Skip the Stress, Not the “I Do”: How to Plan a Last‑Minute Small Wedding in Downtown Jacksonville

You do not need a year of planning to have a beautiful wedding. In Downtown Jacksonville, you can plan a last minute small wedding in Jacksonville, FL and still enjoy a meaningful, memorable day.

Rainbow Wedding Chapel sits across from the Duval County Courthouse in Downtown Jacksonville. That makes it easy to pick up your license, walk across the street, and say “I do” the same day once you meet Florida’s requirements.

Couple exchanging wedding rings during a small indoor ceremony — A small, intimate ceremony can be fast, simple, and still feel special in Downtown Jacksonville.

Why Last-Minute Small Weddings Are Popular in Jacksonville

More couples are choosing small, fast weddings over big, stressful events. Downtown Jacksonville is perfect for that style.

A last-minute small wedding works well if you:

Want to get legally married before a bigger celebration later
Prefer an intimate ceremony with only a few guests
Need a weekday or quick courthouse-adjacent option
Have family or friends in Jacksonville and want a simple gathering
Value convenience, clear steps, and a short timeline

Rainbow Wedding Chapel offers:

Walk-in wedding ceremonies and elopements
Express “Married In A Minute” style legal ceremonies
Micro, mini, small, and larger weddings for up to about 60 guests
Inclusive officiant options and LGBTQ+ friendly ceremonies

Because the chapel is located in Downtown Jacksonville, FL 32202, near Forsyth and Clay Streets, you can plan everything around the Duval County Courthouse and nearby hotels, parking, and restaurants.

What You Actually Need to Get Married Fast in Florida

To plan a last minute small wedding in Jacksonville, FL, you must follow Florida’s marriage rules. The process is simple when you know what to expect.

Marriage License Basics

In Florida, you need a valid marriage license from a Florida Clerk of Courts office. For Downtown Jacksonville weddings, couples usually use the Duval County Courthouse.

General steps:

Both partners apply for the license together
Bring required identification and information
Pay the license fee at the Clerk of Courts
Follow any waiting period rules that apply to you

Rainbow Wedding Chapel makes it easier by filing your signed marriage license with the Clerk of Courts after your ceremony. You do not have to go back to the courthouse to handle that part.

IDs and Documents You Should Bring

Check current requirements with the Clerk of Courts before you go, but couples typically need:

Valid government-issued photo ID for each partner
Social Security number (if applicable)
Information about any prior marriages

Keep your license and IDs together in a folder or envelope so you can bring them straight to Rainbow Wedding Chapel for your ceremony.

Timing Rules and Waiting Period

Florida has a waiting period for many couples between getting the license and holding the ceremony. The exact rules can depend on your situation and whether you complete a premarital course.

Plan your wedding date around:

When you can both visit the courthouse
Any waiting period that may apply to you
Your preferred ceremony time at Rainbow Wedding Chapel

If you are tight on time, ask the chapel team how couples usually schedule their license pickup and ceremony on short notice.

Use a Premarital Class Referral to Skip the Wait and Save

Want to move faster and possibly lower your license cost? A premarital course can help.

Rainbow Wedding Chapel can refer you to a premarital class provider. Completing an approved course may allow you to:

Shorten or skip the standard waiting period in Florida
Qualify for a reduced marriage license fee, depending on local rules

This is especially helpful if you are planning a last-minute small wedding in Jacksonville, FL and want to marry as soon as possible.

Ask the chapel for their current premarital class referral details when you call to book. They can point you to a partner resource that fits your schedule.

Choose the Right Ceremony Style at Rainbow Wedding Chapel

Rainbow Wedding Chapel offers several ceremony types so you can match your plans to your guest count, budget, and timeline.

Express “Married In A Minute” Style Ceremony

This option focuses on making your marriage legal quickly and clearly. It is ideal if you:

Want a fast, no-fuss legal ceremony
Are on a tight schedule during a courthouse visit
Plan a bigger celebration later

You bring your license and IDs. The officiant completes a brief ceremony, signs your license, and the chapel files it with the Clerk of Courts.

Elopement and Walk-In Ceremonies

Elopement ceremonies are perfect for just the two of you or a couple of guests. Rainbow Wedding Chapel offers walk-in wedding ceremonies when the schedule allows, especially on weekdays.

These ceremonies are simple, sweet, and focused on your vows. Digital wedding photos are included, so you still have images to share with friends and family.

Mini, Small, and Micro Weddings up to 60 Guests

If you want a small celebration with loved ones, you can choose:

Mini weddings for a handful of guests
Small weddings with a slightly larger group
Micro weddings and larger weddings for up to about 60 guests

These options work well if you want a short ceremony, a few group photos, and time for hugs and congratulations without planning a full-scale event.

Rainbow Wedding Chapel also offers wedding officiant options, including an ordained minister or a Florida commissioned notary. You can choose the style that feels right for you.

Small wedding ceremony with guests seated in an intimate indoor venue — Micro weddings at an intimate chapel let you celebrate with up to about 60 guests without the stress of a big venue.

