How to Get Married in Florida

You and your spouse may have wanted to get married in Florida on the beach, or in a boat off the Florida Keys. Whatever your reasons, you'll need the right paperwork to have your union legally recognized by the state. Although a license is a little more expensive than some other states, you can take special courses that save you money on the license.

Things You'll Need

• marriage license
• authorized wedding official

Instructions

1. Pay out $64.50 for the marriage license. If you want to shave $32.50 off of the cost, you and your future spouse must complete a qualified premarital preparation course.

2. Find someone authorized to solemnize matrimony. "Solemnize matrimony" is legalese for "perform the wedding ceremony." Any ordained clergy of a recognized church or judicial officer can perform the ceremony. Even a notary public will do.

3. Schedule a wedding within 60 days of the license being issued. The marriage license, like milk, has an expiration date. After this date has passed, no one can legally marry you in the state of Florida using that marriage license.

4. Make ready for the wedding. Send invitations, arrange entertainment, get caterers lined up and so forth.

5. Get married in Florida. Sign wedding certificate and return to the state government so that your marriage can be entered into the state's records.

Tips & Warnings

• The minimum age that people can get married in Florida with parental consent is 16. 18 is the minimum age to obtain a marriage license without parental consent.

• A licensed psychologist, clinical social worker, marriage and family counselor or certified clergy member can offer qualified premarital counseling that will reduce the cost of the license.

• Same sex marriages are not legally recognized in the state of Florida, even if they were legally entered into in another state.