Wedding
Services
Getting Married In Florida
You will find getting married in Florida is not only pleasant because of our sunny weather, but easy if you go with trusted professionals. First, you will need to get a Florida marriage license, which will be easy to obtain. (We send directions to the nearest court house to every couple we marry.) There's no appointment necessary for the license, and you'll both need to be there together to get it. Be sure to take your passports for identification. Birth certificates are not requested.
If you have been married before, you'll need to tell them how many times, and when the last marriage ended. If you've been married within the last 60 days, you'll need to bring proof that you are no longer married. The cost of the license is $93 - $98, depending on the court house, and they will give it to you immediately. The license will be effective the day that you get it (absolutely no waiting period since you're not a Florida resident), and is good for 60 days. There's no residency requirements, either. You can get the license the very day you arrive. The court houses are open Monday thru Friday, 8:00 - 4:30, except on holidays. Being a UK resident, you will need two adult witnesses sign your marriage license after the ceremony. For weddings at our chapel, we can provide those witnesses at no additional charge. If you are thinking of getting the license by mail, don't be fooled by companies who charge you for this service. It's a pain to get by mail compared to getting the license in person, but it's not something that you should have to pay extra for!!! If you are thinking of renewing vows in Florida, you'll be happy to know that no legal documentation is required.
Weddings here can be as formal or as informal as you like. We have married hundreds of brides in long, white gowns, and hundreds in sundresses or shorts and Mickey Mouse ears. Here in Florida, your wedding can be exactly as you want - done up to the 9's, or simple and sweet. If you have children with you, then we like to involve them in the ceremony.
Of course you will want high-quality wedding pictures. Be sure that the person taking your wedding photos are qualified and experienced. The good news is that it doesn't have to cost a fortune. Before booking a photographer, ask to see several examples of weddings they have photographed, and ask about what happens to the negatives after the wedding. (Who owns the rights to the film?).
If you have been married before, you'll need to tell them how many times, and when the last marriage ended. If you've been married within the last 60 days, you'll need to bring proof that you are no longer married. The cost of the license is $93 - $98, depending on the court house, and they will give it to you immediately. The license will be effective the day that you get it (absolutely no waiting period since you're not a Florida resident), and is good for 60 days. There's no residency requirements, either. You can get the license the very day you arrive. The court houses are open Monday thru Friday, 8:00 - 4:30, except on holidays. Being a UK resident, you will need two adult witnesses sign your marriage license after the ceremony. For weddings at our chapel, we can provide those witnesses at no additional charge. If you are thinking of getting the license by mail, don't be fooled by companies who charge you for this service. It's a pain to get by mail compared to getting the license in person, but it's not something that you should have to pay extra for!!! If you are thinking of renewing vows in Florida, you'll be happy to know that no legal documentation is required.
Weddings here can be as formal or as informal as you like. We have married hundreds of brides in long, white gowns, and hundreds in sundresses or shorts and Mickey Mouse ears. Here in Florida, your wedding can be exactly as you want - done up to the 9's, or simple and sweet. If you have children with you, then we like to involve them in the ceremony.
Of course you will want high-quality wedding pictures. Be sure that the person taking your wedding photos are qualified and experienced. The good news is that it doesn't have to cost a fortune. Before booking a photographer, ask to see several examples of weddings they have photographed, and ask about what happens to the negatives after the wedding. (Who owns the rights to the film?).
Another important fact to consider is whether to have your wedding indoors or outdoors. In sunny Florida, your first thought might be to plan an outdoor wedding. Unfortunately, there are several downsides to outdoor weddings here. You must be flexible and prepared to reschedule due to weather, as well as paying for another wedding if you were originally scheduled outdoors and had to reschedule at the last minute. We have done several outdoor weddings at Disney, at villas, and even in the air. Our opinion is *never* schedule an outdoor wedding in Florida! The elements here are unpredictable (except for the fact that it will rain every afternoon during the summer), the sun is very harsh for photography, and the brides don't look so sweet when they are sweaty. Neither do grooms or grandparents! We have dealt with alligators and snakes, and will be happy not to do any more outdoor Florida weddings. When you schedule your wedding indoors, you know you can be married at the planned time, rain or shine...
If you're planning a big reception when you get home, then you'll probably want to do something much smaller after your wedding here. Orlando is the home of many restaurants, great and small; something for everyone. When you're setting the time of day for your wedding, keep in mind that the most fancy restaurants do not open until 5:00 PM, so if you have your heart set on white linens, you probably want to plan an afternoon wedding. If you're planning to go to Disney after the wedding, be sure to change out of your wedding attire. They will not let you into the parks "dressed like a Princess." The only park we know of that allows wedding attire is Sea World, but check before you go to be sure they haven't changed their policies.
Hiring a wedding planner is not necessary if you're using the services of a reputable wedding chapel. If you want to be married at a wedding chapel, check their references - all wedding chapels are not alike! Be sure that you are not charged pounds for the amount that should be charged in dollars - this is a common scam, and horribly dishonest.
If you're planning a big reception when you get home, then you'll probably want to do something much smaller after your wedding here. Orlando is the home of many restaurants, great and small; something for everyone. When you're setting the time of day for your wedding, keep in mind that the most fancy restaurants do not open until 5:00 PM, so if you have your heart set on white linens, you probably want to plan an afternoon wedding. If you're planning to go to Disney after the wedding, be sure to change out of your wedding attire. They will not let you into the parks "dressed like a Princess." The only park we know of that allows wedding attire is Sea World, but check before you go to be sure they haven't changed their policies.
Hiring a wedding planner is not necessary if you're using the services of a reputable wedding chapel. If you want to be married at a wedding chapel, check their references - all wedding chapels are not alike! Be sure that you are not charged pounds for the amount that should be charged in dollars - this is a common scam, and horribly dishonest.
"Getting Married in Florida" was written and kindly supplied by Barb Madruga from Royal Wedding Chapel ©2006
