, if you are the captain of a ship and a notary, you can perform a wedding if your ship is in Florida waters, within three miles of the coastline.
• Society of Friends or Quakers: They may perform marriages following the manner and form used in their societies.

It's important to note that out-of-state notaries, persons who are not ordained, and family or friends who do not fall into any of the above categories are not authorised by Florida Law to perform wedding ceremonies.

While Florida Law does not require marriage officiants to register with any government office, it is recommended that officiants keep personal records of their official ministry credentials. Proof of ordination may be requested by the couple, government officials, or the wedding venue.

What documents do I need to get married in Florida?

To obtain a marriage license in Florida, you will need to provide the following documents:

• Identification: a picture ID such as a driver's license, state ID card, military ID, or valid passport.
• Social Security number (you do not need to provide your Social Security Card).
• If either applicant has been previously married, you must provide the exact date of divorce, death, or annulment, as well as the state and county where the divorce took place.
• If either applicant is under 18 years old, you must provide parental consent from both parents (unless one parent has sole custody), or written consent from a legal guardian.
• Proof of attendance at a premarital class (if you are a Florida resident and wish to waive the three-day waiting period and/or reduce the application fee).

After the marriage ceremony, the signed marriage license must be returned to the Clerk of the Circuit Court to be filed and recorded. The Clerk will then forward the marriage record to the Bureau of Vital Statistics for permanent filing. This process takes approximately 60 days.

What are the fees and costs for a wedding in Florida?

Planning a wedding can be an expensive affair, and there are many costs to consider. Here is a breakdown of the fees and costs associated with a wedding in Florida:

Marriage License

Firstly, you will need to obtain a marriage license, which costs $93.50. This is issued by a county court judge or clerk of the circuit court and is valid for 60 days. There is a three-day waiting period after receiving the license before the wedding can take place, unless a premarital course has been completed, in which case the waiting period is waived. The license fee can be reduced by up to $32.50 if the couple completes a licensed Florida pre-marital course.

Officiant

Florida law does not require marriage officiants to register with any government office. However, local regulations stipulate that officiants must be ordained by a religious organisation. The average cost of an officiant is $250.

Venue

The cost of the wedding venue will vary depending on the location and the number of guests. For a Disney wedding, the ceremony venue fee ranges from $7,000 to $40,000, depending on the chosen day of the week, time of day, and location. The Magic Kingdom After Hours venue is the most expensive option. Beach weddings are also a popular choice in Florida, and the average cost of a wedding with 100 to 150 guests is between $49,667 and $60,705.

Catering and Bar Service

The cost of catering and bar service will depend on the number of guests and the type of food and drink being served. On average, catering costs $85 per person, while bar service costs around $2,800.

Other Costs

There are many other costs to consider when planning a wedding, such as photography, videography, entertainment, flowers, decorations, wedding cake, transportation, and attire. These costs can quickly add up, so it is important to create a budget and prioritise your spending. The average cost of a wedding photographer is $2,900, while a wedding videographer costs around $2,300. Entertainment options can include live bands, DJs, and themed entertainment, with average costs of $4,300 and $1,700 respectively.

In summary, the fees and costs for a wedding in Florida can vary significantly depending on the specific choices and preferences of the couple. It is important to research and plan accordingly to ensure that the wedding stays within the desired budget.

What is the timeline for getting married in Florida?

To get married in Florida, you'll need to follow a few steps and meet some requirements. Here is a timeline to help you plan your wedding in the Sunshine State:

Three Months or More Before the Wedding:

• Reserve your wedding venue as early as possible, especially if you want a famous or popular location. Florida is a sought-after wedding destination, so many venues are backlogged and overbooked.
• If you're having an outdoor ceremony, consider the seasonal weather patterns and have a contingency plan in place in case of uncooperative weather. The wet season in Florida is from May to October, and the dry season is from November to April.
• If you have a lot of out-of-town guests, consider reserving a block of hotel rooms or rental homes for them. This can make travel arrangements easier for your guests and often provides discounted group rates.
• If your wedding is also a destination event, provide a list of local attractions to entertain your guests during their stay.

A Few Weeks Before the Wedding:

• Visit the website of the county clerk's office where your ceremony will be held to check the specific identification requirements. Each county in Florida has its own requirements.
• If either spouse is under 18, additional requirements apply. Both parents or a legal guardian must provide consent, and the minor spouse cannot marry anyone more than two years older.
• Complete a premarital preparation course to waive the three-day waiting period for your marriage license. These courses can often be taken online and typically take about four hours to complete.

Three Days Before the Wedding:

• Visit the clerk's office with your future spouse to obtain your marriage license. Bring a government-issued photo ID, such as a driver's license or passport, and your Social Security number. Non-U.S. citizens may provide an alien registration number.
• Provide proof of divorce or death of any previous spouses, including the exact date the previous marriage ended.
• Pay the marriage license fee. As of 2023, the standard fee is $86, but it is discounted to $61 if you've completed a premarital preparation course.

The Day You Receive Your Marriage License:

If you didn't take a premarital preparation course, you'll need to wait three days for your license to be valid. If you completed the course, you can pick up your license immediately and proceed with the next steps.

Within 60 Days of Receiving Your Marriage License:

• Schedule your wedding ceremony. The marriage license is only valid for 60 days, so it's important to plan your wedding within this timeframe.
• Hire an officiant to administer the marriage or contact the clerk's office to perform a civil ceremony by appointment. Florida law specifies who can solemnize marriages, including ordained ministers, priests, rabbis, judges, clerks of the circuit court, and public notaries of the state of Florida.

The Day of Your Wedding:

Exchange your wedding vows. Florida law requires a ceremony in which the couple exchanges vows, but it can be as simple or elaborate as you like and doesn't have to be religious.

Within 10 Days After Your Wedding:

• Give your signed marriage license to your officiant so they can send it back to the clerk's office.
• The clerk's office will then mail you a certified copy of your marriage certificate, which you should keep with your other important documents.

Remember to enjoy the process and celebrate your love! Congratulations on your upcoming wedding!

Frequently asked questions