So You Wanna Tie the Knot in the Sunshine State? A (Mostly) Painless Guide to Getting Married in Florida
Congratulations, lovebirds! You've decided to take the plunge and get married in the glorious state of Florida. Fantastic choice! Picture yourself saying "I do" on a pristine beach with the turquoise water sparkling behind you, or exchanging vows under a canopy of swaying palm trees. Sounds pretty darn dreamy, right? But before you get swept away by the romantic daydreams (which are totally allowed, by the way), there are a few little things you gotta take care of. Don't worry, it's not rocket science (although if you are a rocket scientist getting married in Florida, this guide applies to you too!).
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| What You Need To Do To Get Married In Florida |
Step 1: Prove You're Not Pirates (or Underage)
Okay, maybe Florida doesn't have a huge pirate problem these days, but you do need to show you're of legal marrying age (which is a cool 18 in the Sunshine State). Head down to your local county clerk's office with your main squeeze and some valid government-issued ID, like a driver's license or passport. Think of it like your Hogwarts acceptance letter, only instead of magic school, you're getting permission to officially turn your significant other into your spouse-at-law.
Pro Tip: Feeling fancy? Bring your Social Security numbers for an extra layer of legitimacy. You won't need the actual cards, but the numbers themselves will do the trick.
Step 2: The All-Important Marriage License: Your Ticket to "I Do"
This little piece of paper is like the golden ticket to wedded bliss in Florida. The clerk's office will be happy to issue you one for a small fee (think delicious celebratory dinner after you get it). There might be a short waiting period, so don't wait until the week before your dream beach wedding to get this sorted.
QuickTip: Skim slowly, read deeply.
Undercutting the Competition (totally legal, we promise): Did you know you can save some serious cash on your marriage license fee by completing a pre-marital course? It's not exactly rocket science (see, a recurring theme!), but it can teach you some valuable communication skills that might come in handy during your happily ever after.
Step 3: The Ceremony: Let the Festivities Begin!
Now for the fun part! You've got your license, you've proven you're not a pirate, the world is your oyster (or, you know, your beach). Florida has no restrictions on who can perform the ceremony, so get creative! Unleash your inner Elvis impersonator uncle or call upon that friend who always cracks hilarious jokes during toasts. Just make sure they're officially authorized to officiate a wedding – you don't want your "I do's" to be legally meaningless (although, with some officiants, that might be the bigger concern – just kidding...mostly).
Location, Location, Location (Because Florida is Ridiculously Beautiful): The best part? You can get married pretty much anywhere in Florida with that license. Beach ceremony with the sand between your toes? Sure! Romantic garden setting? Absolutely! Top of the freaking Sunshine Skyway Bridge? Well, maybe check the safety regulations first, but hey, the possibilities are endless!
Tip: Look out for transitions like ‘however’ or ‘but’.
FAQs for the Florida-Bound Lovebirds:
How to find a pre-marital course provider in Florida?
A simple Google search with "[pre-marital course Florida]" should get you there.
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How long does a marriage license last in Florida?
QuickTip: A short pause boosts comprehension.
The good news? They don't expire! Once you get that license, it's yours forever (or until you use it, whichever comes first).
How long does the waiting period last for a marriage license?
The waiting period is typically just a few days, but it can vary depending on the county.
QuickTip: Let each idea sink in before moving on.
How much does a marriage license cost in Florida?
The standard fee is around $93.50, but remember, you can save some bucks with a pre-marital course!
Do I need a witness to get married in Florida?
Yes, you'll need at least two witnesses to sign your marriage license after the ceremony. Choose wisely – you don't want your drunk uncle Fred to be the only one who remembers the whole thing!
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