Question 1

What do we need to get married in Florida?

Accepted Answer

To get married in Florida, you need an officiant and a marriage license.

The marriage license will need to be obtained from any County Clerk of Court's office in Florida. Here are the key requirements:

Marriage License Application

Appear in Person: Both applicants must apply together in person at a Clerk of Court's office in any county in Florida.

Alternative option for Out-of-State residents: You may choose to use a third-party “Marriage by Mail” service to have the marriage license application sent to you. If you select this option, you must complete and have the application notarized in your home state, then you must remember to bring the notarized document with you when you travel to Florida. A ceremony will not be legally binding if you do not have your marriage license with you. Please be aware that this process may require additional time, extra fees, and requires you to share personal information with a third-party provider.

Identification: Each person must present a valid, non-expired, government-issued photo ID (Driver's license from any state, passport, U.S. military ID, or State ID card).

Social Security Number: U.S. citizens must provide their Social Security number (you don't need to bring the card, just the number). Non-U.S. citizens may provide an Alien Registration Card or passport number if they don't have a Social Security number.

Previous Marriages: If either party has been married before, you must provide the exact date (month, day, and year) and manner in which the last marriage ended (divorce, death, or annulment). You do not need to provide copies of divorce decrees or death certificates.

Family Law Handbook: Both parties must read the Florida Family Law Handbook and sign an affidavit stating they have done so. You will also be required to swear under oath that all information provided is true and correct to the best of your knowledge.

Age: Both parties must be at least 18 years old. (There are very specific and limited exceptions for 17-year-olds.)

Residency: You do not need to be a resident of Florida to apply.

Fees and Waiting Period

Fee: The standard fee for a marriage license is approximately $86.00 (this can vary slightly by county).

Reduced Fee: The fee is reduced to about $61.00 for couples who provide proof of completing a registered four-hour premarital preparation course.

Waiting Period: There is a (consecutive) three-day waiting period (the ceremony may occur on the fourth day) between the time the license is issued and when the ceremony can take place if one or both parties are Florida residents. This waiting period is waived if:

Both applicants are non-Florida residents.

The couple provides a certificate of completion for a registered premarital preparation course.

The Marriage Ceremony

Validity: The marriage license is valid for 60 days from the issue date, and the ceremony must be performed within that time.

Officiant: The ceremony must be performed by an authorized person, such as:
An ordained minister, priest, rabbi, or other ordained clergy.
A judicial officer (judge, retired judge).
A Clerk of the Circuit Court or a deputy clerk.
A public notary of the State of Florida.

Return of License: After the ceremony, the person who performed the marriage (the officiant) is responsible for returning the signed marriage license to the Clerk of Court's office within 10 days to be recorded.

The couple also has the option to file on their own behalf if they wish. However, please note that if you choose to file yourselves, the county must receive your signed marriage license within 10 days of the ceremony. This can be a great option for out-of-state couples, as you may be able to receive your official marriage certificate on the spot if filing it in person, rather than waiting 2–3 weeks for it to arrive by mail. However, filing the license with the county on your behalf is included in our services, so the choice is entirely yours.

Key Details on Returning Your Marriage License:
Time Limit: 10 days post-ceremony, not 10 business days.
Method: It can be mailed or delivered in person.
Consequences: If not returned within the 10-day period, the marriage may not be officially recorded in a timely manner, and the license could be rejected.

Rings

Wedding rings are optional; however, it is customary for the couple to present them at the ceremony so they may be formally exchanged as part of the ritual.

It is always a good idea to check the specific requirements with the Clerk of Court's office in the county where you plan to apply, as minor procedural details can sometimes vary. Here is a link to the Sarasota County Clerk's office for more information on marriage licenses: https://www.sarasotaclerk.com/Marriage

Question 2

Can we waive the 3-day waiting period?

Accepted Answer

What is the Florida 3-day waiting period, and does it apply to us?In Florida, if at least one partner is a state resident, there is a mandatory 3-day consecutive waiting period between the day you get your marriage license and the day you can legally tie the knot. Designed by the state to reduce hasty marriages and divorces, this rule means you cannot get married on the same day you get your license.For example, if you want your ceremony to take place on Saturday, September 12th, 2026, you must obtain your license from the county courthouse no later than Wednesday, September 9th, 2026. Once issued, your marriage license is valid for 60 days.How do we waive the waiting period and get married the same day?Florida residents can completely bypass the 3-day wait by completing a registered 4-hour premarital counseling course. These courses are 100% online and self-paced—there is no need to sit down with a live therapist. You simply review the materials or watch videos together on your own schedule. While state law strictly requires the online system to track your time for a full 4 hours, you can complete it all in one day or break it up over a few days.Is it true the premarital course actually saves us money?Yes! Taking the course is a win-win because it actually saves you money. While the online course typically costs around $15 per couple, presenting your Certificate of Completion to the County Clerk automatically triggers a $25 state discount on your marriage license.Here is the quick breakdown of how it works:The Discount: Your standard Florida marriage license fee drops from $86 down to $61.Net Savings: Because the course only costs about $15, you walk away saving a net total of about $10.Who Qualifies: Everyone qualifies for the discount! While out-of-state couples don't need the course to waive the waiting period, both residents and non-residents can take it to secure the $25 fee reduction.The Rules: To get the discount and waive the wait, both partners must take the course together, and it must be completed within one year of applying for your license.(Note: If both of you are out-of-state residents, the waiting period is waived automatically, and you can get married the same day. You can also take the premarital course to get the $25 discount!)

