Weddings
Marriage License: There are a few rules you need to abide by in order to get married in Sarasota. First, you need a license. To get one, you need to apply in person and bring your driver's license, a passport or Florida Identification card.
If either of you have ever been married before, you'll need to supply the date the previous marirage ended (either by divorce, annulment or death).
Recent rules stipulate that "marriage" is the legal union between "One man and one woman as husband and wife" Florida does not support gay marriage.
Both applicants must be 18 years or older - if they don't have parental consent. Applicants 16 years old or older (but not 18), must provide a birth certificate and proof of ID along with notarized written consent of parents or guardian. A separate consent form is available at the County Court. Applicants under 16 must obtain a determination from a County Court Judge.
Blood tests are not required, but a $93.50 fee is and should be made payable to the Clerk of the Circuit Court. However, if the applicants provide a valid certificate of completion of the State Approved Pre-Marital Course, the fee is reduced by $32.50.
Completion of the Pre-Marital Course also removes the three-day waiting period for the license to become active. Several on-line courses are available, and most clergy and houses of worship offer the course if needed.
Once you obtain your marriage license and it is valid, the license must be used within 60 days. It can be used in any county in Florida, but the executed license must be returned to within 10 days to the County in which it was issued - so no running off on your honeymoon without sending it in.
Couples can be married by the Clerk of the Court (Monday through Friday, 8:30 - 4:00) - a $30 fee is required.
Sarasota County has two Circuit Court Locations where all this paperwork and filing can take place:
North County
2000 Main Street, Room 102
Sarasota, FL 34237
South County
R.L Anderson Administration Center
4000 South Tamiami Trail
Sarasota, FL 34293
The official Florida Marriage Handbook in pdf.
Officiants/Clergy: Most houses of worship have an official that can perform your wedding ceremony. Here are a few to consider:
Romantic Weddings
Dr. Stephen Lortz
3019 Bon Air Avenue
Sarasota, FL 34234
(941) 359-9600
Barefoot Weddings
Nancy J. Taussig
PO Box 25421
Sarasota, FL 94277
(941) 952-1440
Settings for your Ceremony: Surrounded by beautiful natural settings (beaches and parks), many couples choose to have an outdoor ceremony in one of these settings. Let's face it a wedding on the beach is pretty romantic. Many of the local Resorts, Hotels and other places like Country Clubs, Restaurants and Marinas also make their property available for wedding ceremonies.
You might also want to consider an historic site as well. There's no right or wrong place, use your imagination and find the place that makes you feel good and will be something you'll remember for the rest of your life. Hey, people have gotten married while sky-diving, in hot air balloons, on yachts.
Receptions: Wedding receptions are big business. You'll be hard pressed to find a hotel, resort or restaurant that will turn you away. Waterfront locations, Country Clubs, or even outdoor settings hosted by catering services are popular.
Catering: You can let the reception locations handle the catering services, or you might want to check out a few businesses that specialize in bringing great food to you.
Flowers: Beneva Flowers & Gifts specializes in wedding arrangements and flowers.
Photography & Videographers: Lakewood Ranch Studios
Other Important Items: Doing your homework and getting all the details in place well before your wedding day can make for a hassle free wedding day. Make sure you get as much of the arrangements in writing and you follow up with your suppliers and service providers a few days before the ceremony - there will be plenty of surprises on your weeding day, make sure they're all good ones!
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