Essential Guide to Obtaining Your Florida Marriage License in Orlando
Guy Swenson - Wedding Officiant
Securing your marriage license is the final, essential step in transitioning from your planning phase to your wedding day. While the logistics of local government may feel far removed from the romance of your ceremony, handling this with precision ensures a seamless experience.
As your officiant, my goal is to provide clarity so you can focus entirely on the celebration ahead. Below is the refined process for obtaining your license in Orange County and the surrounding Central Florida areas.
TL;DR
Your license is valid for 60 days. Florida residents face a 3-day waiting period unless a premarital course is completed. For your ceremony to legally proceed, the physical license must be present with your officiant before the processional begins.
1. Essential Timelines
Florida law dictates a specific window of time for the validity of your legal documents:
Some Art with Your Ceremony?
This is one of many beautiful statues in the Lake Nona Wave Hotel Sculpture Garden.
The 60-Day Window: Your marriage license must be issued no more than 60 days prior to your wedding date.
The 3-Day Waiting Period: For Florida residents, there is a mandatory three-day waiting period between the issuance of the license and your ceremony. This requirement is waived for out-of-state residents or for those who present a certificate of completion from a registered premarital preparation course.
The Oak Tree ceremony space at the Estate on the Halifax wedding venue in Port Orange, FL
2. Requirements for Application
Both parties must appear in person at the Clerk of the Courts. Please ensure you have the following prepared:
Identification: A valid government-issued photo ID (Driver’s License, State ID, or Passport).
Social Security Documentation: You will need to provide your Social Security number, though the physical card is typically not required.
Administrative Fees: The standard filing fee is $86. This is reduced to $61 for couples who have completed a qualifying premarital course.
3. Virtual Options and Flexibility
For those seeking maximum convenience, certain Florida counties offer virtual appointments (via video conference) to process your application. It is important to note that a marriage license issued by any Florida county is valid for a ceremony taking place anywhere within the state. If the Orange County schedule is restrictive, we can explore neighboring jurisdictions that offer remote services.
4. The Role of Your Officiant
On the day of your wedding, the physical marriage license is the most critical document in the building. I require that the license be handed to me upon my arrival at the venue.
By law, the ceremony cannot commence until the license is in my possession. Following the "I Do's" and the signing of the document, I will personally handle the filing with the Clerk of the Court, ensuring your marriage is recorded accurately and promptly.
5. The Luxury of Convenience: Virtual Appointments
For those with demanding schedules, several Florida counties now offer fully virtual marriage license appointments via video conference. While Orange County typically requires an in-person visit, you may obtain your license from any county clerk in the state—such as Seminole County or Hillsborough County—and it remains valid for your ceremony here in Orlando. This allows you to complete the legalities from the comfort of your home or office.
The Final Word
I recommend securing your license approximately 30 days before your date. This allows you to check the final legal box early, leaving the week of your wedding free for family, friends, and the quiet moments before you walk down the aisle.
About Guy: I’m Guy, the heart and bowtie behind Guy Thee Wed. As a former school principal, I spent years mastering the art of "running the show" with calm, authority, and grace. Today, I use those same skills to ensure your ceremony is seamless, legally sound, and perfectly paced. When I’m not crafting signature ceremonies in Orlando, you’ll probably find me hunting for my next favorite bowtie or exploring Central Florida’s best hidden gems.