Performing a Wedding Ceremony as a Florida Notary

In Florida, commissioned notaries public are expressly authorized to perform marriage ceremonies. To be eligible, the notary must:

• Hold an active Florida Notary Public commission
  
• Be physically present in Florida when performing the ceremony
  
• Ensure the couple has a valid Florida marriage license issued by a county clerk
  

The marriage license may be obtained from any Florida county clerk’s office, and it is usually valid for 60 days from the date of issuance. The ceremony must take place before the license expires.

Pre-Ceremony Responsibilities

Before conducting the wedding, the notary has several important responsibilities:

• Confirm the couple’s identities with acceptable photo identification
  
• Review the marriage license to ensure names, dates, and signatures are correct
  
• Verify that any mandatory waiting period (often three days for Florida residents, with some exceptions) has been observed
  
• Make sure there are no signs of coercion and that both parties appear to consent freely

The ceremony must take place within Florida’s borders, even if the couple resides elsewhere. For more detailed guidance on marriage licenses and waiting periods, couples can refer to the Governor’s or county clerk’s resources.
General marriage license info: https://www.flgov.com/marriage-license

Ceremony Conduct

Florida law does not prescribe any specific ceremony script or religious content. This gives the notary and the couple flexibility to design a ceremony that fits their preferences, as long as the key legal elements occur:

• Both parties clearly express their intent to marry
  
• The notary hears an affirmative response (such as “I do”) from each party
  
• The ceremony is performed within the validity period of the license
  

The notary may use a traditional script, a simple civil ceremony, or customized vows created by the couple. The important part is that the language clearly reflects the couple’s mutual consent to enter into a lawful marriage.

Completing The Marriage License

After the couple has been pronounced married, the notary must accurately complete the certificate portion of the marriage license. This typically includes:

• Date of the ceremony
  
• City and county where the ceremony took place
  
• Names of both spouses as they appear on the license
  
• Signature of the notary in the official commissioned name

Some county clerks may also require the notary’s commission expiration date and notary ID number to be written on the license. The notary should print legibly and double-check all information, because errors can delay the recording of the marriage.

Although not always mandatory, it is wise for the notary to record the details of the ceremony in a personal notary journal or log, including the couple’s names, date, place, license number, and any fee charged.

Returning The License To The Clerk

The marriage license is not fully complete until it is returned to the issuing clerk of court for recording. Florida law generally requires that the completed license be returned within a specific timeframe, commonly 10 days from the date of the ceremony. The notary should:

• Confirm whether the couple or the notary is responsible for mailing or delivering the license
  
• Ensure the license is returned promptly to avoid delays or potential issues with the record
  

Once the clerk’s office receives the completed license, it will be recorded, and certified copies can be issued for the couple to use for name changes, benefits, and other legal purposes.

Fees And Optional Add-On Services

Florida allows notaries to charge a statutory fee for solemnizing a marriage, up to the maximum permitted by law. In addition to that fee, a notary may offer optional services, provided the couple agrees in advance. Examples include:

• Travel to the ceremony location
  
• Customized vows prepared with the couple’s input
  
• Decorative keepsake certificates are separate from the official license
  
• Rehearsal attendance before the wedding day
  
• Simple photography or coordination services, if the notary chooses

Any additional charges should be clearly explained, itemized if necessary, and agreed upon in writing so that the couple understands the full cost before the ceremony.

Professional Tips For Notary Wedding Ceremonies

A notary who performs marriage ceremonies is not just acting as an official but also as part of a memorable life event. A few practical tips can help the ceremony go smoothly:

• Arrive early to review the license one more time and verify IDs
  
• Talk briefly with the couple to confirm the order of the ceremony and any special requests
  
• Keep a printed or digital ceremony script and a backup copy
  
• Speak slowly and clearly, making sure both the couple and guests can hear
  
• Bring multiple pens, your notary stamp or seal (if you use one), and your commission information
  
• Maintain a calm, professional demeanor even if the setting is casual or informal

After the ceremony, congratulate the couple, guide them here to sign, and remind them about how and when they will receive certified copies of the recorded marriage license.

Key Takeaways For Florida Notaries

Florida notaries can legally and confidently perform wedding ceremonies when they understand their eligibility, follow pre-ceremony checks, conduct a clear consent-based ceremony, properly complete the license, and ensure timely return to the clerk. With good preparation and clear communication, a notary can provide both a valid legal service and a meaningful experience for the couple.0