Booking on Short Notice: Walk-Ins, Retainers, and When to Call

Rainbow Wedding Chapel is built for last-minute weddings, but a quick call can make everything smoother.

Walk-In Options Near the Duval County Courthouse

Because the chapel is located across from the courthouse in Downtown Jacksonville, it is a natural choice for walk-in ceremonies. If you are already at the courthouse getting your license, you can often walk over and ask about same-day availability.

Walk-ins work best for:

Express legal ceremonies
Elopements with very few guests
Weekday weddings when the schedule is more flexible

Weekday and Saturday Retainers

If you want to lock in a specific time, Rainbow Wedding Chapel offers weekday retainers and Saturday wedding retainers. These are booking deposits that reserve your ceremony slot.

Retainers are especially helpful if you are inviting guests or planning a micro wedding. You get peace of mind that your time and space are set.

How Far in Advance Should You Call?

For a last minute small wedding in Jacksonville, FL, consider this guide:

Same day or 24 hours: Call as soon as you know your license timing. Ask about walk-in or open slots.
Within 3–7 days: Reserve with a weekday or Saturday retainer, especially for guests or photo add-ons.
Within a few weeks: Choose your ceremony style, guest count, and any photo packages you want.

When you call, be ready to share your preferred date, approximate guest count, and whether you already have your marriage license.

Make It Feel Special, Even When It Is Fast

A quick wedding can still feel romantic and personal. Small touches go a long way.

Simple Decor Ideas

Rainbow Wedding Chapel provides a dedicated ceremony space, so you do not need to bring much. To add your own style, consider:

A small bouquet or boutonniere
A meaningful keepsake, like a family ring or photo
Coordinated outfits or colors for you and your guests

Because the chapel is already set up for weddings, you can focus on each other instead of decorating.

Digital Photos and On-Site Printing

At Rainbow Wedding Chapel, digital wedding photos are included with ceremonies. That means you get images to remember your day without hiring a separate photographer.

The chapel also offers on-site photo printing and photo packages. You can leave with printed photos in hand, which is perfect if you have family waiting to celebrate or want instant keepsakes.

Quick photo ideas:

First kiss at the altar
Ring exchange close-up
Group photo with all your guests
Fun shot outside near Downtown Jacksonville landmarks

Sample Timelines for a Last-Minute Downtown Jacksonville Wedding

Here are two example timelines to help you plan your last minute small wedding in Jacksonville, FL at Rainbow Wedding Chapel.

7-Day Planning Timeline

Day 1: Call Rainbow Wedding Chapel. Choose your ceremony type (express, elopement, mini, or micro wedding). Place a weekday or Saturday retainer if needed.
Day 2: Complete a premarital course if you plan to use a referral. Confirm any waiting period details with the Clerk of Courts.
Day 3: Visit the Duval County Courthouse to apply for your marriage license. Keep your license and IDs together.
Day 4–5: Confirm your guest list. Share the chapel address in Downtown Jacksonville and parking suggestions.
Day 6: Finalize outfits, rings, and any small decor items. Confirm your ceremony time with the chapel.
Day 7 (Wedding Day): Bring your license and IDs to Rainbow Wedding Chapel. Enjoy your ceremony, take photos, and let the chapel file your license with the Clerk of Courts.

24-Hour Planning Timeline

Morning: Call Rainbow Wedding Chapel to ask about same-day or next-day availability. Decide on an express, elopement, or mini ceremony.
Late Morning: Visit the Duval County Courthouse to apply for your marriage license, following current rules and any waiting period requirements.
Afternoon: Pick up simple outfits, rings, and a bouquet if you want one. Confirm your ceremony time with the chapel.
Evening or Next Morning: Arrive at Rainbow Wedding Chapel with your license and IDs. Have your ceremony, take digital photos, and choose any on-site photo printing options.

Ready to Plan Your Last-Minute Small Wedding in Jacksonville, FL?

If you want a fast, simple, and inclusive wedding near the Duval County Courthouse, Rainbow Wedding Chapel is ready to help. From walk-in elopements to micro weddings with up to about 60 guests, you can choose the ceremony that fits your timeline and your love story.

Next steps:

Decide your ideal date and guest count
Call Rainbow Wedding Chapel to check availability and retainer options
Plan your visit to the Duval County Courthouse for your marriage license

Skip the stress, not the “I do.” Your Downtown Jacksonville wedding can be simple, joyful, and sooner than you think.

Frequently Asked Questions

How fast can I get married at Rainbow Wedding Chapel?

Once you meet Florida’s marriage license rules, you can often schedule a ceremony very quickly, sometimes on short notice or the same week.

Do I need an appointment, or can I walk in?

Walk-ins may be available, especially on weekdays, but calling ahead helps you confirm timing and reserve a spot if needed.

How many guests can I invite?

Rainbow Wedding Chapel can host everything from private elopements to micro and small weddings, with larger options for up to about 60 guests.

Who can officiate our ceremony?

You can choose between an ordained minister or a Florida commissioned notary as your wedding officiant at the chapel.

Are photos included with the ceremony?

Yes. Digital wedding photos are included with ceremonies, and you can also choose on-site photo printing and additional photo packages.