Florida wedding law
Who can officiate a wedding in Florida?
Florida keeps the list short: regularly ordained ministers, notaries public, and certain civil officers (judges and clerks) may solemnize marriage. A friend can officiate if they are ordained. Katherine Imundi is a licensed Florida notary — so couples who do not want to DIY the legal piece can hire one person for both the law and the ceremony.
r/weddingplanning and r/florida light up with versions of the same post: we live out of state and want a friend to officiate where we grew up. Online ordination is widely used in Florida, and many clerks accept it when the license is filled out correctly. The risk is paperwork errors — wrong ink myths, missing signatures, late return — that delay recording.
You still need a Florida marriage license. The officiant does not issue it. After the ceremony they must return the signed license to the issuing clerk within 10 days. No witnesses are required. The ceremony must occur in Florida; a license from any Florida county works statewide.
Can a friend officiate a wedding in Florida?
Yes, if your friend is a regularly ordained minister — including many online ordinations — and completes the marriage license properly. They do not need to be a notary if they are ordained. If you want a professional instead, Katherine writes the ceremony, runs the rehearsal, and files the license.
Can you officiate your own wedding in Florida?
Florida does not have a general self-solemnization statute like Colorado. You need someone authorized under Florida law to perform the ceremony. A notary or ordained officiant — including Katherine — can legally marry you; you cannot simply sign the license alone.
What Katherine offers
- Notary option — Katherine is a licensed Florida notary authorized to solemnize marriage.
- Friend option — An ordained friend can officiate; Katherine can still write vows or serve as backup.
- Clerk / courthouse — Clerks also perform brief civil ceremonies if you prefer an appointment.
Common questions
Who can legally marry you in Florida?
Ordained ministers (including many online ordinations), Florida notaries public, judges, and clerks of court. Katherine Imundi is a licensed notary and professional wedding officiant.
Does a friend need to be a notary to officiate?
No. If they are a regularly ordained minister they may officiate without being a notary. They must complete and return the license correctly.
Do we need two witnesses in Florida?
No. Florida does not require wedding witnesses. You need a valid license and an authorized officiant.