It is understandable why so many couples choose to be married in Florida, given that it has some of the most stunning and well-liked beaches in the country. Although it may seem alluring, it's important for couples to realize that Florida has unique laws regarding weddings within the state and what they can do if they want an online marriage in Florida.

Are online marriages legal in Florida?

Before the global pandemic, laws controlling the legality of weddings and celebrants were fairly strict. The officiant and the couple had to be present for the union to be considered legal. They also had to go visit the county clerk's office to obtain a marriage license. However, this caused a serious issue as the virus spread, social isolation set in, and several county clerk offices were closed.

Then, In 2019, the Utah County marriage license office and Utah County information technology departments started a year-long effort to create a fully digital end-to-end marriage license issuance and recording process, as part of a campaign promise to "bring the Clerk/office Auditor's into the 21st century." Couples now have the option to apply for a marriage license, do the ceremony, and have the officiant submit the necessary paperwork for the marriage certificate all online as of January 2020. This Utah online marriage procedure did away with the requirement that a couple must physically visit the office to get and return their marriage license.

The best part? Anyone can get legally married online through Utah's process, since you don't have to be a resident! You will receive a legal US Marriage Certificate since marriages performed legally in one state are recognized across the country, as long as they do not violate federal or state laws.

What if I want to have an in-person wedding in Florida? What documents are required?

The state of Florida requires several documents with regard to marriages.

A legitimate photo I.D. issued by the federal or state governments, showing the applicant's legal name, birthdate, and signature, is necessary.

Acceptable picture identity card types include:

  • Driving Permit (U.S. State or Government)
  • Passport
  • State Identification Card for the U.S. Military (U.S. State or Government)
  • Card for Alien Registration

Any person who has been given a Social Security number must supply it throughout the marriage license application procedure in line with State of Florida law. Only the social security card number is required; copies of the card are not required. Any individual who is not an American citizen may give their Social Security number or if one has been assigned, their Alien Registration number. If neither has been issued, you might need another form of identification.

Furthermore, the Family Law Handbook, which is accessible online through The Florida Bar Family Law Section in either English or Spanish, must be read by both spouses before they may apply for a marriage license. The following courthouse service sites for marriage or One-Stop can be visited to see the Family Law Handbook.

A license costs $86 and may be purchased with a cheque, credit card, or cash. There is a three-day waiting time for Floridians. If applicants present a Certificate of Completion from a recognized premarital course provider, the three-day waiting period may be waived, and the charge lowered to $61. However, be mindful that this does not accommodate the fuel spent on commuting, the ceremony, and the officiation.

Can I obtain a marriage license from Florida without visiting in person?

In Florida, the ability to obtain a marriage license online varies county by county. Broward County has made it possible to get a marriage license remotely, but there are several steps and requirements involved.

Here are the requirements for a marriage license from Broward County online:

  1. Both parties must read the Family Law Handbook, which is available as an online resource through The Florida Bar Family Law Section in English or Spanish, or at any Marriage or One-Stop courthouse service locations.
  2. Affirmation of Common Children Born in Florida. Complete this form if you have one or more children together who were born in Florida. Complete separate forms if needed for additional children.
  3. You will be required to upload a copy of both spouse's identification and a copy of the premarital course provider completion certificate (if you took the premarital course).
  4. Have an interview over video conference. Each participant must have their own device with functioning camera and microphone for the video conference. You may not share a device during the session.
  5. After all steps are complete, you will receive an email to download and print your marriage license.

Other Counties in Florida may still require that you go in person to fill up an application and speak to a representative.

Keep in mind that this does not include the process for finding an officiant, organizing, and having a wedding ceremony, which still has to be completed to be legally married. For your wedding ceremony, you will also be required to be within Florida–meaning you, your officiant, and your witnesses will all be required to be located within Florida. Your other guests may still join online.

If you want to skip all the hassle and steps, Courtly has optimized the whole procedure for you, providing you with a convenient way out. Using Courtly, couples may carry out the entire procedure remotely from any place. A legitimate US marriage certificate may be acquired quickly, easily, and with minimal documentation.

Are online marriages legal outside the United States?

If you want your wedding to be certified and/or recognized in a nation other than the United States, you might need to get an Apostille certification. An apostille guarantees that your marriage license is valid, verifiably legitimate, and recognized in all nations that have ratified The Hague Apostille Convention of 1961. Although distant appearance ceremonies conducted by a Courtly officiant are permitted by U.S. law, foreign countries or immigration authorities' approval of them may not always be recognized as valid, especially if your companion is a foreign national.

What are the processes involved in getting married online in Florida?

Using Courtly, couples may do the entire process online from any place. A legitimate U.S. marriage certificate may be acquired quickly, easily, and in most cases, in less than 48 hours, without any documentation.

1.Complete the sign-up procedure by creating an account.

It's as simple as ABC to register with Courtly to be married online! To join up, simply click the "Get Married" icon in the top right corner and follow the on-screen instructions. As soon as you create your account, you should be able to access it.

 2. Upload your pictures and private data.

A government-issued I.D. with the applicant's name and birthday clearly displayed is required. In order to help you obtain your marriage license, our concierge will use our secure I.D. verification procedure. Our system accepts several types of I.D.s from more than 200 nations!

We will check for any ambiguities and work with the authorities to make sure everything is ready for your big day.

3. Decide on the ceremony's format, setting, and officiant.

It's time to act! Choose a venue and ceremony style that suits you. Depending on the time and day you select, we'll match you with one of Courtly's legally qualified US officiants.

4. After paying for your wedding package, you will get an email confirmation.

Make the payment and watch for Courtly's email of confirmation. When this is finished, the wedding bells should start to sound!

5. Join your family and friends online to celebrate your marriage!

Finally, get hitched online while lounging in your house (or any other place with a strong internet connection!). It should take roughly 15 minutes to complete the ceremony.

 A digital copy of your U.S. marriage certificate will be sent to you immediately after your online wedding, and a printed copy will be sent to you within a few business days. Soon after the wedding, you may download your digital marriage license.

So, getting married online in Florida is a fast and uncomplicated process. With just a few steps, you'll be able to complete the process with ease. All you need is a valid email address, identification, and your payment method. For more information about Courtly's effort in making Florida online marriage possible, please visit our website.

Let us handle the paperwork.

Getting married is complicated. Courtly simplifies the process and provides everything necessary to get married online, including providing a licensed officiant who can perform a remote ceremony.

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