{"id":39747,"name":"Tampa","state_id":15,"county_id":719,"created_at":"2019-09-24T10:24:10.827-07:00","updated_at":"2023-10-13T09:28:51.729-07:00","meta_description":"learn how to legally officiate and plan wedding ceremonies in Tampa, Hillsborough County, Florida","head_tag":"A Tampa Wedding Ceremony Guide For Wedding Ministers and Couples","tagline":"A Big Guava Wedding Ceremony ","intro_section":"\u003cp\u003eIf you\u0026rsquo;re planning a wedding in Florida, make sure to check out what \u0026ldquo;Cigar City\u0026rdquo; has to offer. Tucked inside beautiful Tampa Bay on the western coast of Florida, this Gulf Coast metropolis is home to some of the state\u0026rsquo;s most beautiful, sunny beaches, its best food (can you say Cuban sandwiches?) and cultural points of interest \u0026mdash; and it still packs a punch of zesty nightlife reminiscent of its southern sister, Miami.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eThanks to its steady flow of year-round tourism, it\u0026rsquo;s also chock full of luxurious accommodations, which make it a hotbed (no pun intended) of lavish wedding venues.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eWhether you\u0026rsquo;re hosting a classic, wholesome celebration of love, or a blowout your guests will never forget, hangovers and all, Tampa\u0026rsquo;s got what you need. But before you start planning your party in paradise, let us help you get the paperwork out of the way, starting with licensing your chosen wedding officiant.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n","officiant_section":"\u003ch3\u003eStep\u0026nbsp;1: Get Ordained with American Marriage Ministries\u003c/h3\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eAccording to Hillsborough County Clerk\u0026rsquo;s \u003ca href=\"https://www.hillsclerk.com/Additional-Services/Marriage-License/Who-Can-Perform-Marriage-Ceremonies\"\u003ewebsite\u003c/a\u003e, county clerks, public notaries, ship captains and ministers can perform wedding ceremonies. But if you don\u0026rsquo;t fall into any of these categories, don\u0026rsquo;t sweat it. You can get ordained with AMM to \u003ca href=\"/ordination-application\"\u003ebecome a legal minister \u003c/a\u003ein just a few minutes, and it\u0026rsquo;s free!\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eWhen it comes time to perform your duties as the officiant, Hillsborough County may ask you to present documentation, which AMM provides for a small fee. (You can call the county clerk\u0026rsquo;s office before you perform the ceremony to ask if they will require you to bring the certificate in person.)\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003ch3\u003eStep\u0026nbsp;2: Prepare for the Ceremony in Hillsborough County\u003c/h3\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eNow that the easy part is out of the way, let\u0026rsquo;s get you prepared for the wedding ceremony itself. If a couple has asked you to officiate their wedding ceremony, you know what an honor it is, but it can definitely feel like a lot of pressure. Check out our wedding training pages, which offer a plethora of prompts to help you start preparing for your first ceremony.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eHere you can find everything from sample wedding ceremony scripts, to \u0026nbsp;brainstorming prompts, tips for preparation, and more.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003ch3\u003eStep\u0026nbsp;3: Officiate the Wedding and Complete the Marriage License\u003c/h3\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eWhen it comes time to sign the marriage license, it\u0026rsquo;s the couple\u0026rsquo;s responsibility to obtain and complete the marriage license, but just be sure to double-check that they have a valid marriage license before the ceremony.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eIn Tampa, once you have performed the ceremony and notarized the marriage license, you have successfully performed all of your functions as the wedding officiant. The couple will take care of the rest.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n","couple_section":"\u003ch3\u003eFile for your Marriage License from the Hillsborough County Clerk\u0026#39;s Office\u003c/h3\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eNow let\u0026rsquo;s turn our attention to the couple\u0026rsquo;s responsibilities.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eFirst things first: Florida law requires that both people read the Marriage Handbook before applying for a marriage license, which are available in \u003ca href=\"https://familylawfla.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Family-Law-Handbook-2020-Revision-Clean-Version-March-3-20211.pdf\"\u003eEnglish\u003c/a\u003e\u0026nbsp;and \u003ca href=\"https://familylawfla.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Family-Law-Handbook-Spanish-Translation.pdf\"\u003eSpanish\u003c/a\u003e.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eIn the meantime, you can book your appointment with the Clerk of Circuit Court in downtown Tampa via the \u003ca href=\"https://www.hillsclerk.com/About-Us/ClerkExpress\"\u003eonline portal\u003c/a\u003e. Or just walk anytime and wait, no appointment necessary.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eBefore you go, you can print out the marriage license application form available \u003ca href=\"https://www.hillsclerk.com/Additional-Services/Marriage-License/Online-Marriage-License\"\u003eonline\u003c/a\u003e\u0026nbsp;and complete it prior to your appointment to save time. But if you don\u0026rsquo;t have access to a printer, the county clerk\u0026rsquo;s office can provide you one to fill out in person.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhen you go, both members of the couple need to bring:\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cul\u003e\r\n\t\u003cli\u003eID (a valid driver\u0026#39;s license, state identification card, or passport will work)\u003c/li\u003e\r\n\t\u003cli\u003eSocial security numbers (it is not necessary to bring in the social security card as long as you have the number memorized or written down)\u003c/li\u003e\r\n\u003c/ul\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eThe fee is $86 or $61 for Florida residents who have completed a premarital preparation course with a \u003ca href=\"https://www.hillsclerk.com/Additional-Services/Marriage-License/Pre-Marital-Course-Providers\"\u003eregistered course\u003c/a\u003e provider. All payment methods are accepted (cash, money order, traveler\u0026#39;s check, credit card, or personal check.)