Junior Rasmussen
Florida is one of only three US states that allow public notaries to officiate a wedding. Florida notaries can perform a wedding ceremony within the state's legal boundaries, but there are a few steps to ensure the marriage is valid. First, both parties must be present and have valid identification and a marriage license issued by a Florida county. Second, the notary must be officially commissioned by the state of Florida and complete a marriage certificate, which must be signed by the couple and any witnesses. Finally, the notary must return the completed marriage certificate to the county clerk's office within ten days and record the act in their official journal.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Who can solemnize a marriage in Florida? | Notaries public, ordained ministers of the gospel, elders in communion with some church and all other ordained clergy, judicial officers of the State of Florida, clerks of the circuit courts of the State of Florida, Florida civil-law notaries, and persons connected with the Society of Friends (Quakers) |
| Who can't solemnize a marriage in Florida? | Notaries from other states and Florida notaries in other states |
| Requirements for a notary public to solemnize a marriage | A marriage license issued in accordance with Florida law, proof of identity, and payment of a fee |
| Requirements for a couple to obtain a marriage license | Application, affidavit setting forth their ages and Social Security numbers, and payment of a fee |
| Cost of a marriage license | Around $94, varying by county |
| Validity of a marriage license | 60 days after issuance, with a three-day waiting period after issuance |
| Requirements for the ceremony | Both parties must be physically present and provide identification |
| Cost of a notary public solemnizing a marriage | Up to $30, plus any additional agreed-upon fees for travel, booking, or other services |
| Post-ceremony requirements for the notary | Complete and sign the certificate of marriage, record the act in their official journal or record book, and mail or deliver the license to the issuing office |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
The notary must be a Florida resident
Florida is one of only three states that allow public notaries to officiate a wedding. For a wedding to be valid in Florida, the notary must be a Florida resident and officially commissioned by the state. The notary must also be sure to check the county-specific guidelines for notaries officiating weddings.
Florida notaries can only solemnize a marriage within the legal boundaries of the state of Florida. This generally includes three miles off the coast. Notaries from other states may not perform marriage ceremonies in Florida, and Florida notaries cannot perform marriage ceremonies in other states.
The notary is responsible for mailing or delivering the license. They should not give the original license to the couple to return themselves. The notary should also record the act in their official journal or record book. It is customary for the notary to provide a commemorative marriage certificate, which can be purchased as part of a Notary Wedding Kit from the American Association of Notaries.
The notary must witness the signing of the certificate by the married couple and any witnesses. They must then add their signature as the officiant and write "public notary" beneath their printed name. The completed marriage certificate must be returned to the county clerk's office within 10 days of completion.
Is My Big Fat Greek Wedding on Amazon Prime?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
A valid marriage license is required
The marriage license should be obtained from the couple's local county clerk's office. Both parties must be present when applying for the license and must provide identification, such as a driver's license, passport, or social security card. There may be a cost associated with obtaining the marriage license, which can vary depending on the county but usually costs around $94.
It is the responsibility of the notary performing the wedding ceremony to possess the couple's marriage license and ensure that it has not expired and has been signed by both individuals. This is an important step to avoid an unofficial ceremony. The notary is also responsible for mailing or delivering the completed license to the issuing office, and they should not give the original license to the couple themselves.
Once the completed marriage record is returned to the issuing office, the couple will typically receive a free certified copy of the official marriage record. The notary may also provide a commemorative marriage certificate, which can be purchased as part of a Notary Wedding Kit.
Creating a Blooming Wedding Arch: How Many Flowers?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
The marriage must take place in Florida
Florida is one of only three states that allow public notaries to officiate a wedding. The marriage must take place within the legal boundaries of the state of Florida, which includes three miles off the coast. This means that notaries from other states cannot perform marriage ceremonies in Florida, and Florida notaries cannot perform marriage ceremonies in other states.
To ensure the marriage is valid, the couple must obtain a Florida marriage license, issued by a county court judge or clerk of the circuit court. The marriage license is valid for 60 days after issuance, and the marriage must take place during this window. There is also a three-day waiting period after the issuance of the license. The couple can apply for a marriage license at their local county clerk's office and must provide identification and payment. The cost of a marriage license varies depending on the county but is usually around $94.