Question 3

Do wee need a permit?

Accepted Answer

In Sarasota, a permit is generally not required for a simple wedding ceremony or vow renewal on most public beaches and parks, provided you are not setting up equipment or otherwise reserving or restricting the public space.However, permit requirements can vary depending on the specific location and the size and setup of your ceremony. Certain locations, including Bay Preserve at Osprey and Phillippi Estate Park, may require permits.When Is a Permit Required?According to Sarasota County, a permit may be required if you plan to bring wedding-related equipment or create a physical setup, such as:A wedding arch or arborChairsAisle décorOther structures or decorationsEquipment or setups that could affect public access or use of the beachA permit may also be required for larger gatherings, particularly events with 25 or more guests.Even for a small elopement, it's important to check the rules if you are hiring professional vendors. A photographer, officiant, or other professional service may be considered commercial activity on public property, and some locations have additional requirements for professional photography or organized events.Because rules can vary by location and may change, we strongly recommend confirming the current requirements directly with Sarasota County Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources before your ceremony.Sarasota County Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources: 941-861-9930For public beaches, permits are generally intended to help the county manage organized events while protecting public access, safety, and the environment.A few important considerations include:Public access: You cannot block off or reserve a portion of a public beach for your private use, even if your ceremony does not require a permit.Wedding setups: Adding an arch, chairs, aisle décor, or similar items can change a simple ceremony into a permitted event.Professional vendors: Some beaches may have rules regarding commercial activity, including professional photography and other paid services.Environmental protection: Certain beaches have strict regulations regarding decorations and items left or released on the sand.Siesta Key and Lido KeySiesta Key Beach and Lido Key Beach are among Sarasota County's most popular beaches, and weddings and organized ceremonies at these locations can have specific permit requirements and fees.Permit fees can vary depending on the location, date, day of the week, and type or size of the event. As a result, couples should confirm the current fees and requirements with Sarasota County rather than relying on older pricing information.Importantly, a simple ceremony without an arch, chairs, or other physical setup may be treated differently from a larger wedding event. However, professional vendors or other circumstances may still affect whether a permit is necessary.Permit Guidelines at a GlanceSmall gatherings: A casual ceremony with fewer than 25 people and no physical setup may not require a formal permit or reservation, but public access must remain open.Wedding equipment: An arch, chairs, aisle décor, or similar setup may require a permit.Larger groups: Gatherings of 25 or more guests may require a permit.Our Role in the Permit ProcessIf a permit is required for your ceremony, the couple is responsible for applying for and obtaining the permit directly from Sarasota County. We do not obtain permits on behalf of our couples.This is simply because you, as the couple, have the specific information that the county will need to process your permit, including details about your ceremony, guest count, setup, vendors, and payment information.We are always happy to point you in the right direction and provide you with the information you need to get started. However, for privacy and security reasons, we do not collect or handle permit fees or other payment information on behalf of our couples.The good news is that the process is straightforward, and Sarasota County Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources is the best resource for confirming whether your ceremony requires a permit and helping you through the application process.We recommend contacting the county directly at 941-861-7275 or 941-861-9930 and having your ceremony date, location, guest count, and any planned setup or vendors available when you call. This will allow them to give you the most accurate information for your specific ceremony.We’re happy to help you understand what questions to ask and make sure you know where to go for the correct information — but the final permit application and payment will need to be handled directly by the couple with Sarasota County.

Question 4

Do we need witnesses?

Accepted Answer

No. Florida currently does not require witnesses for your marriage to be legal.As long as you have a valid Florida marriage license and your ceremony is performed by an authorized officiant (such as a notary, judge, or ordained minister), your marriage is fully legal — even without any witnesses present.However, you are always welcome to invite friends or family to share in your special moment if you’d like. But if you're planning an intimate, just-the-two-of-you elopement in Sarasota, you can absolutely keep it simple. So don't worry, you won’t need to recruit random strangers for your elopement... unless you want to 😄

Question 5

Can we get married in ANY Florida county with our Florida marriage license?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! In Florida, your marriage license is valid statewide. This means you may obtain your marriage license from any Florida county and legally marry in any other Florida county.
For example, if you receive your marriage license in Hillsborough County, you may absolutely use it to get married in Sarasota County, Miami-Dade County, Orange County, or anywhere else within the state of Florida.

Question 6

Marriage License vs. Marriage Certificate

Accepted Answer

Many couples—especially those getting married for the first time—find the process and terminology a bit confusing, so we’re here to simplify it for you.

To get married in Florida, you’ll need:
A marriage license from any Florida county courthouse. The marriage license is also known as marriage license application. It is most commonly known as simply "marriage license". 
An officiant (such as an ordained minister, notary public, or another legally authorized individual)

In Florida, witnesses are not required. Your officiant can serve as the witness if you don’t have guests or anyone else present.

