Exactly What You Need to Get Married Today in Jacksonville: License, Chapel, and Photos Covered
You are ready to say, “We want to get married today.” You want it simple, legal, and joyful. No drama. No long planning.
If you are asking, “What do I need to get married in Jacksonville, FL today?”, this guide walks you through every step. From your Florida marriage license at the Duval County Courthouse to a fast, beautiful ceremony at Rainbow Wedding Chapel across the street, you will know exactly what to bring, where to go, and how to walk out married.
Step 1: Florida Marriage License Basics in Jacksonville
Before any ceremony, you need a valid Florida marriage license. In Downtown Jacksonville, you will usually get it from the Duval County Clerk of Courts at the courthouse.
What you typically need for a Florida marriage license
Requirements can change, so always confirm with the Clerk of Courts. In general, you should expect to bring:
- Valid government-issued photo ID for each of you (such as a driver license or passport)
- Social Security number (if issued) or other identifying information
- Basic personal details (address, date of birth, previous marriage information if applicable)
- Payment method accepted by the Clerk of Courts for the license fee
Florida does not require a blood test. There may be a waiting period for Florida residents unless you complete a premarital course. Non-Florida residents often do not have a waiting period, but you should verify current rules with the Clerk of Courts.
How the Duval County Courthouse fits into your wedding day
The Duval County Courthouse in Downtown Jacksonville is where many couples start their day. You can:
- Apply for and receive your marriage license (if you meet all requirements)
- Then walk across the street to Rainbow Wedding Chapel for your ceremony
Rainbow Wedding Chapel is located in Downtown Jacksonville, FL 32202, near Forsyth and Clay Streets, directly across from the courthouse area. That means you can handle your license and your ceremony in one quick trip downtown.
How Rainbow Wedding Chapel Streamlines Your “Get Married Today” Plan
Once you have your license, you need a ceremony and an officiant to make it legal. Rainbow Wedding Chapel is designed for couples who want a fast, affordable, and welcoming option near the courthouse.
Walk-in and short-notice wedding options
Rainbow Wedding Chapel focuses on flexible, fast ceremonies, including:
- Walk in wedding ceremonies for couples who are ready now
- Elopement ceremonies for just the two of you or a few guests
- Express “Married In A Minute” style ceremonies to make it legal with minimal fuss
- Micro, mini, and small weddings for intimate groups
- Large weddings for up to about 60 guests
Whether you are coming alone, with two witnesses, or with a full group of family and friends, there is a ceremony style that fits. The chapel is inclusive and welcoming to all couples, including LGBTQ+ and non-traditional pairings.
Convenient Downtown Jacksonville location
Because Rainbow Wedding Chapel is across from the Duval County Courthouse, you can:
- Pick up your license at the courthouse
- Walk across the street to the chapel
- Have your ceremony and photos taken
- Leave as a legally married couple
If you are planning ahead, you can contact the chapel to ask about Saturday wedding retainers or weekday retainers to secure your preferred date and time.
Skip the Wait: Premarital Class Referral to Reduce Cost and Waiting Period
Florida may offer benefits if you complete a premarital course from an approved provider. These can include a reduced license fee and a shorter or waived waiting period for Florida residents, depending on current laws.
Rainbow Wedding Chapel can refer you to a premarital class partner resource. This lets you:
- Complete a recognized premarital course
- Bring your completion certificate when you apply for your license
- Potentially save money and time on your license process
If you want to get married as quickly as possible, ask the chapel about their premarital class referral before you head to the courthouse. That way you can plan your timing and paperwork correctly.
Make It Legal Fast: Express Ceremony, Officiant Choices, and License Filing
Once you have your license and you are at Rainbow Wedding Chapel, the focus is on making your marriage legal and meaningful, without dragging out the process.
Express “Married In A Minute” style ceremony
If you want the fastest option, the chapel offers an Express “Married In A Minute” style ceremony. This is ideal when you:
- Already have your license
- Need a quick, legal ceremony
- Prefer a short script and simple vows
You still get a real ceremony and a signed license. The focus is on speed and clarity so you can move on to celebrating.
Wedding officiant options
Rainbow Wedding Chapel gives you a choice of officiant types, including:
- An ordained minister
- A Florida commissioned notary
You can choose what feels right for you, whether you want a more traditional minister-led ceremony or a simple civil-style notary ceremony.
