Who can legally officiate a wedding in Florida?
Asked by: Prof. Aimee Glover | Last update: March 19, 2025Score: 5/5 (42 votes)
Authorized individuals to perform wedding ceremonies in Florida include ordained ministers, clergy or elders in communion with a church, Florida judicial officers (including retired judicial officers), Florida Clerks of the Circuit Court, Florida Notary Publics, and members of the Society of Friends or Quakers.
What are the requirements to officiate a wedding in Florida?
- All regularly ordained ministers of the gospel, elders in communion with a church, or other ordained clergy.
- A minister who has been recognized in the manner required by the regulations of the respective denomination to perform marriage ceremonies.
Can my friend legally officiate my wedding in Florida?
The Florida State Government requires anyone who wants to perform a marriage ceremony to be 18 years or over and an ordained minister, including those who decided to get ordained online.
Do you have to be a notary to marry someone in Florida?
In addition to notaries public, Florida law provides that the following persons may solemnize the rites of matrimonial contract (perform a wedding ceremony): regularly ordained ministers of the gospel and elders in communion with some church and all other ordained clergy; judicial officers of the State of Florida, ...
Are online ordained ministers legal in Florida?
Ordained ministers, including those ordained online, can officiate a wedding in Florida. The couple gets the marriage license. Within 10 days after the marriage the completed license must be returned to the Clerk.
How to Get Ordained In Florida to Officiate a Wedding
How hard is it to get ordained in Florida?
Getting Ordained in Florida
Our online ordination process is straightforward, fast, and entirely free. Legally licensed ministers of the ULC perform countless marriages each year. Once you have your minister license in hand, officiating a wedding is right around the bend!
What qualifications do you need to marry someone?
Every state has different laws outlining who can be a wedding officiant. In most cases, you need to be an ordained or invested member of a religious group where you already perform weddings, or you need to be a public official, such as a judge.
How much can a Florida notary charge to officiate a wedding?
As a Florida notary, you may charge up to $10 in notary fees for any notarial act. You may charge $30 to perform a wedding ceremony. Keep in mind, if you charge a higher fee than prescribed by law, the Governor may suspend your commission.
Can I officiate my daughter's wedding?
Can You Officiate Your Loved Ones' Wedding? Yes, anyone can officiate a wedding ceremony for their loved one—or for anyone for that matter.
Can a notary perform a wedding for a family member?
Notaries can perform a wedding ceremony if you live in the states of Florida, Maine, Nevada, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Montana. If you're not in these six states, notaries cannot legally marry you without taking extra steps.
Can I legally officiate my own wedding?
While self-solemnization is not legally recognized in all jurisdictions, certain locations, such as Colorado, California, and Illinois, allow couples to legally marry themselves without the need for an officiant.
How to get someone to marry you?
- Talk about your future together. ...
- Spend time with happily married couples. ...
- Point out engagement rings you like for an obvious hint. ...
- Propose to him if you think he's ready but hasn't made the move yet.
Does Florida recognize Universal Life Church?
As a recognized religious organization in good standing in Florida, Universal Life Church Ministries has the power to issue ordinations to its members – ordinations that the state accepts as valid.
What makes you legally married in Florida?
You must possess a marriage license to be officially married in Florida. Marriage licenses are issued by the clerk of a circuit or county court judge and are valid for 60 days after the date of issuance.
What does it take to be ordained to marry someone?
In most states in the USA all you need to do is pay the minister fee for performing a marriage at the local county recorders office. Anyone of legal age can perform the ceremony.
How to get ordained online for free?
Becoming an ordained wedding officiant online is almost embarrassingly easy. Go to an online non-denominational ministry's website, such as The Universal Life Church Ministries or Open Ministry. Click on “Get Ordained” or something to that effect. Fill out the form.
Can a notary marry someone in Florida?
Florida is one of only three states (the other two are South Carolina and Maine) who authorize their notaries public to "solemnize the rites of matrimony." §117.045, Florida Statutes.
Can a non religious person officiate a wedding?
A secular officiant is usually the best bet for couples who are non-religious or not affiliated with any religion. Also, couples of the same sex or different faiths may use secular officiants for their wedding ceremonies.
Can I have your permission to marry your daughter?
Honor and respect are key when asking a father for his daughter's hand in marriage. Express your love and commitment, and assure him of your intentions to care for and cherish his daughter. Be genuine, sincere, and open to his response.
How to legally officiate a wedding in Florida?
- Get Ordained. Online ordination through organizations like The Provenance Center is legally recognized in Florida. ...
- Understand the Legal Requirements. Familiarize yourself with Florida's marriage laws. ...
- Prepare for the Ceremony.
Who pays the officiant at a wedding?
Traditionally, the groom and family pay the officiant fees, but many times today the cost is shared between families. Work this out before hand and designate a point person to share the fee with the officiant.
How long does it take to get ordained in Florida?
Ordinations for Florida are completely free and can normally be completed in less than a day.
What are the four requirements to be legally married in the US?
That criteria includes: age, mental capacity, single (not currently married), and not closely related to your future spouse. In most states, the legal age to be married is 18 years old. Usually an individual who is at least 16 years old, however, may get married with parental consent.
How long does an officiant license last?
Our ordinations do not expire. There are no annual renewal fees or tithes either. Getting prepared to officiate a wedding is already a lot of work and can often get stressful.
What is the difference between justice of the peace and officiant?
A Justice of the Peace is a public official authorized to officiate weddings and perform various legal functions. While they focus on ensuring the legality of the marriage, wedding officiants offer greater ceremony flexibility and personalization options.