Wedding Ceremony
Florida is one of only three states (the other two are South Carolina and Maine) who authorize their notaries public to “solemnize the rites of matrimony.”
The couple must obtain a marriage license from a county court judge or clerk of the circuit court in Florida and present it to the notary public before the marriage ceremony.
A marriage license is valid for 60 days after issuance.
You must perform the ceremony of marriage before this 60 days has expired.
Blood Tests are not required.
There is a 3-day waiting period after issuance of the license before you can get married, unless you have completed the Florida pre-marital course, in which case the waiting period is waived. For non-Florida residents a marriage license is effective immediately upon issuance.
See sample of a simple, civil ceremony. It may be personalized, and the bride and groom may even exchange their own vows. But, the couple’s vows must reflect their intentions to make a legally binding commitment to each other.
See sample of Wedding Vows
Marriage
Licenses, Forms, & Fees
FYI from the Clerk of Court
Florida Applicants:
All Florida Applicants will have 3-day waiting period unless they provide proof of a premarital course by a provider on the Clerk's Premarital Course Provider List and must read the Family Law Handbook. (Please see the Forms section below) Thank you. Please note that completing the application does NOT begin the 3-day waiting period. The 3-day waiting period does not begin until the couple comes together to the Clerk's office and purchases the marriage license in person.
Applicant Requirements:
Both applicants must be 18 years or older, apply in person and must bring to the Clerk of Court a valid driver's license, passport or State I.D. card. Social Security numbers are required.
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