Tying the Knot in Sunshine State Style (Without Burning a Hole in Your Pocket)
So, you've decided to forego the fancy venue and seven-tier cake (who needs that sugar crash anyway?) and elope in stylish simplicity at a Florida courthouse. Excellent choice! But before you picture yourselves saying "I do" in a scene straight out of a rom-com, let's talk about the nitty-gritty: how much will this courthouse escapade actually cost?
The Sunshine State's Secret Weapon: The Discounted Marriage License
Here's the good news: Florida offers a discounted marriage license for couples who are willing to take a premarital preparation course. Think of it as a crash course in communication, conflict resolution, and maybe even learning how to argue about whose turn it is to unload the dishwasher (spoiler alert: there's no winning that one). Completing this course can slash your marriage license fee from $86 to a cool $61. That's like, a whole extra celebratory celebratory dinner! Budget win!
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The All-Important Ceremony: Don't Sweat It, It's Affordable
Now, let's talk about the ceremony itself. If you're picturing a judge in a powdered wig and a courtroom scene (think more Judge Judy than "Runaway Bride"), relax! Most courthouses have designated ceremony spaces, and some even offer the service of having a deputy clerk officiate for a small fee. In Florida, this typically runs around $30. So, for less than the cost of a fancy bouquet (looking at you, peonies!), you can have your very own officiant to pronounce you husband and wife.
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But Wait, There's More! (Except, Not Really)
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Thankfully, unlike a Vegas wedding chapel that might try to upsell you on a live Elvis impersonator or a singing telegram, courthouse weddings are pretty straightforward. There are usually no hidden fees, although some counties might have a small additional charge for things like certified copies of your marriage license. But overall, you're looking at a very affordable way to get hitched.
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| How Much Does It Cost To Get Married At The Courthouse In Florida |
So, How Much Does it REALLY Cost?
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Here's the bottom line: with the discounted marriage license and a ceremony performed by a deputy clerk, you can expect to spend around $91 to get married at a Florida courthouse. That's less than the cost of some fancy cocktails (don't worry, you can celebrate later!).
FAQ: Your Courthouse Wedding Survival Guide
- How to Find Out the Specific Costs in Your County? A quick Google search for "[your county name] clerk of court marriage license" should do the trick!
- How Long Does it Take to Get a Marriage License? Florida has no waiting period if you've completed the premarital prep course. Otherwise, there's a mandatory three-day wait.
- Can I Bring My Own Officiant? Some counties allow it, but there might be additional fees. Check with your local clerk's office beforehand.
- Do I Need Witnesses? In Florida, no witnesses are required for a courthouse wedding.
- What Should I Wear? There's no dress code, but courthouse officials typically recommend something respectful (think "business casual" at the very least). Now go forth and get married, Florida style!
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