How to Have Your Friends Marry You in Florida
A new frequently asked question continues to be on the rise for engaged couples: how to have your friends marry you. Brides and grooms desire to add another personal touch to their big day by inviting one of their family members or friends marry them. It’s an honor to be a bridesmaid or groomsmen. Likewise, what an honor to be the couple’s officiant! With destination weddings, couples will likely not be nearby their home pastor. However, they will likely have that special friend in mind alongside them on their wedding weekend. A touch of sentiment, honor, and convenience? We can see why this trend continues to rise!
So like anything else, there are rules to ensure it is done correctly and legally. We know your wedding planning to do list is already quite lengthy. So help is on the way! We have done the research for you. Below, we share all of the fine print on how to have your friends marry you.
Making things Official
We will make this extra simple for you! Here is the official Florida law: 741.07 “Persons authorized to solemnize matrimony.” (1)”All regularly ordained ministers of the gospel or elders in communion with some church, or other ordained clergy, and all judicial officers, including retired judicial officers, clerks of the circuit courts, and notaries public of this state may solemnize the rights of matrimonial contract, under the regulations prescribed by law. Nothing in this section shall make invalid a marriage which was solemnized by any member of the clergy, or as otherwise provided by law prior to July 1, 1978. View the Florida Statutes on the official state site.
Requirements for the Minister
In addition to the above, the selected friend or family member must meet certain requirements. The minimum age of the selected minister is 18. It is not required that selected minster be a Florida resident. The required documents vary by county and state, so ensure you thoroughly look into the area in which your wedding will be celebrated accordingly. The great news? Online ordination is recognized. The relevant Office of Registration is based upon the County Clerk. After that, make sure your officiant makes it official by sending in all required documents after the ceremony and within the strict timeline designated by the state and county you hold your wedding in.
Lastly, if it would make you feel most secure, your officiant can get re-ordained from the Universal Life Church. There is no religious affiliation with this Church.
You’ve said the best YES of your life thus far after being proposed to. Now? Your dear friend or family member will be sure to say that same answer when being asked to officiate your wedding. And if they have cold feet? Use these notes as the warm fuzzy socks needed 😉 As always, we’ve got you!
Have some more wedding planning questions? We are honored to help. Give us a shout here!
Photography by yours truly: Love Letters Co.
Written by Social Curator: Kelsey Pfleiderer