So You Wanna Tie the Knot in the Sunshine State? A (Mostly) Painless Guide to Getting Married in Florida
Congratulations! You've found your lobster (or soulmate, if you're not a Friends fanatic). Now you want to shack up, beach bum style, by getting married in Florida. But before you stock up on tiki torches and leis, let's talk about the nitty-gritty of saying "I do" in the land of oranges and alligators.
Fear not, lovebirds! Getting married in Florida is about as easy as finding a seashell on the beach (which is pretty darn easy). Here's a quick rundown to get your "I do crew" prepped for wedded bliss:
| How Easy Is It To Get Married In Florida |
The License to Thrill (or Chill)
Hit the Courthouse, Not the Dance Floor: First things first, you'll need a marriage license. Head to your local county clerk's office (think less Elvis, more filing cabinets). Pro tip: Wear comfortable shoes, because some courthouses can feel like a bureaucratic maze.
Bring Your ID Game: Don't forget your photo ID (driver's license, passport, etc.) and your Social Security number. Think of it like your wedding entrance - you gotta show some proof!
The Three-Day Wait... Unless: There's a mandatory three-day waiting period after you get your license. But fear not, impatient lovebirds! You can skip the wait by taking a premarital prep course. Think of it as a crash course in how to avoid becoming another Florida Man (or Woman) statistic in the divorce courts.
Fun Fact: Florida doesn't require blood tests, so you can ditch those medieval vibes.
The Ceremony: From Courthouse Chic to Beachside Bliss
Officially Hitched in Minutes (or Less!): Once you have your license, you can get married pretty much anywhere in Florida. Want to say "I do" on a secluded beach at sunset? Go for it! Feeling like a courthouse ceremony with the whir of a printer as your wedding march? The choice is yours! Just make sure your officiant is authorized by the state (think judges, ordained ministers, etc.).
Budget-Friendly Ceremonies: Don't have the funds for a full-blown wedding extravaganza? No worries! A simple ceremony at the courthouse can be just as meaningful (and a heck of a lot cheaper).
Remember: After the ceremony, get your officiant to return the signed license to the clerk's office. This is how the world (and the state of Florida) knows you're officially hitched!
Tip: Don’t skim past key examples.
FAQs for the Florida-Bound Fianc�(e)s
How to get a marriage license in Florida?
Head to your local county clerk's office with your ID and Social Security number.
How long does it take to get married in Florida?
Tip: Revisit this page tomorrow to reinforce memory.
There's a three-day waiting period after you get your license, unless you take a premarital prep course.
Can I get married on the beach in Florida?
Absolutely! You can get married anywhere in the state as long as your officiant is authorized.
QuickTip: Go back if you lost the thread.
Do I need a blood test to get married in Florida?
Nope! Florida doesn't require blood tests for marriage.
How much does it cost to get married in Florida?
Tip: Reflect on what you just read.
The marriage license fee is around $93.50, but can be reduced if you take a premarital prep course. The cost of the ceremony itself depends entirely on your preferences.
So there you have it, lovebirds! Getting married in Florida is a breeze. Now get out there, soak up the sun, and say "I do" under those beautiful Florida skies!