So You Wanna Tie the Knot Jacksonville Courthouse Style? Buckle Up, Buttercup!
Getting married at the courthouse in Jacksonville, FL might not be the white carpet and rose petal extravaganza you see in the movies, but hey, it's quick, relatively painless, and way cheaper than renting a venue that costs more than your dream honeymoon (to Tahiti, obvs). Here's the down-low on how to get hitched courthouse style without the hitches:
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| How To Get Married At The Courthouse In Jacksonville Fl |
Round Up Your Posse (and Your ID)
First things first, you and your main squeeze need to head down to the Duval County Courthouse (cue dramatic music) with a valid ID (driver's license, passport, you get the drift). Pro Tip: Don't forget your Social Security number – it's like the secret handshake to getting married.
Now for the Fun Part (Maybe): The Waiting Game
Be prepared to wait. The courthouse isn't exactly Vegas with a drive-thru chapel (although, that's a business opportunity someone should look into). There might be a line, so bring a book of bad jokes to share with your fianc�(e) to keep things lively.
QuickTip: Pause after each section to reflect.
I Now Pronounce You... Officially Paperwork Buddies?
Once you snag your marriage license, here's the surprising part: The clerk usually doesn't perform ceremonies. Womp womp. But fear not, lovebirds! You can:
- Find a Judge Who Feels the Love (and Has Time): Channel your inner legal eagle and sweet-talk a judge into officiating. Just be prepared for a ceremony that might be shorter than your acceptance speech (unless you accidentally booked Judge Chatty Cathy).
- BYO Officiant: Round up a friend, family member, or even that Elvis impersonator you saw at the gas station last week (just kidding... maybe). As long as they're ordained (online ordination is a thing, people!), they can make it official. Just be sure they know the difference between "I do" and "Uh oh, wrong courthouse!"
Don't Forget the Bling (and the Witnesses)!
Tip: Reread if it feels confusing.
You might not be exchanging vows under a cascading flower arch, but you still gotta have some bling! Bring your rings and two witnesses (at least 18 years old and sober) to sign the paperwork and watch you two lovebirds become one... on paper, at least.
Frequently Asked Courthouse Cupid Questions:
How to make an appointment?
Currently, Duval County Courthouse only offers walk-in applications for marriage licenses.
QuickTip: Don’t ignore the small print.
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How long does it take to get a marriage license?
There's a 3-day waiting period for Florida residents (unless you take a premarital course), but non-residents can get hitched right away (because who needs time to second guess things, am I right?)
How much does it cost?
QuickTip: Read actively, not passively.
The marriage license fee is pretty reasonable, but be sure to check the Duval Clerk of Court website for the latest pricing.
Is there a dress code?
There's no formal dress code, but ditch the pajamas (respect the courthouse, people!).
Can we have a champagne toast after?
Technically, no drinking on courthouse property. But hey, who says you can't celebrate outside with a celebratory juice box (adult beverages can wait until after you've filed the paperwork, of course).
So there you have it, lovebirds! With a little planning and maybe a few well-placed jokes in the waiting line, you can be saying "I do" at the Jacksonville courthouse in no time. Now go forth and multiply (responsibly, of course)!
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