\u003c/p\u003e\r\n","wedding_tips":"\u003ch3\u003eThe Basics\u003c/h3\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eTampa has a little bit of everything: loads of beach bars, nightclubs and restaurants, as well as some impressive music venues and museums. When it comes to choosing your wedding venue, Tampa\u0026rsquo;s options can be broken down into Beach and Non-Beach.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eYou can get lost in the number of options from the former category. There are dozens of gorgeous private settings on the Gulf Coast, like resorts, hotels and boating clubs. You can start to narrow it down by reading about \u003ca href=\"https://www.thecrazytourist.com/the-15-best-beaches-in-tampa/\"\u003eTampa\u0026rsquo;s best beaches\u003c/a\u003e, and seeing what jumps out at you.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eOne of our favorites is \u003ca href=\"https://www.romantichoneymoonisland.com/weddings-and-parties/\"\u003eHoneymoon Island\u003c/a\u003e. It\u0026rsquo;s perfectly suited name. This state park has four miles of gorgeous white Floridian sand, where you can say \u0026ldquo;I do\u0026rdquo; at sunset. Inland, you can also explore the pristine nature of the pine forest by taking a hike on Osprey Trail. It doesn\u0026rsquo;t get any more romantic than this.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eIf you\u0026rsquo;re not about a beach vibe, Tampa also offers some amazing venues away from the water that will make you swoon, like the \u003ca href=\"https://www.weddingwire.com/wedding-ideas/tampa-wedding-venues-no-beach\"\u003eOxford Exchange\u003c/a\u003e \u0026mdash; a trendy brunch spot and community hub, as well as a highly-rated, uber popular wedding venue in its spare time. Its high ceilings and black-and-white tile set the scene for a wedding that oozes Great Gatsby opulence. Or if you\u0026rsquo;re envisioning more of a casual gathering, there are plenty of options perfect for that as well, like the \u003ca href=\"https://marrymetampabay.com/rustic-dade-city-wedding-venue-spotlight-lange-farm/\"\u003eLange Farm,\u003c/a\u003e half an hour from downtown Tampa. Don\u0026rsquo;t look at the photos of this venue unless you\u0026rsquo;re ready to discover your deep inner yearning to move to the countryside and live in a farmhouse that you didn\u0026rsquo;t know you had.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003ch3\u003eTransportation\u003c/h3\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eTampa isn\u0026rsquo;t known for having good public transportation outside of downtown, so if you\u0026rsquo;re from out of town, you\u0026rsquo;ll want to either rent a car or plan to utilize Lyft and/or Uber, both of which are available. Depending on how much hopping around town you plan to do, renting a car may end up being the cheapest option, but be warned that traffic can be agonizing on the interstates and bridges, especially during rush hour, so allocate extra time to get from point A to point B.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003ch3\u003eWeather\u003c/h3\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eIf you\u0026rsquo;re a Florida native, we don\u0026rsquo;t have to warn you about the heat and humidity. Temperatures in Tampa stay below 100 degrees year-round, but the humidity and sun will make it feel like a sauna. Hurricane season starts in June and lasts until December, but most of the tropical storms hit between August and October. So, if you\u0026rsquo;re planning a wedding, choosing a winter date is a safer bet. Skies are usually clear and temperatures stay in the comfortable 60s and 70s.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n","faq":"\u003ch4\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDo both people need to be present to apply for a marriage license?\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/h4\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eYes, both members of the couple must be present to sign the marriage license application form and take an oath to the truthfulness of the information provided, which can only be done in person.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003ch4\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs there a waiting period to get married once we\u0026rsquo;ve applied?\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/h4\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eYes, there is a three day waiting period, unless you have a certificate of completion from a premarital preparation course. You can read the marriage handbook and find a qualified registered course provider here.\\\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003ch4\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCan we use a Hillsborough marriage license to get married in another state?\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/h4\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eA marriage license issued in Hillsborough is valid anywhere within Florida, but not anywhere outside of the state.\u003cbr /\u003e\r\n\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003ch4\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs a blood test required to apply for a marriage license?\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/h4\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eNo, blood tests are not required anywhere in Florida to obtain a marriage license.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003ch4\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDoes one or both parties have to be U.S. citizens to get married in Tampa?\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/h4\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eNo, there is no citizenship or residency requirements to get married in Florida.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n","content_live":true,"marriage_licensing_info":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIssuance Office:\u003c/strong\u003e 419 Pierce St, Tampa, FL 33602\u003cbr /\u003e\r\n\u003cstrong\u003eFee:\u003c/strong\u003e $86\u0026nbsp;\u003cbr /\u003e\r\n\u003cstrong\u003eWaiting Period:\u003c/strong\u003e Three days\u003cbr /\u003e\r\n\u003cstrong\u003eExpiration\u003c/strong\u003e: 60 days\u003cbr /\u003e\r\n\u003cstrong\u003eReturn:\u003c/strong\u003e by Couple\u003c/p\u003e\r\n","meta_description_esp":null,"head_tag_esp":null,"tagline_esp":null,"intro_section_esp":"","officiant_section_esp":"","couple_section_esp":"","wedding_tips_esp":"","faq_esp":"","content_live_esp":false,"marriage_licensing_info_esp":""}