How to Officiate a Wedding in Orlando, Florida

Let’s just say it. Disney’s Magic Kingdom, Universal Studios, Sea World, Legoland, Epcot… If you want a Disney Wedding, A Harry Potter Wedding, a Free Willy Wedding, or any of the hundreds of other iconic themed weddings, this is your town!

Orlando is where you go for warm weather and top-shelf tourism. It also happens to be one of the most popular places in the country to get married. Makes sense to us...

 
If you are considering getting married in Orlando, this page will help you understand how to get your officiant ordained, how to get a marriage license, and all that other bureaucratic fun stuff that you simply need to take care of. Once that’s out of the way, we can move on to the fun stuff like planning the ceremony with Mickey Mouse, Hagrid, or Michael Jackson...

Step 1: Get Ordained with American Marriage Ministries

According to Florida’s marriage law, these are the individuals that are legally able to officiate a marriage ceremony in the state of Florida:

1. Ordained clergy
2. Ministers and other religious parties 
3. Judicial officers
4. Notary Publics

 
Not an ordained minister? No problemo. That’s what we do here at American Marriage Ministries. Getting ordained online only takes a minute, and then you can legally perform weddings for friends, family, and anyone else that asks you to (oryou ask them). Click any of the “get ordained” links here on our website and get the ordination process taken care of. 
 

Step 2: Prepare for the Ceremony in Orange County

Now that you’ve got your credentials taken care of, you’re almost ready to start performing weddings in Orlando FL (and everywhere else in the IS). But there’s more. 

We can help you prepare for the wedding ceremony itself. Being asked to officiate a ceremony is a true honor, but requires a bit of preparation. A great place to start is with our wedding training pages, which are a library of information to help you prepare for your first ceremony and ensure that it goes smoothly. 

Step 3: Officiate the Wedding and Complete the Marriage License

When it comes time to sign the marriage license, it’s the couple’s responsibility to obtain and complete the marriage license, but the minister has to sign it. It’s also important that the license is returned within 10 days of the ceremony. 

 
Once you have performed the ceremony and signed the marriage license, you have successfully performed all of your functions as the wedding officiant. Make sure to remind the couple to return the signed and completed marriage license to the county clerk’s office before it expires. Ideally, the license should be returned right away, since that’s when the marriage is recorded into government records.

The couple is responsible for applying for the marriage license. 

You can start the process online here and download and fill out the application. You will still need to apply in person at one of the following locations:  

• 425 North Orange Ave, Orlando FL
• 1111 North Rock Springs Road, Orlando FL
• 684 S. Goldenrod Road, Orlando FL
• 475 Story Road, Orlando FL
• 450 Lakemont Ave, Orlando FL

Make sure to bring these documents with you during the time of applying for the license:

1. Photo ID
2. Social security numbers 
3. Information and documentation about past marriages
4. Information about children born together in Florida 
5. Fee: $86
6. Completed online eMarriage Application or printed application

The Basics

Orlando has a global draw, and like most tourist destinations, has it’s high and low seasons. Due to this, it is important to check the events and festivals that are happening in the area before you book your wedding. That way you might be able to score deals, and avoid the biggest crowds. 

Weather

The weather in Florida is warm and humid, but still sunny. It rains frequently, so check the weather and factor it into your plans. Additionally, most of the venues are air conditioned, so everyone should still be comfortable.