Florida lets you solemnize marriages through three main routes: ordination with a religious organization, a one-day online minister credential, or appointment as a notary public with additional training
The fastest path is ordination through an online ministry that Florida recognizes. You can complete the process in hours, pay a small fee (typically $10 to $50), and begin performing weddings when ready. The state does not require you to be affiliated with a specific church or denomination — it only requires that you be ordained by an organization that claims to ordain ministers.
The other two routes are slower but may suit you better depending on your situation. A notary public can solemnize marriages in Florida if they complete a specific training course and register with the state. A traditional religious ordination through an established church or denomination also works but typically takes weeks or months.
All three routes require you to register with the county clerk before you perform your first wedding. The state does not track who is ordained — the county does.
Key Takeaways
- Online ordination through a recognized ministry is the fastest route and costs between $10 and $50, with credentials issued the same day.
- You must register with your county clerk's office before performing any wedding, and the clerk will ask for proof of ordination or notary status.
- A notary public can solemnize marriages after completing the Florida Notary Public Marriage Solemnization course and registering the credential with the state.
- Florida does not require you to be ordained by any particular organization, only by one that claims to ordain ministers — the state does minimal vetting.
- Once registered, you can perform weddings anywhere in Florida, but you have no legal authority outside the state.
Getting ordained through an online ministry
This is the most common route. Organizations like the Universal Life Church, American Marriage Ministries, and the Spiritual Humanist Institute all ordain people online and are recognized by Florida. You visit their website, fill out a form with your name and email, pay the fee, and receive an ordination certificate by email within minutes to hours.
The certificate itself is what matters. When you register with the county clerk, you will show them this document as proof that you are ordained. The state does not verify the legitimacy of the ordaining organization — it assumes that if you have a certificate, you are ordained.
Some online ministries offer add-ons like a physical certificate in the mail or a minister ID card, but these are optional and cost extra. The email certificate is sufficient for county registration.
Registering with your county clerk
After you receive your ordination certificate, contact the clerk's office in the county where you plan to perform weddings. In Florida, each county maintains its own list of authorized officiants. You will need to provide your full name, address, phone number, and a copy of your ordination certificate.
Some counties require you to fill out a form; others accept a phone call or email. The process is free and usually takes one to three business days. Once registered, you are authorized to solemnize marriages in that county. If you plan to perform weddings in multiple counties, you may need to register in each one — policies vary.
After registration, the couple getting married can list you on their marriage license process. The license itself is filed with the state, but the county clerk is the one who confirms you are authorized to sign it.
Becoming a notary public who can solemnize marriages
If you are already a notary public in Florida or plan to become one, you can add marriage solemnization to your credentials. First, you must hold an active notary commission. Then you take the Florida Notary Public Marriage Solemnization course, which covers Florida marriage law, your duties as an officiant, and the legal requirements for signing a marriage license.
The course is offered online by several providers and costs between $30 and $75. It takes one to two hours to complete. After you pass the course exam, you receive a certificate of completion. You then register this certificate with the Florida Secretary of State's office, which costs $10.
Once registered, your notary commission automatically includes the power to solemnize marriages. You do not need to register separately with the county clerk, though some counties ask you to notify them. Check with your county to confirm their process.
Religious ordination through a church or denomination
If you are already a member of a religious organization or want to pursue formal ordination, you can be ordained through that body. This path takes longer — weeks to months — but may be more meaningful if you plan to perform weddings as part of a religious role.
The process varies by denomination. Some churches ordain members after a period of study and approval by church leadership. Others have formal seminary or training programs. You will need to contact the specific organization to learn their requirements.
Once ordained, you receive a certificate or letter from the organization stating that you are ordained. You then register this document with your county clerk, just as you would with an online ordination. The state does not distinguish between online and religious ordination — both are treated the same way.
What you need to know before your first wedding
Before you solemnize a marriage, make sure the couple has obtained their marriage license from the county clerk. You cannot perform a legal wedding without it. The couple will bring the license to the ceremony, and you will sign it in front of the couple and the required number of witnesses (usually two).
After the ceremony, the couple or you will return the signed license to the county clerk within the important date specified on the license — typically five days. If the license is not filed on time, the marriage is not legally recognized, even though you performed the ceremony.
You have no authority to refuse to perform a wedding based on the couple's identity, beliefs, or background. Florida law does not provide a religious exemption for officiants. If you have concerns about a specific couple, you should decline the booking before the ceremony, not during it.
You are not required to charge a fee, but many officiants do. There is no state-set rate — you can charge whatever you and the couple agree on, from nothing to several hundred dollars.
Maintaining your status as an officiant
If you became ordained through an online ministry, your ordination does not expire. You can perform weddings indefinitely as long as you remain registered with your county clerk. Some counties ask you to renew your registration every few years; check with your clerk's office about their renewal policy.
If you are a notary public who solemnizes marriages, your authority to perform weddings lasts as long as your notary commission is active. When your notary commission expires, you must renew it to continue performing weddings. The marriage solemnization credential does not renew separately — it is tied to your notary status.
If you move to a different county or state, your ordination or notary status does not automatically transfer. You will need to register with the new county clerk if you move within Florida, or pursue ordination or notary status in your new state if you move out of Florida.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I perform weddings in Florida if I am ordained in another state?
No. Florida requires you to register with the county clerk where you plan to perform weddings, regardless of where you were ordained. Your out-of-state ordination certificate is acceptable proof of ordination, but you must still complete Florida's county registration process before you perform your first wedding.
Do I need a business license to perform weddings as an officiant?
No. Performing weddings as an officiant does not require a business license in Florida. If you charge a fee, you may owe income tax on that money, but you do not need to register as a business or obtain a license from the state or county.
What happens if I perform a wedding without registering with the county clerk?
The marriage may not be legally recognized. When the couple files the signed license with the county clerk, the clerk checks whether you are registered as an authorized officiant. If you are not, the clerk may reject the license or contact you to verify your credentials. It is safer to register before you perform any wedding.
Can I solemnize marriages in Florida if I am not a U.S. citizen?
Yes. Florida does not require U.S. citizenship to become an ordained officiant or notary public. You will need a valid form of identification and a Florida address, but citizenship is not a requirement.
How much should I charge couples for performing their wedding?
There is no set fee. Some officiants perform weddings for free, while others charge $100 to $500 or more depending on the couple's budget, the complexity of the ceremony, and local market rates. Discuss your fee with the couple before you agree to perform the wedding.