Documents required to get married in Florida
Florida, like many states in the US, is not a difficult place to marry. The main focus is the Marriage Licence which is relatively straight-forward to organise. Have a look at our full checklist of things to do below, but make sure to always be in constant contact with your local embassy in the US for the most up to the minute updates. You may choose to go for a Disney themed wedding in Orlando, opting for Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa. On the other hand, you could go for a beach wedding in Miami at The Ritz-Carlton South Beach. These are the steps that you need to follow:
- Like all marriages in the US, the primary objective is always organising the Marriage Licence. So once you've arrived in Florida, we recommend contacting the Clerk of Court. You will then need to go and visit the Clerk with your future spouse along with the documents listed below.
- You will have to pay the Marriage Licence which is approximately $100. If you are a resident of Florida and have completed a premarital preparation course then the price drops to around $60. After all the paperwork has been approved by the Clerk, you will have a 3 day waiting period during which you cannot legally wed.
- After the 3 day waiting period, you and your future spouse then have a 60 day window in which to tie the knot.
- Get a priest/minister/judge or clerk to marry you and your partner.
- In terms of the person who legally wed you and your partner, be that a priest, judge, minister of clerk - make sure that they send the Marriage Licence to the County Clerk within 10 days of your wedding.
- Once the County Clerk has authorised everything they will return the Licence to you and then you are officially husband and wife.
Necessary Documents
- Passport
- Passport sized photos
- Birth certificate
- Copy of the 2 witnesses' passports
- Florida Marriage Licence Fee
- Proof of residential address for both partners
- Affidavit stating that you can legally marry
- Divorce certificate (if necessary from previous marriage)
- Death certificate (if you have been widowed)
Same-Sex Weddings
The state of Florida was the 36th state to legalise same-sex marriages, therefore same-sex couples can get married here.
Sources
- https://www.gov.uk/marriage-abroad/y/usa/opposite_sex
- http://www.wikihow.com/Get-Married-in-Florida
- http://www.getmarriedinflorida.com/
- https://www.thespruce.com/how-to-get-married-in-florida-2300756
Sources updated 16th May 2024
This information is appropriate for UK nationals getting married overseas. We always advise that you contact the relevant embassy for information before booking any trips. This information is up to date to the best of our knowledge.