Everything You Need to Know About How to Get Married in Florida

Sparkling coastlines in every direction, balmy weather that puts you in good spirits, and an assortment of wedding venues and vendors to choose from. These are the perks of tying the knot in the Sunshine State and key reasons why many want to learn how to get married in Florida. If you're thinking about planning a wedding in this Southern state, you've found yourself in the right corner of the internet.

"One of my favorite things about getting married in Florida is the diverse landscape that our state has to offer," says Nikki Golden, owner of Nikki Golden Photography. "While many folks simply think of palm trees and ocean waves when they hear Florida, we really have so much more to offer! From the lush green landscape of our state parks to beautiful towering trees drenched in Spanish moss and the many historic venues, Florida has something to fit everyone's taste."

From details on how to secure a Florida wedding license to the best areas in the state to host your wedding to pro tips from locals about how to plan an incredible wedding that leans into all the state has to offer, we're covering everything you need to know about getting married in the state of Florida.

In this article:

• How to Get a Marriage License in Florida
• Notable Wedding Locations in Florida
• How to Plan a Wedding in Florida Step-by-Step

How to Get a Marriage License in Florida

Romantic "I do's" and a great party are two major components of your wedding day, but both require a very important piece of paper: your marriage license! So, what do you need to get married in Florida? Generally speaking, both parties must show up to the clerk's office to pay the fee, sign documents, and provide photo identification and proof of your Social Security number.

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If you or your fiancé have previously been married, you will also need to provide the marriage record, annulment, divorce record or death certificate—essential legal paperwork that proves the exact date your last marriage ended.

A Florida marriage license costs around $100, and there's a three-day waiting period to receive the license in Florida. This period is waived if you choose to take the premarital preparation course from a clerk's office in whichever county you decide to obtain your marriage license. Florida wedding requirements state you must have your marriage ceremony within 60 days of the exact date of receiving your marriage certificate; otherwise, the license will expire and you will have to reapply, so keep that in mind. Note that Florida wedding laws may vary slightly depending on the county's clerk of the circuit court you visit.

Notable Wedding Locations in Florida

This sunny state is ripe with Florida wedding venue options. From beach weddings to high-end party spots in Miami to unique destinations (hello, Disney World), you've got plenty of options. Here are some of the top destinations across the state.

Orlando

Dubbed the theme park capital of the world, Orlando is perfect for a magical and family-friendly wedding. Beyond its famous Disney parks, the city offers a host of elegant wedding venues, from grand ballrooms to picturesque gardens to high-end resorts. Incorporate the whimsy of Orlando into your wedding with unique touches like fairy-tale themes or playful dessert stations.

Key West

The southernmost point of the US, Key West, is the perfect place for a marriage in Florida for couples dreaming of a laid-back island wedding. With endless views of sparkling waters, this tropical paradise is a treasure trove of beachfront ceremonies, charming historic inns and colorful outdoor venues.

Tampa

Located along Florida's Gulf Coast, Tampa is a versatile wedding destination that'll infuse a burst of urban elegance and waterfront charm into your special day. Couples can choose from upscale city venues, historic buildings or serene beachfront locations. Enhance your celebration with savory Gulf Coast dishes, like fresh seafood or Cuban-inspired meals.

St. Augustine

Golden reminds us that St. Augustine is the oldest city in the state of Florida, brimming with history, romance and charm. Cobblestone streets, centuries-old architecture and stunning waterfront views make it a dream destination for couples seeking an elegant and timeless wedding. Popular venues include historic landmarks, quaint chapels and picturesque courtyards.

Naples

Located along Florida's Paradise Coast, Naples is celebrated for its pristine beaches and luxe vibes. Here, you've got your pick of elegant golf clubs, beachfront resorts and dreamy botanical gardens, making this part of the state a perfect choice for a chic and scenic bash. The city's upscale dining and world-class sunsets add an extra layer of magic to your nuptials.

Palm Beach

Palm Beach effortlessly fuses luxury, artistic flair and tropical paradise, making it a top-tier choice for those planning a Florida wedding. With its glamorous oceanfront resorts, historic estates and lush gardens, this area offers no shortage of timeless beauty for your wedding. Couples can embrace the Palm Beach aesthetic with chic decor, tropical florals and refined menus featuring local seafood.