Before the ceremony, the notary should check the couple's IDs to ensure they are marrying the right individuals and that they are of age. The notary must also ensure they have possession of the couple's marriage license and that it has been signed by both individuals and has not expired.
After the ceremony, the notary must complete the certificate of marriage, including witnessing the signing of the certificate by the couple and any witnesses. The notary must then sign the certificate as the officiant and write "public notary" beneath their printed name. The completed marriage certificate must be returned to the county clerk's office within 10 days.
Wedding Planners: Taking Stress Out of Your Big Day
You may want to see also
Explore related products
The couple must be present at the ceremony
For a wedding to be valid in Florida, the couple must be physically present at the ceremony. Both parties must be in attendance, and another person cannot stand in for either individual. The notary should check the identities of the couple before the ceremony to ensure they are marrying the right people and that they are of age. A valid form of identification is required for both individuals when applying for a marriage license. This can be a driver's license, passport, or social security card. The marriage license must be issued in accordance with Florida law and obtained before the ceremony. It is valid for 60 days after issuance, and the marriage must take place within this timeframe.
The notary must also ensure that the couple's marriage license is not expired and has been signed by both individuals before the ceremony. The license should be kept by the notary, who is responsible for mailing or delivering it to the issuing office. The completed marriage record, including the marriage certificate signed by the couple and any witnesses, must be returned to the issuing office or the county clerk's office within 10 days of completion. The notary should not sign as a witness.
It is important to note that the notary is responsible for ensuring the marriage is valid and complies with all legal requirements. This includes checking the identities of the couple and ensuring they have a valid marriage license. The notary should also be officially commissioned by the state of Florida to perform the ceremony. If the notary is not in commission, the ceremony will be deemed unofficial.
Additionally, the notary should record the act in their official journal or record book. While not required, it is customary to provide the couple with a commemorative marriage certificate. The notary can also charge for additional services, such as attendance at the rehearsal, photography, or floral arrangements, with all costs itemized and provided to the couple in a written invoice.
Kate Spade Wedding Planner: Calendar Included?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
The notary must witness the signing of the certificate
Once the wedding ceremony is complete, the couple, as well as any witnesses, must sign the marriage certificate. As a notary, you must witness these signatures. It is your responsibility to ensure that the date of the wedding and the city or county where the ceremony took place are correct. Finally, you must include your own signature as the officiant, writing "public notary" beneath your printed name.
It is not required by Florida law to have witnesses present at the wedding ceremony. However, if there are witnesses, they should sign the certificate in black ink. The notary who performs the ceremony should not sign as one of the witnesses.
It is customary for the notary to provide a commemorative marriage certificate. These can be purchased as part of a Notary Wedding Kit from the American Association of Notaries. The notary is responsible for mailing or delivering the license. The original license should not be given to the couple. The completed marriage record must be filed with the issuing office for there to be an official record of the marriage.
You may also want to include the date, marriage license number, fees charged, time and place that the marriage occurred, the identification of the two partners, and their signatures in your notary journal. Once you have their signatures, return the completed marriage certificate to the county clerk's office within 10 days of completion. The couple will receive an official copy in the mail in a few weeks.
My Big Fat Greek Wedding": From Book to Blockbuste
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
A notary public can charge up to $30 for solemnizing a marriage, plus any travel or booking fees. The notary can also charge for providing additional services, such as attendance at the rehearsal or photography. All costs should be itemized and provided to the couple in a written invoice.
The couple must obtain a valid Florida marriage license, which is issued by the county court judge, clerk of the circuit court, or the local county clerk's office. The license typically costs around $94 and is valid for 60 days. Additionally, both individuals must be present at the ceremony and provide identification, such as a driver's license, passport, or social security card.
After the ceremony, the notary must complete the certificate of marriage, including witnessing and obtaining the signatures of the couple and any witnesses. The notary then has 10 days to return the completed marriage certificate to the county clerk's office. They are also responsible for mailing or delivering the marriage license and recording the act in their official journal or record book.
