How to get married in Florida

How to get married in Florida. Florida, known as the “Sunshine State,” is a dream destination for many couples planning to take the big step. With its beautiful beaches, warm climate and a wide variety of wedding venues, from luxurious resorts to enchanting gardens, it’s no wonder so many couples choose to get married in this tropical paradise.

But how can this dream become a reality? Getting married in Florida involves more than just picking a location and saying “I do”. There are a number of legal and logistical requirements that you must meet to ensure that your special day runs smoothly.

In this post, we will guide you through the entire process of getting married in Florida, from getting your marriage license to choosing the perfect wedding venue. Whether you are a Florida resident or planning a destination wedding, we will provide you with all the information you need to make your Florida wedding an unforgettable experience.

Contents

Legal requirements to get married in Florida

Before you can say “I do” in Florida, there are some legal requirements you must meet. Here are the details:

Minimum age: In Florida, you must be at least 18 years old to marry without parental consent. If you are between 16 and 17 years old, you may marry with the consent of your parents or if you have a child in common with your partner.
Required Documentation: To obtain a marriage license in Florida, you will need valid identification such as a passport, driver’s license or identification card. You will also need to provide your Social Security number, if you have one. If one or both parties have been previously married, the exact date of divorce, annulment or death of the previous spouse is required.

Marriage license: Before getting married, you will need to obtain a marriage license from any Clerk of the Circuit Court office in Florida. There are no residency requirements, which means that you do not need to be a resident of Florida to get married there.
Waiting period: If both parties are Florida residents and have completed an approved premarital course, there is no waiting period. If they have not completed the course, there is a three-day waiting period after obtaining the marriage license before you can get married.
Wedding officiant: In Florida, weddings may be performed by a judge, a notary public, a religious minister or a clergyman, among others.

How to obtain a marriage license: How to get married in Florida

Obtaining a marriage license is a crucial step in getting married in Florida. Here’s how to do it:

Where to apply: You can apply for a marriage license at any Clerk of the Circuit Court office in Florida. You do not need to be a Florida resident to obtain a marriage license in the state.
Documents required: You will need to present valid identification such as a passport, driver’s license or identification card. You will also need to provide your Social Security number, if you have one. If one or both parties have been previously married, the exact date of divorce, annulment or death of the previous spouse is required.

License Fee: The fee to obtain a marriage license in Florida is generally around $93.50. However, this fee can be reduced to $61.00 if the couple completes an approved premarital course.
Waiting period: If both parties are Florida residents and have completed an approved premarital course, there is no waiting period. If they have not completed the course, there is a three-day waiting period after obtaining the marriage license before you can get married.
Validity of the license: Once issued, the marriage license is valid for 60 days and can be used anywhere within the state of Florida.

Choosing a wedding venue

Florida offers a wide variety of stunning wedding venues. From white sand beaches to tropical gardens and luxurious resorts, there is a place for every type of wedding. Here are some tips for choosing the perfect venue for your big day:

Type of wedding: Before you start looking for venues, decide what type of wedding you want. Are you dreaming of a sunset beach wedding, an intimate ceremony in a tropical garden, or a grand celebration in a luxury hotel? Your vision for the wedding will help you narrow down your options.
Wedding size: The number of guests you plan to have will also influence your choice of venue. Make sure the venue you choose can accommodate all your guests comfortably.

Budget: Costs for wedding venues in Florida can vary widely. Make sure you have a clear idea of your budget before you start looking for places.
Availability: Popular wedding venues in Florida can be booked well in advance, especially during peak wedding season. Once you find a place you like, contact them as soon as possible to check their availability.
Visit the site: If possible, visit the site before making a decision. This will give you a better idea of how your wedding will look and feel.

Services: Some venues offer wedding packages that include things like catering, decorations and wedding day coordination. These services can simplify your wedding planning, but make sure you are satisfied with the quality and price.

Remember, the perfect wedding venue is the one that fits your vision, budget and logistical needs. With so many incredible options in Florida, we’re sure you’ll find the perfect venue for your big day.