How to Plan a Wedding in Florida Step-by-Step

Now, let's dive into all the big and small details you need to know about how to plan a wedding in the state of Florida. From budget expectations to when to book your vendors to local advice to really infuse that Florida flavor into your wedding, we've got you covered.

1. Create a Budget

The cost of a wedding in Florida fluctuates depending on factors like size, location and vendor details. Generally speaking, prices can range anywhere from $15,000 for intimate elopements all the way up to multi-six figures for those who really want to make a big splash.

Carmen Davila, creative director and CEO of Events by Carmen, says she sees an average of about $70,000 in the state, though the bulk of her weddings are closer to the $150,000 mark. Kristin Hubbard, CEO and DJ at Our DJ Rocks, agrees, noting that the weddings she's a part of usually cost between $75,000 and $150,000.

Check out The Knot Budget Advisor for more insights on Florida wedding costs. It uses real, up-to-date figures from local couples.

2. Lock in Your Venue

Next, determine which part of the state you'd like to get married in and tour a handful of venues in the area. From here, you can lock in your venue and preferred date. On that note, the wedding season in Florida is quite long, so you've got lots of options.

"Florida's year-round mild climate offers couples the flexibility to plan weddings in any season," notes Marissa MacLeod, director of marketing at The Treasury on the Plaza, a beloved wedding venue in the state. "Winter weddings are especially popular for those looking to escape the snow and enjoy beautiful outdoor ceremonies and photos."

Peak summer months tend to be quite hot and humid, so if you plan a wedding for that time of year, aim for a late afternoon or evening celebration.

3. Hire Your Vendors

For a leisurely wedding planning experience versus a frantic scramble, try to secure your vendors 12 to 18 months ahead of your wedding date. "There is a three-way tie for first place when hiring your Florida vendors in a timely fashion: the venue, the photographer and the wedding planner," says Carin Hunt, a wedding specialist for Coconut Palm Inn. "These categories take priority in curating a (nearly) perfect event with images to cherish for a lifetime and tend to be secured quickly for the spring and fall seasons."

Whether you're looking for a DJ, bridal shower venue, wedding cake or anything in between, check out The Knot Vendor Marketplace to find everything you need in your city.

4. Incorporate the Great Outdoors

With more than 230 sunny days in the year—and great weather even in mid-winter—it makes perfect sense to incorporate the outdoors into your wedding day. This might look like hosting your entire ceremony and reception outside, having a seaside happy hour or enjoying views from an open-air rooftop.

"Florida weddings are truly something special, and one of my favorite things about them is the endless options for outdoor celebrations nearly year-round," notes Laura Capobianco, executive director of catering at Ponte Vedra Inn & Club. "Whether it's a ceremony just steps from the sand or a reception on a lush lawn overlooking a golf course, the opportunities for stunning alfresco moments are limitless."

5. But Have a Backup Plan (Just in Case)

Outdoor weddings are a rite of passage for those planning a Florida wedding, but it's always smart to plan for potential weather. This may include scorching temperatures or ultra muggy weather that requires some cool relief for your guests, or tropical storms.

"Florida's hurricane season runs from June 1 to November 30. While it doesn't usually deter couples, it's crucial to plan ahead," MacLeod says. "Discuss weather-related policies with all vendors and strongly consider wedding insurance that covers cancellations or postponements due to natural disasters."

Pro tip: Davila strongly recommends getting wedding insurance if your wedding is slated during hurricane season. "We go through so many emotions during these months," she says. "Confirm the policy you are getting covers hurricanes. If you are reserving a room block make sure they have flexible cancellation policies in the event of a hurricane."

6. Leverage Local Resources

What's a Florida wedding without leaning into all the state has to offer? "Florida is bursting with creative local talent, from amazing floral designers to top-tier entertainment," Hubbard says. "By choosing local vendors, you not only support the community but also ensure your wedding has an authentic Florida flair that can't be found anywhere else."

Local event planner Keith Willard agrees, adding that a wedding planner can really help you out when it comes to planning a one-of-a-kind Florida wedding. "We have some truly breathtaking locals that only local planners really know about," he says. "A good planner is going to save you money in more ways than you could have ever imagined."