4 minute read
Choosing Where to Wed
Ann EAstwick
Congratulations
BRITTANY & MIKE
NOVEMBER 20, 2021 CHRISTINE AUSTIN PHOTOGRAPHY
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. Consider holding the event at a non-denominational church or chapel. 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.”
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 state-approved, 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.
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 www.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 www.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 www.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 www.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.
CAKES AND SWEETS
A sweet ending TO A SPECIAL DAY
It’s the sweetest wedding task of them all – deciding on dessert for your big day. Take in all the options, work with a pro to make it custom and whatever you do, don’t miss out on any tasting.
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