Performing Weddings as a Notary in Florida: Rules and Processes 

Written by Anna Coucke

A young bride wearing a wedding dress exchanges vows with a young groom wearing a suit while a man behind them officiates.

In most states, a notary stamp has nothing to do with performing wedding vows. Florida is different.

This is one of a handful of states where a notary public can legally officiate a wedding. That authority allows a commissioned Florida notary to help couples make their commitment official, as long as the event takes place within the state and all required paperwork is valid.

This guide explains what notaries should know before serving as an officiant, from checking documents before the event to returning the completed certificate after the ceremony.

Eligibility Requirements

As a notary, you must meet a few basic legal requirements before conducting a marriage.

First, you must have an active Florida notary public commission on the date of the ceremony. If your commission has expired, lapsed, or been suspended or revoked, you cannot legally solemnize the union.

The wedding must also take place in Florida, and the couple must present the original Florida-issued marriage license from a county judge or a clerk of the circuit court. A notary from another state cannot perform this service under an out-of-state commission.

No Special Endorsement Required

Florida doesn’t require notaries to get a separate officiant credential, special endorsement, or additional training before solemnizing matrimony.

Your authority comes from your active commission and state law. As long as the paperwork is in order, you may serve as the officiant. That said, you should still understand the process before accepting the assignment.

Having a simple checklist can help you avoid missed dates, incomplete fields, or confusion about who returns the paperwork.

The Florida Marriage License: What Notaries Need to Know

A notary cannot conduct a lawful wedding unless the couple has the proper Florida paperwork in hand. Before the ceremony begins, review it carefully and confirm the event can legally take place that day.

Couples may apply for a license through any Florida county judge or clerk of the circuit court. Once issued, the document may be used in any county in the state, but the wedding must occur in Florida.

Three-Day Waiting Period

There is a three-day (72 hour) waiting period when one or both applicants are Florida residents. The waiting period may be waived if the couple completes an approved premarital preparation course.

Out-of-state residents are generally exempt from the waiting period and may proceed once the clerk issues the document.

Validity Period

The authorization is valid for 60 days. The ceremony must occur within that timeframe. Check the effective date and expiration date before you proceed.

Steps Before the Wedding

Careful preparation helps ensure everything runs smoothly on the big day and reduces the chance of recording problems later.

1. Verify Identification

Confirm each person’s identity with a government-issued photo ID, such as a driver’s license, state ID, or passport.

This is especially important when you do not personally know the couple. The names on the paperwork should exactly match the people appearing before you.

2. Confirm the License Is Valid

Review the original document before the ceremony begins. Make sure:

  • It was issued in Florida.
  • The wedding is taking place in Florida.
  • The wedding date is on or after the effective date.
  • The wedding date is on or before the expiration date.

Do not proceed if the document is not yet effective, has already expired, or appears incomplete.

3. Review and Take Possession of the License

The couple should give you the original paperwork before the ceremony. As the officiant, you will need to complete and sign the certificate section.

Don’t rely on a photo, copy, or verbal confirmation. Review the physical document before beginning.

4. Discuss the Ceremony Format

Speak with the couple ahead of time about the type of wedding they want. They may prefer personal vows, readings, religious elements, cultural traditions, or a brief exchange of consent.

The state doesn’t require a specific script. However, both people should clearly agree to enter the union of their own free will during the ceremony. A short verbal exchange can satisfy this requirement when the intent is clear.

5. Explain What Happens Afterward

Let the couple know that the completed paperwork must be returned by the notary to the clerk’s office for recording. Once the clerk records the act, the couple can request certified copies for name changes, insurance, benefits, and other legal needs.

Set expectations before the ceremony so the couple knows you will handle the return step and that they should not keep the original for their personal records.

6. Go Over Fees

You may charge up to $30 to solemnize matrimony. This matches the fee that circuit court clerks may charge for the same service.

You may also charge separate fees for extra services, such as:

  • Traveling to the location
  • Rehearsal attendance
  • Planning or script preparation
  • Extra coordination requested by the couple

List these charges separately from the $30 solemnization fee as independent line items. Disclose all costs in advance and put the agreement in writing so the couple understands the full price.

Conducting the Wedding

The ceremony should include the legal elements needed to create a valid matrimonial contract. You do not need to follow a specific legal script, but you should include a few key steps:

  • Require both people to appear before you. Do not proceed if either person is absent or represented by someone else.
  • Confirm clear consent from both people. Each person should clearly agree to join with the other. A simple “I do” is enough when the intent is clear.
  • Allow personal touches. Vows, rings, readings, music, and family traditions are optional. They can make the event more meaningful, but they are not required.
  • Pronounce the couple married. After both people give consent, formally announce the resulting union.
  • Witnesses are optional. State law doesn’t require witnesses for a notary-led wedding, but the couple may choose to include them.

The ceremony should feel respectful and meaningful while still establishing a clear record that all legal steps were followed.

Post-Ceremony Responsibilities and Filing

Afterwards, the notary must complete the certificate correctly and return it for recording.

Complete the Certificate

Use black ink to complete the appropriate section of the certificate. Include:

  • Date and location of the wedding
  • Your signature as the officiant
  • Your printed name and title, such as “notary public”
  • Your mailing address
  • Your notary seal or stamp

Review the certificate before returning it, making sure all required fields are complete and easy to read. Errors can delay recording and create problems for the couple when they need certified copies.

Return the Paperwork Within 10 Days

The attending notary must return the completed document to the issuing clerk’s office within 10 days after the ceremony.

You may return it by mail or deliver it in person. If you mail it, use a trackable method, like certified mail. Also keep a brief record of the ceremony date, return date, and delivery method in your business files. This helps you answer questions later if the couple asks when or where the paperwork was sent.

Make Sure Your Commission and Seal Are Current

Before you say yes to officiating a wedding, make sure your notary commission and supplies are current. If your commission or seal has expired, you may not be able to legally perform the ceremony or complete the marriage certificate.

Keeping everything up to date ensures you’ll always be prepared when couples need you. Whether you are looking to become a notary, need to renew your commission, or want to stock up on essential supplies, Florida Notary Service provides everything you need in one place.