Florida Beach Wedding Guide

Author’s Note: I’ve placed Choosing a Wedding Officiant and Choosing a Photographer ahead of Choosing a Beach because it is always a good idea to consult with these folks first. Find out what they recommend, where they normally work and why, who they work with, etc. You might also consider a company that offers Florida Beach Beach Weddings Packages that include both Wedding Photography and your Wedding Officiant (like us!), as this is usually less expensive and the people are used to working together.

Choosing a Wedding Officiant

You really have two choices to officiate your wedding on the beach in Florida: a Notary Public or an Ordained Clergyman (or woman).

Unless you insist on a religious service and specifically require a clergymen (or woman) from your faith to perform your ceremony, a Notary Public is usually your best bet. Notaries are required to undergo training every four years in Florida and most carry errors and omissions insurance – in other words: they know how to do your paperwork, file it with the county court, and keep it legal! Any Florida Notary whose commission is current can solemnize your marriage anywhere in the State of Florida.

That's not to say you should not use a Minister or have a religious ceremony, but if your officiant is someone other than a Florida Notary, make sure your their credentials are recognized by the County in which you will be getting married, and make sure they know how to properly complete and file your marriage license. You only get one chance to get this right!

FYI – You must present a valid marriage license to your wedding officiant. They will sign and notarize/endorse the license after your ceremony, may have witnesses sign it (it’s a good idea if they are available) and must keep the original and file it with the county in which it was issued. 

You will receive a certified copy from the court after it has been filed, and can request additional copies as needed at any time in the future.

To find a Florida Wedding Officiant, your best bet is to ask for recommendations. An online search of specialty sites such as OneWed.com will also turn up plenty of results, but make sure you speak to a live person and feel comfortable with your officiant and the cermony before making any concrete plans.

Continue to the next section: Choosing a Florida Beach Wedding Photographer.

Not getting married? Be sure to check out our Florida Beach Vacation Guide or Florida Beach Portrait Guide!

The Florida Beach Wedding Guide is provided free of charge courtesy of Simple Treasures Photography St Petersburg FL and Simple Weddings Florida

Please tell us what you think about our guide and of course, please consider us when planning your wedding on the beach in Florida or shopping around for family portraits on the beach!

Planning a wedding on the beach in Florida? Be sure to check out

 My Party Planner

for a complete vendor listing!

Looking for other  Wedding Resources, Photography Resources, or Florida Travel Resources? Don't miss our Recommended Sites & Links Page!