How to Get a License to Marry Someone in Florida (Guide)
Getting a license to marry someone in Florida means two separate things — you must be legally allowed to officiate the ceremony, and the couple must hold a valid Florida marriage license. Florida does not register officiants, so an ordained minister can legally marry a couple once that license is in hand.
What does “a license to marry someone” actually mean in Florida?
A license to marry someone in Florida is not a single document — it is the combination of your authority to officiate plus the couple’s marriage license issued by a Florida county clerk. Florida is one of the easiest states in the country for becoming a wedding officiant, because the state does not require officiants to register, file paperwork, or pay a state fee.
Under Florida Statute 741.07, any “ordained minister of any church” can perform a marriage in Florida. Notaries public and certain judicial officers can too. Once you are ordained — usually through an online ministry — you have the legal standing to officiate.
The piece many people miss: you cannot legally marry a couple without their valid Florida marriage license in hand on the day. That license is what makes the ceremony legal, not your ordination certificate.
Who can legally perform a wedding ceremony in Florida?
Anyone ordained by a recognised religious organisation, all notaries public commissioned in Florida, and judicial officers like judges and clerks of court can legally perform a wedding ceremony in Florida. That is the full list under state law.
Most friends and family members who want to officiate take the ordination route — it is fast, low-cost, and accepted across all 67 Florida counties. Online ministries such as the Universal Life Church and American Marriage Ministries are the most common paths, and ordination is typically free or under $50.
If you are already a Florida notary, you can skip ordination entirely. Florida is one of only three states where notaries can perform marriages. Out-of-state ordained ministers can also officiate in Florida — your home-state ordination is valid here, with no extra Florida paperwork needed.
How do I get ordained to perform a wedding in Florida?
Getting ordained to perform a wedding in Florida takes 5 to 10 minutes online and costs little to nothing. Choose a recognised online ministry, fill in your details, and download or order your ordination certificate.
The most widely accepted ministries for Florida ceremonies are the Universal Life Church (themonastery.org), American Marriage Ministries (theamm.org), and Open Ministry. All three issue ordination instantly, recognise that Florida does not require state registration, and provide a downloadable certificate.
Keep a copy of your ordination credentials with you on the wedding day. While Florida does not require you to file your paperwork anywhere, the couple, the venue, or the county clerk may ask to see your ordination certificate — especially if it is your first time officiating a wedding in the state.
How does the couple get the Florida marriage license?
The couple gets their Florida marriage license by visiting any county clerk’s office in the state, presenting valid photo ID, and paying the $86 fee (reduced to $61 if they complete a state-approved premarital course). Both partners must apply together — no proxies allowed.
Florida residents face a 3-day waiting period between applying and using the license, but this waiting period is waived if they complete a 4-hour premarital course. Out-of-state couples have no waiting period at all — they can apply and marry the same day.
Once issued, the license is valid for 60 days and can be used anywhere in Florida. After the ceremony, the officiant completes and signs the license and returns it to the issuing clerk’s office within 10 days for the marriage certificate to be recorded.
If reading all this has you thinking “I want this done properly, not figured out on the day” — that is exactly where we come in. Our Orlando Wedding Officiants team handles every legal step for you, from license guidance to filing after the ceremony. Explore our Wedding Officiant Services or book a free consultation — we would love to hear your story.
What do I actually do on the wedding day as the officiant?
On the wedding day, an officiant in Florida runs the ceremony, makes sure both partners say their legal vows, signs the marriage license alongside the couple and any required witnesses, and returns the license to the county clerk within 10 days.
Florida is unusual in that it does not legally require witnesses for a marriage — but most ceremonies include 1 or 2 anyway, and the license has space for their signatures. Couples often choose their parents, siblings, or closest friends.
The ceremony itself can be as short as 60 seconds or as long as 45 minutes. Florida sets no rules on ceremony length, location, or content — beach, courthouse, backyard, Disney resort, or a chapel in Mount Dora all work the same legally. What matters is the license, the signatures, and the timely return to the clerk.
Frequently Asked Questions About Getting a License to Marry Someone in Florida
Can I marry someone in Florida if I get ordained online?
Yes — Florida law accepts online ordination from recognised ministries such as the Universal Life Church and American Marriage Ministries. Once you hold valid ordination credentials and the couple has their Florida marriage license, you can legally perform the wedding anywhere in the state.
How much does it cost to get a license to marry someone in Florida?
Becoming legally allowed to marry someone in Florida costs $0 to $50 — online ordination is free with most ministries, and Florida does not charge officiants any state fee. The couple separately pays $86 for their marriage license, or $61 with a premarital course discount.
How long does it take to become ordained to officiate a wedding in Florida?
Online ordination to officiate a wedding in Florida takes 5 to 10 minutes — most ministries process applications instantly and email a digital certificate the same day. Printed credentials posted by mail typically arrive within 1 to 3 weeks if a hard copy is needed.
Do I have to register as an officiant with the State of Florida?
No — Florida does not require wedding officiants to register with the state, the county, or any government office. Once you are ordained, you may legally marry couples anywhere in Florida. This is different from states like Nevada or Virginia, which do require officiant registration.
What happens if the officiant does not return the marriage license on time?
If a Florida officiant does not return the signed marriage license to the issuing county clerk within 10 days of the ceremony, the marriage may not be officially recorded. The legal union still exists, but the couple will not receive a marriage certificate until the license is filed.
Ready to Make It Official?
Ready to make sure your ceremony is handled properly — legally and personally? At Orlando Wedding Officiants, we walk couples and officiants through every step, from license paperwork to writing vows that actually sound like you. Explore our Wedding Officiant Services or book a free consultation — we will make sure your day feels exactly like you.