Wedding planning

Planning a wedding can be an exciting but also overwhelming process. Here are some tips to help you plan your wedding in Florida:

Establish a budget: Before you start planning, it is important to establish a budget for your wedding. This will help you make decisions about the venue, food, decorations and other aspects of your wedding.
Choosing your vendors: Florida has a large number of wedding vendors to choose from. From photographers and florists to caterers and DJs, you’ll have plenty of options. Be sure to research and read reviews before hiring your suppliers.
Create a timeline: Having a timeline for your wedding day will help ensure that everything flows smoothly. It includes everything from the time you will get up to the time the reception will end.

Consider the weather: Florida is known for its warm, sunny weather, but it can also be unpredictable. Make sure you have a plan B in case of bad weather, especially if you plan to have an outdoor wedding.
Hire a wedding planner: If you are feeling overwhelmed with planning your wedding, you may want to consider hiring a wedding planner. A wedding coordinator can help you organize all the details and make sure your special day runs smoothly.
Enjoy the process: Last but not least, remember to enjoy the process of planning your wedding. Although it can be stressful at times, it is also an opportunity to be creative and personalize your special day.

Your wedding day

Your wedding day in Florida will be one of the most memorable days of your life. Here are some tips to make sure everything goes as planned:

Be prepared for the weather: Florida is known for its hot and humid weather, so make sure you are prepared. Consider having bottled water on hand for your guests, and if you are getting married outdoors, consider providing shade or fans.
Confirm details with your vendors: Be sure to confirm all details with your vendors one week before the wedding. This includes the time of arrival, the products or services they will provide and any other important details.

Designate a wedding day coordinator: Even if you have planned everything yourself, it can be helpful to have someone to coordinate the wedding day. This person can make sure everything goes according to schedule and handle any problems that may arise.
Take a moment for yourself: The wedding day can be hectic, so be sure to take a moment for yourself. Take a moment to breathe, look around you and enjoy the day.
Enjoy every moment: Last but not least, remember to enjoy every moment. Your wedding is a celebration of your love and commitment, so make sure you enjoy it to the fullest.

After the wedding

Once the celebration is over, there are a few additional steps you should follow:

Obtaining a certified copy of your marriage license: After the wedding, the officiant must return the marriage license to the Clerk of the Circuit Court for recording. Once registered, you can request a certified copy of your marriage license, which you will need for various legal procedures.
Changing your name: If you plan to change your name after the wedding, you will need a certified copy of your marriage license. You can use this copy to change your name on your driver’s license, passport, bank accounts and other official documents.

Thank your guests: Don’t forget to send thank you notes to your guests and anyone who helped with the wedding. It is a kind way to thank them for sharing this special day with you.
Planning your married life: Now that the wedding is over, you can start planning your married life. Esto puede incluir la planificación de la luna de miel, la búsqueda de casa, la planificación financiera y mucho más.

Remember, every couple is unique and what you do after your wedding will depend on your personal circumstances.

Conclusion

Getting married in Florida can be a wonderful and memorable experience. With its warm weather, beautiful scenery and variety of wedding venues, Florida is an ideal place to celebrate your love.

Remember, wedding planning is just one part of your journey. The most important thing is that you are about to start a new stage of your life with the person you love. So, although wedding planning can be stressful at times, try to enjoy every moment.

We hope this post has provided you with a useful guide to getting married in Florida. If you have any questions or if there is anything else you would like to know, feel free to leave a comment. We wish you all the best on your way to marriage!

Additional Resources

To help you on your way to marriage in Florida, here are some additional resources that may be helpful:

Departamento de Salud de Florida: Provides information on how to obtain a marriage license in Florida. Visit their website

The Knot: An online resource for all things related to wedding planning, including a list of wedding vendors in Florida.Visit their website
WeddingWire: Another online wedding planning resource offering a list of wedding venues and vendors in Florida. Visit their website
Visit Florida: The official Florida tourism website, which can be useful for planning a destination wedding in Florida. Visit their website

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