Notary Wedding Ceremonies in Florida: Your Complete Guide

Florida is unusual: under Statute 117.045, a notary public has the authority to solemnize the rites of matrimony. That means a notary can legally perform your wedding ceremony — civil, religious, or anything in between.

Step 1: Get your marriage license

Both parties must appear together at any Florida Clerk of Court to apply for a marriage license. You will need photo IDs and Social Security numbers (if you have them). Florida residents have a three-day waiting period unless you complete a state-approved premarital course; non-residents can be married immediately. The license is valid for 60 days.

Step 2: Plan the ceremony

A notary-officiated wedding can be as short as five minutes or as elaborate as you want. Florida only requires the couple to declare they take each other as spouses in the presence of the notary and one other witness is recommended (though not strictly required for an opposite-sex or same-sex marriage in Florida — check current law before relying on this).

I have officiated everything from beachfront elopements to backyard ceremonies with full vows, readings, ring exchanges, and personal touches.

Step 3: Return the signed license

After the ceremony, the officiant signs the license and returns it to the Clerk of Court within 10 days. The clerk records the marriage and issues your certified marriage certificate, which you will need for name changes, taxes, and benefits.

Why couples choose a notary

Cost, flexibility, and warmth. A notary ceremony is typically far more affordable than a traditional officiant, scheduling is easier, and the ceremony can be exactly as personal — or as quick — as you want it to be.