Life & property
Simple Civil Weddings by a Florida Notary
In short: Florida notaries are authorized to solemnize marriages (§ 117.045). Bring a valid Florida marriage license, and we perform a short civil ceremony in English, Spanish or both, at the place you choose. The notary fee for the ceremony is capped at the clerk's rate; travel is quoted separately.
Step 1
Can a notary marry you in Florida?
Yes. A Florida notary public may solemnize the rites of marriage for a couple who hold a valid Florida marriage license, and then completes the license and returns it to the issuing clerk.
Not every wedding needs a venue and a hundred guests. Many couples in Southwest Florida want something small: the two of them and a few family members in a backyard in Cape Coral, on a dock at sunset, or in a living room with grandparents who cannot travel. A notary ceremony is short, personal and legally complete.
We perform ceremonies in English, in Spanish, or switching between both so every guest follows. You can keep the standard civil vows or bring your own words. After the ceremony, we sign the license and send it back to the clerk, which is what makes the marriage official.
- Home, backyard and dock ceremonies
- Beach and park ceremonies (venue permits are the couple's responsibility)
- Bilingual ceremonies, English and Spanish
- Elopements with only the couple
- Vow renewals (ceremonial, no license needed)
Step 2
What do we need for a notary wedding?
-
A valid Florida marriage license
From any Florida county clerk. It is valid for 60 days and can be used anywhere in Florida.
-
Photo ID for both of you
The notary confirms that you are the people named on the license.
-
The waiting period completed, if it applies
Florida residents who did not take a premarital course wait three days after the license is issued.
-
Your vows, if you want personal ones
Send them ahead and we will fit them into the ceremony.
Step 3
How much does a notary wedding cost?
| What | Fee | Basis |
|---|---|---|
| Solemnizing the marriage | Up to the clerk's rate (currently $30) | § 117.045, Florida Statutes |
| Travel to your ceremony location | Quoted before booking | Weekend and sunset times included in the quote |
| Marriage license | Paid to the county clerk | Not a notary fee |
The license fee goes to the clerk, not to us. We quote travel and timing before you book.
Fees and statutes last reviewed:
Want the exact quote for your address and documents?
Book on WhatsAppStep 4
How does a notary wedding ceremony work?
- 1
Get your license
Both of you apply together at a Florida county clerk's office.
- 2
Choose date and place
Tell us where and when, the language and whether you have personal vows.
- 3
The ceremony
A short civil ceremony, usually ten to fifteen minutes, with the declaration of intent, vows and pronouncement.
- 4
Sign the license
The notary completes the certificate of marriage on the license.
- 5
Return to the clerk
The license is returned to the issuing clerk within ten days so the marriage is recorded.
Often booked together with Certified Translation, Apostille Assistance, and Mobile Notary.
Most requested in Cape Coral and Naples, and available online anywhere.
Step 5
Frequently asked questions
Do we need witnesses for a wedding in Florida?
Florida law does not require witnesses for the marriage ceremony. Many couples still invite one or two people to share the moment and take photos, and that is completely fine. The notary completes the license as the officiant.
Can we get the license in one county and marry in another?
Yes. A Florida marriage license issued by any county clerk can be used anywhere in the state during its 60-day validity. A couple can get the license in Lee County and marry on a beach in Collier County, or the other way around.
Is there a waiting period after getting the license?
For Florida residents, the license takes effect three days after it is issued unless both of you completed a registered premarital preparation course, which also lowers the license fee. Couples who are not Florida residents are not subject to the waiting period. Check the dates with the clerk when you apply.
Can the ceremony be in Spanish?
Yes. We perform the ceremony fully in Spanish, fully in English, or bilingual, alternating each part so that both families follow. Tell us which languages your guests speak and we will plan the order.
Can you marry us on the beach?
Yes. Small beach ceremonies are popular, but some beaches and parks require a permit or limit group size, chairs and decorations. Checking that is up to the couple; we bring the license paperwork and the ceremony.
Step 6
What does Florida law say about notary weddings?
- Notaries may solemnize marriages; fees and the duty to return the license. § 117.045, Florida Statutes
- Marriage license requirements and the waiting period. § 741.04, Florida Statutes
Step 7
Have your license and a date in mind?
Send us the date, the place and the language. We confirm availability and the travel fee.