Tie the Knot with a Pro: Your Guide to Notary Wedding Officiants in Florida
- Olivia Sterling
- Dec 31, 2025
- 3 min read
Planning a wedding in the City Beautiful? From the scenic shores of Lake Eola to the historic charm of Winter Park, Orlando offers endless backdrops for your special day. But before you cut the cake, you need someone to make it official. In Florida, you have a unique and joyful option: hiring a Notary Public to officiate your ceremony. As one of the only states in the country that grants notaries this special power, Florida makes it easier than ever to tie the knot on your own terms.
💡 Key Takeaways
Legal Officiants: Florida is one of the few states that allows notaries to legally officiate wedding ceremonies.
Marriage License Requirement: Before the ceremony can take place, couples must get a valid marriage license from a Florida Clerk of Court.
Location Restrictions: The ceremony must be conducted within Florida's state lines.
Filing Deadline: The notary must return the signed marriage license within 10 days of the wedding.
Flexible Alternative: Notaries provide a professional and flexible option compared to religious or courthouse officiants.
An Exclusive Florida Tradition
Did you know that Florida is one of a select few states in the U.S.—historically part of an elite trio including South Carolina and Maine—where a Notary Public has the legal authority to solemnize the rites of matrimony? While most people associate notaries with power of attorney or real estate deeds, in the Sunshine State, we have the distinct honor of helping couples start their lives together.
Whether you are planning an intimate elopement at Harry P. Leu Gardens or a grand celebration in Thornton Park, a Florida notary provides a professional, flexible, and legally sound alternative to traditional officiants.
The Essential Rules for Your 2026 Wedding
To ensure your marriage is legally recognized under Florida statutes, there are three critical rules we must follow:
☑️ A Valid Florida Marriage License: Before the ceremony can begin, you must present a valid marriage license issued by a Florida County Court Judge or a Clerk of the Circuit Court. Note that for Florida residents, there is typically a 3-day waiting period unless you have completed a premarital preparation course.
☑️ Stay Within State Lines: A Florida notary's "joyful power" is bound by geography. We can officiate your wedding anywhere from the beaches of the Gulf to the Atlantic, or right here in the heart of Orange County, but we cannot perform the ceremony once we cross state lines.
☑️ The 10-Day Return Rule: Once the "I dos" are exchanged and the paperwork is signed, the law requires the notary to return the completed marriage license to the office that issued it within 10 days. This ensures your marriage is officially recorded with the state.
Why Choose an Orlando Notary as Your Officiant?
Choosing a notary as your officiant offers a blend of legal expertise and personal customization. Unlike a rigid courthouse appointment at the Orange County Courthouse, a notary can meet you at your favorite Winter Park bistro, a local park, or even your own backyard.
As we move onto 2026, more couples are opting for "micro-weddings" and personalized ceremonies. A notary ensures that while the ceremony is heartfelt and unique to you, every legal "i" is dotted and "t" is crossed, giving you peace of mind as you begin your journey as a married couple.
Preparing for the Big Day
When you meet with your notary, make sure you have:
Your original, valid Florida marriage license.
Government-issued photo identification for both parties.
Any specific vows or readings you wish to include in the ceremony.
Florida notaries are empowered to perform any form of ceremony you desire, as long as there is a formal exchange of vows and a clear "pronouncement" of marriage at the end.
Planning an Orlando wedding in 2026? Don't let the legalities stress you out. Whether you're dreaming of a sunset ceremony or a simple "I do" in your favorite local spot, say "I do" with a professional notary who understands the law and celebrates your love. Contact us today to officiate your ceremony and make your marriage official!
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