🌴 Say 'I Do' in the Sunshine State! Your Guide to Women Marrying Women in Florida (No Cap) 💍
Hey there, all you gorgeous lovebirds! Are you and your boo-thang dreaming of a fabulous wedding in Florida, but maybe you're wondering if the Sunshine State is down with two women tying the knot? Well, I'm here to spill the tea, and the news is straight-up amazing: Yes, women can absolutely marry women in Florida! That's right, all aboard the marriage equality train—it’s been full steam ahead since waaay back in January 2015. So, if you've been living under a rock (maybe a particularly nice, sandy one on South Beach, bless your heart), let's get you squared away with the lowdown on how to get hitched without a hitch. It's go time!
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| Can Women Marry Women In Florida |
🤩 The Legal Tea: How Did We Get Here?
For a hot minute, Florida was one of those states still holding onto old laws—I mean, ancient history, for real. They had a statute from way back in 1977 and then a constitutional amendment in 2008 that basically said, "Nope, not in our house!" But guess what? The courts were having none of it. A series of court decisions, culminating in the epic 2015 U.S. Supreme Court ruling, Obergefell v. Hodges, swooped in like a superhero. That ruling was the real MVP, making same-sex marriage legal in all 50 states, which includes our beloved Florida. So, your marriage will be recognized from the Everglades to Key West and everywhere in between. That's what's up! Now let's get down to the brass tacks, the actual steps, because you've got vows to write and a reception playlist to finalize!
Step 1: Secure That Marriage License (The 'Permission Slip' to Forever)
This is the very first thing on your to-do list, even before you stress about the seating chart. Think of it as your official Golden Ticket to Marital Bliss.
1.1 Find Your Vibe at the Clerk’s Office
QuickTip: Read in order — context builds meaning.
Every county in Florida has a Clerk of the Circuit Court's office, and that's where you're headed. You don't have to get married in the same county where you get the license, but the license must be issued in Florida.
Heads-up: Both of you have to show up in person to apply. No sending your BFF or your future Mother-in-Law.
What to bring: You'll need valid photo IDs (like a driver's license, state ID, or passport) and your Social Security numbers. Don't sweat bringing the actual SS card, just the number will do the trick. If you're not a U.S. citizen and don't have an SSN, you can usually provide an Alien Registration Number or a passport. Easy-peasy.
1.2 Deal with the Dough and the Drama (The Waiting Period)
The Cost: The fee is typically around $93.50. You'll need to check your specific county for the exact amount.
The Waiting Game (for FL Residents only): If either of you is a Florida resident, there’s a three-day waiting period between getting your license and when you can actually use it for the ceremony. Lame, right?
Pro-Tip to Skip the Wait: If you complete a four-hour premarital preparation course (like, in the year before you apply), you can wave that waiting period bye-bye and you might even score a discount on the license fee! Now that's what I call a win-win for your wallet and your timeline.
Step 2: The Official 'I Do' (Making it Legal-Eagle)
Once that license is in your hot little hands, you’ve got 60 days to use it before it expires. Let's make this thing official!
2.1 Choose Your Officiant Wisely
In Florida, you've got options, hun! Your ceremony needs to be performed by someone who is authorized by law. This can be:
An ordained clergy member (Minister, Priest, Rabbi, etc.)
All judicial officers (Judges)
Clerks of the Circuit Court
A Florida Notary Public (Seriously, any Notary can do it. They’re everywhere!)
It's wild, but your best friend who just became a Notary for work can actually do the job. Just make sure they're legit.
Tip: Revisit this page tomorrow to reinforce memory.
2.2 The Big Moment: Your Wedding Ceremony!
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This is where you get to shine! The ceremony is the part where you and your partner publicly declare your consent to marry. You can do this at a fancy venue, a rustic barn, or literally just on a beach at sunset—it's totally your call! No witnesses are required in Florida, which is pretty chill, but who doesn't want their squad there?
Step 3: Paperwork Post-Party (Don't Mess This Up!)
You're married! You’re on cloud nine! But wait—there's one crucial step left to seal the deal.
3.1 Sign and Send
After the ceremony, your officiant has to sign the marriage license. They are then responsible for sending the completed license back to the Clerk's office within a short time frame (check your specific county, but usually around 10 days) so it can be recorded.
Actionable Advice: Make sure your officiant knows this is a non-negotiable task. You might even want to give them a pre-stamped, addressed envelope to make it foolproof. No one wants to find out their forever union is just a really fun party because the paperwork got lost!
Tip: Reread the opening if you feel lost.
3.2 Get Your Receipts
The Clerk will record your marriage and then send you a certified copy of your marriage certificate. This is the real deal document you'll need for everything—changing your name, updating your Social Security information, getting on a spouse's health plan, etc. Guard this paper with your life!
So there it is, fam. Getting married as two amazing women in Florida is not just legal, it's a piece of cake. Now you can focus on the important stuff, like which flavor of cake and how much glitter is too much glitter (Spoiler alert: the limit does not exist). Go get that happily ever after!
FAQ Questions and Answers
How to obtain a marriage license in Florida?
You and your partner must apply in person at any Florida Clerk of the Circuit Court's office with valid photo IDs and your Social Security numbers.
How to skip the three-day waiting period for a marriage license in Florida?
Tip: Read aloud to improve understanding.
If one or both partners are Florida residents, you can waive the three-day waiting period by completing a state-approved four-hour premarital preparation course from a registered provider.
How to get my marriage certificate after the wedding?
Your officiant is responsible for returning the signed marriage license to the Clerk's office for recording. After recording, the Clerk will mail a certified copy of the official marriage certificate to you.
How long is a Florida marriage license valid?
A Florida marriage license is valid for 60 days from its effective date, meaning you must have your wedding ceremony within that two-month window.
How to get married in Florida without a traditional officiant?
Florida law allows a Notary Public to perform the marriage ceremony, providing an easy and often less formal option outside of a judge or religious minister.
Would you like me to find the contact information for a Clerk of Court's office in a specific Florida county so you can check their exact license fees?
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