Yes! Florida is one of the few states where a Notary Public is legally authorized to perform marriage ceremonies. You do not necessarily need a religious leader or a judge to make your union legally binding.
The Legal Steps
- Obtain Your License: You and your partner must visit a County Clerk’s office to secure a marriage license. The notary cannot issue the license itself.
- Waiting period: Florida residents must observe a 3-day wait (unless a pre-marital course was completed).
- The Ceremony: The notary officiates the ceremony, ranging from a simple legal signing to a full wedding at your chosen venue.
- Filing the License: After the ceremony, the notary completes the required sections of the license and returns it to the Clerk’s office for official recording.
Choosing a notary often provides more flexibility for couples seeking private, custom, or non-traditional ceremonies.