Florida Marriage Steps: Your Guide to Legally Getting Married in Florida

Updated: Feb 23

Getting married is a beautiful milestone, and if you’re planning to tie the knot in Florida, it’s important to understand the steps to get married in Florida legally. Whether you’re a Florida resident or coming from abroad, knowing the process will help you avoid surprises and make your special day smooth and stress-free. I’m here to walk you through everything you need to know, from obtaining your marriage license to the ceremony itself.

Understanding Florida Marriage Steps

Florida has a straightforward process for couples who want to get married, but there are some key details to keep in mind. First, you’ll need to apply for a marriage license at your local county clerk’s office. Both parties must be present to apply, and you’ll need to bring valid identification such as a driver’s license, passport, or birth certificate.

Here’s a quick overview of the main steps:

Apply for a Marriage License - Visit the county clerk’s office with your partner.
Provide Required Documents: Bring a valid ID and any necessary paperwork.
Pay the License Fee - Fees vary by county, but are generally affordable.
Wait for the License to Become Valid - There is a 3-day waiting period unless you qualify for a waiver.
Have the Marriage Ceremony - This can be performed by an authorized officiant anywhere in Florida.
Return the Signed License - The officiant must return the license to the clerk’s office to make your marriage official.

If you want to learn more about how to get married in Florida, this official resource is a great place to start.

Eye-level view of Florida county clerk office entrance — County Clerk's Office in Florida

Who Can Get Married in Florida?

Florida law allows any two people to marry as long as they meet the following criteria:

Both parties are at least 18 years old (or have parental consent if younger).
Neither party is currently married.
The couple is not closely related by blood.
Both parties consent to the marriage.

If either of you has been divorced, you may need to provide the date the divorce was finalized. This helps the clerk verify that you are legally free to marry.

What Documents Do You Need for Florida Marriage Steps?

When you go to apply for your marriage license, bring these documents to avoid delays:

Valid photo ID: Driver’s license, state ID, passport, or military ID.
Proof of age: Your ID usually suffices, but a birth certificate can help.
Divorce decree or death certificate: If previously married, bring proof that the prior marriage ended.
Parental consent: If under 18, a notarized consent form is required.

If you or your partner is not a U.S. citizen, bring your passport and any immigration documents. Some counties may require additional paperwork, so it’s a good idea to check with your local clerk’s office ahead of time.

How much is it to get married at the courthouse in Florida?

One of the most popular options for couples is to get married at the courthouse. It’s simple, affordable, and legally binding. The cost varies slightly depending on the county, but here’s what you can expect:

Marriage license fee: Typically between $93.50 and $105.
Ceremony fee: Some counties charge an additional fee for the courthouse ceremony, usually around $25 to $50.
Waiver of waiting period: If you want to waive the 3-day waiting period, there is an extra fee of about $16.

If you’re on a budget or want a quick and easy wedding, the courthouse is a great choice. Just remember to bring your marriage license and a valid ID on the day of the ceremony.

Close-up view of Florida marriage license application form

What About the Waiting Period and Waivers?

Florida law requires a 3-day waiting period between the time you get your marriage license and when you can have your ceremony. This waiting period applies unless:

You have completed a premarital preparation course approved by the state.
You are a Florida resident.
You are on active military duty.

If you meet any of these exceptions, you can request a waiver to skip the waiting period. The premarital course is a great option because it not only waives the waiting period but also reduces your marriage license fee by half.

Who Can Officiate Your Florida Wedding?

Florida allows a variety of people to officiate weddings, including:

Judges and retired judges
Clergy members and ordained ministers
Notaries public (like myself!)
Other authorized officials

If you want a personalized ceremony, hiring a notary public who is experienced in weddings can be a wonderful choice. I provide warm, professional, and bilingual services to make your ceremony meaningful and stress-free.

Finalizing Your Marriage

After your ceremony, the officiant must complete and sign the marriage license and return it to the county clerk’s office within 10 days. Once recorded, you can request certified copies of your marriage certificate for legal purposes such as name changes, insurance, or immigration.

If you need help with notarizing documents related to your marriage or obtaining apostilles for international use, I’m here to assist you every step of the way.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

Getting married in Florida is a joyful journey, and understanding the process helps you focus on what really matters - celebrating your love. If you need personalized support with your marriage license, ceremony, or related document services, don’t hesitate to reach out. I offer flexible appointments both online and in person, with bilingual support in English and Portuguese.