Choosing Where to Wed

your ceremony location

For centuries churches and synagogues have been the traditional choice for the sacred act of exchanging vows. Lending an air of reverence and dignity to even the most casual of ceremonies, these holy places have created the perfect setting for the formal commitment of marriage. There are many unique options for couples who, for whatever reason, would prefer an alternate location. These locations usually have fewer rules and guidelines than other formal houses of worship, yet still provide a spiritual setting.

Have the ceremony at the reception venue. Couples often choose this option as a convenience for their guests, minimizing the distance one must travel from ceremony to reception. Facilities that provide this option normally have separate areas for each event, or a plan for quickly converting the room.

Sometimes places with the most personal significance make the best ceremony locations. For example, a park you walked through on your first date, the backyard where one of you grew up or a relative’s home where you enjoy spending time are all good choices.

If you love the outdoors, consider holding your ceremony at a city park, the beach, a zoo, or even at the foot of a national landmark.f you’re a little on the daring and outrageous side, you might consider exchanging vows while sky diving from a plane, scuba diving, or in a hot air balloon. Whatever your preference, there is no right or wrong way to say “I do.” HOW TO GO FROM MISS TO MRS

change your

SOCIAL SECURITY DRIVER’S LICENSE BANK ACCOUNTS PAYROLL POST OFFICE CREDIT CARD SCHOOL & ALUMNI INSURANCE LANDLORD/MORTGAGE DOCTOR’S OFFICE PASSPORT W-4 FORM 401K VOICEMAIL HEALTH PROXY SOCIAL MEDIA

DUVAL COUNTY

Clerk of Court Duval County Courthouse 501 W Adams St Jacksonville, FL 32202 904.630.1436 • 8:00 to 5:00 M/F duvalclerk.com

ANNEX

Clerk of Court 1543 Atlantic Blvd., Neptune Beach 904.270.1508 • 8:00 - 4:30

ST. JOHNS COUNTY

Clerk of Court St. Johns County Courthouse 4010 Lewis Speedway, St. Augustine 904.819.3600 • 8:00 to 5:00 M/F clk.co.st-johns.fl.us

CLAY COUNTY

Clerk of Court Clay County Courthouse 825 N. Orange Ave., Green Cove Springs 904.269.6300 • 8:30 – 4:30 M / F .clayclerk.com

ANNEX

Clerk of Court 1478 Park Ave., Orange Park 904.278.4769 • 8:30 - 4:00 M / F

1836 Blanding Blvd., Middleburg 904.282.6490 • 8:30 - 4:00 Tuesday only

NASSAU COUNTY

Clerk of Court Nassau County Courthouse 416 Centre St., Fernandina Beach, FL 904.491.6430 • 8:00 – 4:00 M / F nassauclerk.com

ANNEX

Clerk of Court 76347 Veterans Way, Yulee 904.548.4600 • 8:30 – 4:00 M / F

Hours and days of operation are subject to change at all Clerk of Court locations.

FLORIDA MARRIAGE LAWS

Legal age is 18. There are no citizenship or residency requirements. If you are not a U.S. citizen, a valid passport, must be presented. No blood test is required. Both must apply in person. Both must bring a Social Security Card or another form of identification to include the Social Security number and one of the following: Drivers License (valid photo I.D.), State I.D. Card, Military I.D. or passport. If divorced or widowed, you will need to provide how your last marriage ended and the exact date (month, day, year). When in doubt, bring papers! Florida Law requires that the Family Law Handbook (provided by the Clerk’s Office) be read prior to issuance of the marriage license. Waiting period is a full 3 days if both parties are Florida residents.

This means: apply for license on Monday…it is valid on Friday. There is no waiting period for out-of-state residents. The 3-day waiting period is waived if a stateapproved, 4-hour Premarital Preparation Course has been taken by both within the past 12 months. Certificates of completion must be presented at the time of the application. You must go to the Clerk’s Office or website for a list of approved course providers as they are numerous and vary from county to county and over time.

Fee is payable in CASH ONLY $93.50 without Premarital Course

$61.00 if you have taken the course Florida marriage licenses are good for up to 60 days anywhere in the state of Florida. Completed Marriage Certificate must be returned to issuing office for recording within 10 days of the ceremony. Allow at least 30 minutes to complete paperwork.

CAKES AND SWEETS

A weet endin TO A SPECIAL DAY

There are few things we appreciate more than a gorgeous, visually stunning wedding cake or sweet table display. So why limit yourself to just one. Go ahead and indulge!

Photo Credit: becphotography