License handling and filing for you
After your ceremony, your marriage license must be properly completed and returned to the Clerk of Courts. Rainbow Wedding Chapel handles this step for you by:
- Ensuring your license is signed by you, your officiant, and any required witnesses
- Filing your completed marriage license with the Clerk of Courts
This helps you avoid confusion about where to send your license or how to return it. You can leave the chapel knowing the filing process is being taken care of.
Capture the Moment: Digital Photos and On-Site Printing
You may be planning a simple elopement, but you still deserve beautiful memories. Rainbow Wedding Chapel includes digital wedding photos with ceremonies, according to their site language.
Included digital wedding photos
During or right after your ceremony, the chapel team will capture key moments, such as:
- Your walk-in or entrance together
- Exchange of vows and rings
- Your first kiss as a married couple
- Posed portraits in and around the chapel
Digital images let you share your day quickly with friends and family, even if they could not attend in person.
On-site photo printing and packages
If you want something you can hold in your hands before you leave, Rainbow Wedding Chapel also offers:
- On-site photo printing for same-day prints
- Photo packages with additional poses or enlargements
This is perfect if you want to walk out with framed photos, prints for parents, or a few keepsakes to display at a later reception.
Day-Of Checklist: What You Need to Get Married in Jacksonville, FL Today
To keep your day smooth, use this quick checklist before you head to Downtown Jacksonville.
Before you arrive
- Confirm current marriage license requirements with the Duval County Clerk of Courts
- Ask Rainbow Wedding Chapel about walk-in availability or reserve a time with a weekday or Saturday retainer
- Decide your ceremony style: express, elopement, micro wedding, or larger celebration (up to about 60 guests)
- Choose your officiant type: ordained minister or Florida commissioned notary
- Consider a premarital class referral if you want to reduce your license cost or waiting period (if available)
What to bring the day you get married
- Your valid Florida marriage license (if already issued)
- Government-issued photo ID for each of you
- Any required documents requested by the Clerk of Courts
- Payment method accepted by Rainbow Wedding Chapel for your ceremony and any photo packages
- Any remaining retainer balance or booking confirmation details
- Rings, if you plan to exchange them
- A small group of guests, if you are having a micro, mini, small, or large wedding (up to about 60 people)
How to contact Rainbow Wedding Chapel
Before you drive downtown, reach out to Rainbow Wedding Chapel to confirm:
- Today’s walk-in availability or next open time slot
- Which ceremony types are available that day
- Any current guidelines for guest counts or timing
Ask about their dedicated pages for walk-in weddings, micro weddings up to 60 guests, and express “Married In A Minute” ceremonies so you can choose the option that fits your timeline and group size.
Ready to Get Married in Jacksonville, FL Today?
If you are wondering, “What do I need to get married in Jacksonville, FL today?”, the answer is simple:
- A valid Florida marriage license from the Duval County Courthouse
- Photo ID and any required paperwork
- A ceremony at Rainbow Wedding Chapel with an officiant
- Your partner, your vows, and your decision to say “yes”
Rainbow Wedding Chapel in Downtown Jacksonville makes it easy to turn “We want to get married today” into “We are married.” From walk-in elopements to 60-guest celebrations, from express legal ceremonies to photo packages, you can keep it fast, affordable, and meaningful.
Call or message Rainbow Wedding Chapel before you head downtown to confirm availability, bring your license and IDs, and get ready to walk out as a married couple.
FAQ: Getting Married Today in Jacksonville, FL
What do I need to get married in Jacksonville, FL today?
You typically need a valid Florida marriage license from the Duval County Clerk of Courts, government-issued photo ID, and a ceremony with an authorized officiant. Rainbow Wedding Chapel provides the ceremony, officiant options, and license filing for you.
Can I really get married the same day I get my marriage license?
Same-day weddings may be possible depending on Florida’s waiting period rules and your situation. Non-residents often have no waiting period, while Florida residents may need a premarital course to avoid a delay. Always confirm current rules with the Clerk of Courts and check same-day availability with Rainbow Wedding Chapel.
How many guests can I bring to Rainbow Wedding Chapel?
Rainbow Wedding Chapel can host everything from elopements for two to larger weddings with up to about 60 guests. Ask the chapel which ceremony options fit your guest count.
Are photos included with the ceremony?
According to Rainbow Wedding Chapel’s site language, digital wedding photos are included with ceremonies. They also offer on-site photo printing and photo packages for couples who want printed keepsakes.
Who can officiate my wedding at Rainbow Wedding Chapel?
You can choose between an ordained minister or a Florida commissioned notary at Rainbow Wedding Chapel. Both options can perform legal wedding ceremonies in Florida.