Getting Married in Florida: Your Guide to Licensing & Planning​

 

Getting married in Florida is a beautiful choice and it's important to understand the requirements. You may reside in-state or out-of-state if you wish to be married in Florida. However, before the ceremony, the couple must obtain an original, unexpired marriage license application in person. You can obtain this from the Sarasota County Clerk's Office, or any other Florida county clerk's office you prefer or reside in.

 

To apply for a marriage license, couples can start the process online. However, both applicants must visit the county clerk's office in person to finalize the application. They'll need to bring their Driver's Licenses (or Passport, state-issued ID card, or military ID), date of birth, Social Security numbers only (cards aren't required) and if you were previously married, just know the date your marriage ended (due to death, annulment, or divorce) no copies are needed and no proof is required. An interpreter is necessary if either applicant doesn't speak or understand English well enough. The fee of $86 (or the current county fee) will also be due at that time. 

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No appointment is necessary, but be prepared for a potentially long wait and allow ample time to complete the digital paperwork. Most Florida resident couples typically handle this about a week before their wedding.  Florida requires a 3-day waiting period before a marriage ceremony can take place if either person is a Florida resident. However, this waiting period is waived if the couple completes a premarital preparation course and presents the certificate. As an added bonus, couples who complete this course also receive a $25 discounted fee on their marriage license application from the county.

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​​The original marriage license application is valid for 60 days from the date it was issued and cannot be obtained more than 60 days prior to the ceremony date. For example, if an in-state couple wants to get married on Friday, July 18th, 2025, they would be able to apply for your marriage license any day after May 17th, 2025 but before July 15th, 2025.

 

If both parties reside out-of-state, there is no waiting period and can get married right away. ​

Please keep in mind that the county clerk's office is open M-F from 8:30am-5pm.

 

In Florida, your wedding ceremony can take place in any county, even if it's different from the county where you obtained your marriage license. For example, if you live in Tampa and apply for your marriage license there, you could still have your wedding on Siesta Key Beach.

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To perform a marriage ceremony in Florida, the officiant must be at least 18 years old and either an Ordained Minister, a Florida Notary Public, or another authorized state or church official. They must sign the marriage license application immediately after the ceremony and before it's filed with the county. The signed application must be filed with the county within 10 days of the ceremony. Additionally, a Declaration of Consent should be included in the ceremony.

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​While permits are not required for ceremonies on public beaches or parks, exceptions apply when there are additional attendees beyond the couple getting married and the officiant (such as guests, photographers, musicians, etc.), or if there are setup items like arches, tables, chairs, speakers, etc. Permit fees also vary. 

 

After the ceremony is performed, the couple's official marriage license should arrive by mail within two weeks from the date it was filed (if we file for them on their behalf). The couple does have the option to file on their own behalf by visiting the county clerk's office in person to receive their official license on the spot. 

 

For more information on marriage services, current requirements, and fees, please visit Sarasota County's website: https://www.sarasotaclerk.com/about-us/marriage-services.

 

​Please also reach out to us to help clarify any questions you may have. 

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