To obtain your marriage license:
Both partners must appear together at the courthouse
Bring proper identification, such as a valid photo ID
Your officiant will sign the license on your wedding day

After your ceremony:
The signed marriage license is filed with the county for processing, typically by the officiant. However, couples may choose to file it themselves if preferred. If filed in person, the official marriage certificate is often issued on the spot. If filed by mail, it is typically delivered within 2–3 weeks after the county receives the paperwork.

The simplest way to explain it:
Before your wedding: Obtain your marriage license.
After your ceremony: The signed license is filed with the county.
Then: The county processes your paperwork and issues your official marriage certificate.

Question 7

Where can we complete our premarital course?

Accepted Answer

If you’re planning to marry in Sarasota County, you can complete your premarital preparation course through a variety of state-approved providers. Completing this course not only helps you prepare for married life, but it also lets you avoid the Florida 3-day waiting period and get a reduced marriage license fee when you submit your certificate with your application.

Options for Completing Your Course
✔️ Online Premarital Courses

Many couples choose online state-approved courses that you can complete at your own pace. These typically take about 4 hours and provide a certificate once finished. Be sure the course issues a valid certificate for Florida marriage license purposes.

✔️ In-Person or Counselor-Led Courses

Licensed counselors and therapists in Sarasota can also lead premarital education that qualifies under Florida law. These can be personalized and interactive if you prefer an in-person experience. 
Examples of Local Sarasota Relationship & Counseling Professionals (may offer premarital counseling or training):

(Tip: Before enrolling or scheduling, confirm with the provider that their premarital course satisfies the Florida premarital preparation requirements for a reduced fee and waiting period.)

Requirements and Process
Select a Provider: Ensure the provider is registered with your County Clerk.
Complete 4 Hours: Florida law requires the course to be at least four hours long.
Get Your Certificate: Upon completion, you will receive a Certificate of Completion, often delivered instantly via email.
Apply for License: Present your certificate to the Clerk of Court when applying for your marriage license to receive the fee reduction and skip the 3-day wait.

We’re happy to share a list of premarital counseling services, available both in person and online, to support you as you prepare for your special day. Simply reach out to receive the details.

Question 8

What is a Declaration of Consent and is it required?

Accepted Answer

In Florida, a legal marriage ceremony must include a declaration of consent, also known as a declaration of intent or a declaration of commitment, which is also a core legal requirement in most states.

A Declaration of Consent is a legal requirement that confirms both individuals are entering into this marriage willingly, of their own choice and free will.

This is the part of the ceremony where both people verbally affirm their desire to willingly and freely enter into the marriage contract. While the traditional phrase is "I do," the specific wording can be customized as long as it clearly conveys this intent.

This declaration is a legal necessity, not just a tradition, and is what makes the marriage valid and legally binding. It's important to distinguish it from personal vows, which are promises a couple makes to each other but are not typically a legal requirement.

The wedding officiant's job is to ensure the declaration of consent is made, witness the ceremony and sign the marriage license.

Question 9

When will we receive our official marriage certificate after the wedding?

Accepted Answer

Once your ceremony is complete, our officiant will sign and file your marriage license with the county on the same day (or the next business day if the ceremony is performed after hours), provided you have chosen us to handle the filing for you on your behalf.

The county will process and mail your official marriage certificate, complete with the gold seal, within 2 to 3 weeks of receiving the marriage license application. Processing times may vary depending on the volume of applications, your location and holiday closures, so you may receive it sooner or later than this timeframe.

***PLEASE NOTE***: Your official marriage certificate — the one with the gold seal — comes directly from the county, not your officiant. Once the county files and records your marriage in their system, they will mail the official marriage certificate to you. Your officiant does not issue or send your official certificate.

Question 10

Can we file the marriage license ourselves after the ceremony is performed?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! The couple may choose to file their signed marriage license directly with the county where the license was issued, either by mail or in person.

If filing by mail, the official marriage certificate is typically mailed to the couple within two to three weeks after the county receives the paperwork.

If filing in person, your official marriage certificate is typically issued on the spot. You do not need to go together to file the license; anyone can drop it off or mail it to the courthouse. However, most couples rely on their wedding officiant to handle the filing on their behalf after the ceremony.

If you prefer to take care of it yourself rather than trusting the mail or your officiant:

The Steps: Ensure the officiant and witnesses have signed the physical license immediately after the ceremony.

The Delivery: You can either physically take the signed document to your local Clerk of Court or mail it to them (using certified mail with tracking is highly recommended).

The Deadline: Florida law requires the officiant (or couple) to return the completed license to the office within 10 days after the ceremony. If filing on your own behalf, we recommend filing immediately after the ceremony or the very next business day.

Eloping in Sarasota, Florida & Intimate Wedding Officiant Services

Celebrate your love with a personalized elopement, intimate wedding, vow renewal, or commitment ceremony in Sarasota, Siesta Key, Lido Key, Longboat Key, and along Florida’s beautiful Gulf Coast.

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