Like most couples, the thought that you need to apply for your marriage license likely won’t come up first when you think about wedding planning. You can accomplish most things online and have it sent directly to your house, why not do the same thing and get your marriage license by mail?
Let’s face it – it’s not the most fun part about planning your wedding!
Today, Lorraine Ellis shares how Florida Marriage License by Mail offers a by-mail option for couples wishing to get their wedding license ahead of time, and shares with us common Q&A to help you navigate through the process.
First, let’s outline what a marriage license is:
A marriage license is a legal document obtained in the county you plan to marry in, prior to getting married. In short, it’s a license to actually get married! Once your license is signed by an officiant and returned to the County Clerk, a marriage certificate is then issued and your marriage is final.
The process to apply can sometimes take hours. Luckily, there’s an easier way to receive your marriage license, and that’s by applying through the mail! Companies like Florida Marriage License by Mail offer this service online and there are so many benefits.
The Convenience
If you both have busy schedules, the convenience of applying for your marriage license online can’t be beat. You can fill out the application online at any time at your own pace; no more spending an hour or possibly longer to see the County Clerk! In addition, you won’t have to reschedule your appointment if you forget any documentation.
“My fiancée and I are heading back to the state she grew up in to make our marriage official. With both of us living in South Carolina, the logistics playing a part in securing our marriage license created some conflict. However, thanks to Florida Marriage License by Mail we were able to go through this process just by email and paper mail. Very smooth process and highly recommend to anyone who is considering this option!” – Jeffery Ginn
Expiration Dates and Deadlines Are Things Of The Past
You won’t have to worry about your license expiring or deadlines quietly creeping up because companies like Florida Marriage License by Mail take those things into consideration when submitting your marriage license application! You can apply for your license with Florida Marriage License by Mail six months before your wedding date and still be good to go on your wedding day!
“WONDERFUL! I was so worried about having my wedding 8 hours away but using Florida Marriage License by mail was so easy and quick and made getting our license a worry we did not have! Lorraine made everything perfect and updated me on what was going on every time a move was made. We are so pleased and happy to have used this as a way to get our license and can’t wait until our big day” – Alexis Warren
Extra Travelling Not Required
This one is especially helpful if you are planning a destination wedding! When you apply for a marriage license online, you don’t have to travel to the county where you plan to get married (possibly more than once) in order to start the application process. This can save you so much time and a little extra money in saved traveling costs!
“As a UK-based couple, we were a bit apprehensive about using a “by mail” service but we didn’t want to spend part of our holiday waiting in a Courthouse to get a license issued so we gave it a go. Trust me – this is a brilliant service – so simple too! You are given clear instructions and the communication throughout is faultless. Lorraine. – the business owner, has been a star and I can’t recommend this service highly enough. Thank you so much for making everything stress-free.” – June Hibbins-Ball
Organization
Companies like Florida Marriage License by Mail can arrange to send your marriage license to you or a designated person, such as a wedding coordinator or officiant, to help keep you organized in the days leading up to your wedding. This gives you one less thing to hand off and worry about, which is a helping hand we could all use!
“The process was so easy. I’m from out of state. If you are wondering if it’s worth the money, I can promise you it is. Couldn’t have been any easier!” – Amy Brown
“I highly recommend this company. Lorraine and her team were first class in helping us organize our license, making it a stress-free process.” – Ava Donald[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
General Process & Requirements
What are the specific Florida state requirements for obtaining a marriage license by mail?
The requirements for United States Residents are a photocopy of your driver’s license, which you will provide in the form on our website. You will also need a notarized version of your marriage license, which you will print out, get notarized, and send back to us.
The only difference for out-of-country residents is that they need a photocopy of their passport instead of a driver’s license.
Are there any residency requirements for couples applying for a Florida marriage license?
There are no residency requirements. Anyone can apply!
How far in advance should couples apply for their marriage license by mail?
You can apply as early as you would like. We will only send the marriage license to the courthouse 55 days before the wedding date.
If you send us your application sooner, then it will allow more time for everything to be completed, and we will keep it in a safe place until the 55-day mark.
What documents are required to complete the application process?
- Driver’s License for U.S. residents and Passport for out-of-country residents.
- A notarized marriage license form.
What should couples know about the notarization process?
You can get your license notarized at most places, including some post offices, but it is an extra cost!
Cost & Timelines
Are there expedited options available for couples who need their license sooner?
Yes, there are different timeline options available. We can expedite the process when couples disclose or send us FedEx or UPS labels.
Are there any additional fees for international couples applying for a Florida marriage license?
No, there are no additional fees on our end for international couples.
You might have to pay foreign transaction fees depending on how you pay, and you may have to pay more for postage as opposed to domestic couples.
Legal & Logistical Considerations
Does the marriage license expire if not used within a certain timeframe?
Yes, the final marriage license is only valid for 60 days, which is why we send it a maximum of 55 days before to allow some room for unforeseen circumstances.
However, a license can be reissued on a case-by-case basis for certain circumstances.
How does the process differ for couples having a destination wedding in Florida versus local Florida residents?
This process does not vary for destination weddings. If your wedding date is within 40 days, Florida Residents cannot use this expedited service.
Do couples still need to visit the courthouse at any point, or can the entire process be completed remotely?
The process can be done completely remotely!
Benefits of Using Florida Marriage License by Mail
How does Florida Marriage License by Mail streamline the process compared to applying in person?
With Florida Marriage License by Mail, you do not have to go to the courthouse at all. We do most of the paperwork for you so you can concentrate on the fun wedding planning!
After filling out the form, the next thing couples have to do is get it notarized, then the rest is our responsibility.
Can couples designate their wedding planner or officiant to handle the license on their behalf?
Absolutely! All the couple needs to do is send us photocopies of their form and get the license notarized. The rest we and your coordinator can do!
What are the biggest challenges couples face when applying for a Florida marriage license, and how does your company help resolve them?
The biggest challenges that couples would face are trying to figure out what they need to bring to the courthouse, and also the time it takes to wait at the courthouse for the whole process.
We save YOU the aggravation of both!
What sets Florida Marriage License by Mail apart from similar services?
We have been in business for 20 years! We have created so many deep and meaningful connections in the state of Florida.
Ready to Get Your Marriage License By Mail?
Once you decide you’re ready to order your marriage license online, you can follow these steps with Florida Marriage License By Mail.
1. Apply
The first step you’ll need to complete in the process of receiving your marriage license is to fill out their online application. Before you head to the application make sure you have both of your Government-issued IDs as well as your information to complete the online payment.
2. Process
After your online payment and application have been received the proper documents will be processed at the courthouse. Once the courthouse receives the information found in the application, they will complete the marriage license with that information, from there it will be sent back to you with a pre-marital statement and all of the next steps you need to take.
3. Notarize
Upon receiving it in the mail, you and your fiance will find and meet with a public notary to have the documents notarized per the instructions you received.
4. License
Once Florida Marriage License by Mail receives your completed license from the courthouse, it will be mailed back to you at the address noted on the application and ready for your wedding day.
