So, you’re in love. You’re ready to say “I do.” But maybe you don’t want the big wedding. No ballroom, no massive catering bill, no stress of who sits with who. You just want the moment. Something small, fast, and meaningful. And that’s where a courthouse wedding comes in.
But here’s the big question everyone asks: how much to get married at courthouse in Florida?
It sounds simple, but it’s not just about a flat number. There’s the license. There’s the fee. There are small rules you might not even think about. And Florida, like every state, has its own little quirks.
Let’s break it down. But not like a boring legal guide. More like a friend telling you how it really goes.
The First Step: Marriage License
No license, no wedding. That’s just how it works.
In Florida, you go to the Clerk of Court office. You and your partner show up in person. Bring your ID—driver’s license, state ID, or passport. If you’ve been married before, they’ll ask about the divorce date.
Now here’s the part that matters: the fee.
The cost of a marriage license in Florida is around $86. That’s the base price. But, good news: if you’ve taken a premarital preparation course (a little class that talks about marriage expectations), you get a discount. The license drops to $61.
So right there, you see it’s not one set number. Asking how much to get married at courthouse in Florida always depends on what choices you make.
The Waiting Period Thing
Florida has a 3-day waiting period if you’re a Florida resident. Out-of-state couples? You’re lucky—no wait for you.
But if you take the premarital course, they also waive that waiting period. Pretty handy if you’re on a timeline.
Imagine this: you and your partner decide on Monday, “Let’s get married Friday.” Without the course, you might be stuck waiting. With it, you could technically marry the same day you get your license.
So, it’s not just about how much to get married at courthouse—it’s also about how fast.
The Ceremony Fee
Here’s a detail people don’t always know: getting the license doesn’t mean you’re married. You still need someone to actually perform the ceremony and sign it.
If you’re standing in front of a judge or clerk at the courthouse, they usually charge $30–$40 extra to conduct the civil ceremony.
Think of it like this: $86 for the license + $30 for the ceremony = about $116.
And if you took the premarital course, then it’s $61 + $30 = $91.
That’s pretty budget-friendly compared to the thousands people spend on weddings.
Real Story: Emma & Luis
Emma and Luis, a couple from Miami, told me their courthouse wedding story once. They walked in with butterflies, filled out the paperwork, and giggled like teenagers.
They had taken the premarital course, so their license was $61. They added the ceremony fee, and in total, they spent just under $100.
They said afterward, they celebrated with cafecito and pastelitos from a Cuban bakery down the street. Simple. Intimate. Perfect.
That’s the beauty of it. Asking how much to get married at courthouse in Florida isn’t just about numbers—it’s about the whole vibe.
Extra Costs You Might Forget
While the main fees are straightforward, there are little extras.
- Certified Copies of Marriage Certificate: After the wedding, you’ll probably need official copies for things like changing your name or updating records. Each copy usually costs about $7–$10.
- Parking: Some courthouses charge for parking. It’s not huge, but it’s still a couple of dollars.
- Travel: If you live far from the county courthouse, gas or bus fare adds up.
So while most people spend under $120, you might want to budget $150 just to be safe.
Why Courthouse Weddings Are So Popular in Florida
Florida is full of beaches, resorts, and chapels. Yet courthouse weddings are still big. Why?
- They’re cheap. No denying that.
- They’re quick. The paperwork is done right there.
- They’re intimate. No fuss, no drama.
- They’re flexible. You can always plan a bigger celebration later.
When people ask me how much to get married at courthouse in Florida, I tell them: the money part is small, but the peace of mind is huge.
County Differences
Another twist: the fees don’t always match exactly. Different Florida counties sometimes have slightly different costs for ceremonies.
For example:
- In Miami-Dade, the license is $86, ceremony $30.
- In Orange County (Orlando), it’s similar.
- In some smaller counties, the ceremony fee can be a bit higher or lower.
So, always double-check with the specific courthouse where you plan to marry.
It’s like asking how much to get married at courthouse without saying which courthouse—you’ll get a range, not a fixed price.
Dress Code and Vibes
This isn’t about money, but it matters. People often wonder: do I have to dress formal? Nope.
Some show up in jeans. Others wear full bridal gowns. It’s your call.
And because it’s Florida, don’t be surprised if you see someone in flip-flops and a sundress, holding a little bouquet from Publix. That’s part of the charm.
Out-of-State Couples
Florida is a magnet for out-of-state couples. Maybe you live up north and want sunshine. Maybe you’re on vacation in Orlando or Miami and think, why not get married?
For you, the cost is the same. But remember, no waiting period applies. That means you can fly in, get your license, and marry the same day.
It makes the question how much to get married at courthouse in Florida even more attractive for destination couples.
Breaking Down the Costs Clearly
Let’s recap in simple math:
- Marriage license: $86
- Premarital course discount: -$25 (making it $61)
- Courthouse ceremony: $30–$40
- Certified copy of marriage certificate: $7–$10 each
Total: Around $91–$126 for most couples.
Not bad for something as life-changing as marriage.
Why People Still Ask the Cost
You might think the answer is easy, but people keep searching how much to get married at courthouse in Florida because wedding costs in general are insane.
The average wedding in Florida costs over $20,000. So, when someone finds out they can legally tie the knot for under $120, it feels like a secret loophole.
The Romance of Simple Weddings
Some people think courthouse weddings aren’t romantic. But they can be.
Picture this: the quiet room, the short vows, your hands shaking as you sign the paper. You step outside into the Florida sun, married. Just like that.
Later, you can always plan a bigger party, a vow renewal, or a beach photoshoot. But the courthouse gives you the foundation.
And all for less than the cost of a fancy dinner date.
Things to Bring With You
Okay, let’s make this practical. When you’re ready, here’s what you need:
- Both partners present (no skipping this).
- Valid photo IDs.
- If divorced, the date of divorce.
- Cash or card for fees (though some courthouses don’t take cards, so check).
That’s it. No need for witnesses unless you want them.
Final Thoughts
So, back to the question: how much to get married at courthouse in Florida?
The short answer: between $91 and $126 for most couples.
The long answer: it’s not just about money. It’s about convenience. It’s about skipping the drama. It’s about choosing love over spectacle.
Some couples will spend $50,000 on a wedding. Others will spend $100 at the courthouse and feel just as married, just as happy.
At the end of the day, your marriage isn’t about how much you spent. It’s about the promises you made.
ANEELA SHAIKH MATCH MAKER
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