Eloping in Jacksonville, FL: A Simple, Affordable Guide to Rainbow Wedding Chapel

If you want to get married quickly, affordably, and without stress, an elopement ceremony in Jacksonville, FL is a perfect choice. Rainbow Wedding Chapel makes it easy to walk in, say “I do,” and walk out legally married, all in the heart of Downtown Jacksonville.

Located across from the Duval County Courthouse near Forsyth and Clay Streets, Rainbow Wedding Chapel is designed for couples who want a fast, meaningful, and inclusive ceremony. Whether you are planning ahead or deciding today, you can keep it simple or invite up to about 60 guests.

Couple holding hands during a small indoor wedding ceremony — A relaxed, intimate elopement-style ceremony in Downtown Jacksonville, FL.

Why Jacksonville Is Perfect for a Stress-Free Elopement

Jacksonville gives you big-city convenience with a relaxed coastal vibe. That combination is ideal when you want to focus on your commitment, not on logistics.

Weather and Vibe

Jacksonville’s generally mild weather means you can plan an elopement almost any time of year. Even if it rains, Rainbow Wedding Chapel offers an indoor setting, so your ceremony is not at the mercy of the forecast.

Downtown Jacksonville adds energy and character to your day. You can:

Pick up your marriage license at the Duval County Courthouse.
Walk across to Rainbow Wedding Chapel for your ceremony.
Celebrate with photos around downtown landmarks afterward.

Affordability and Convenience

Eloping in Jacksonville helps you avoid the cost and stress of a large traditional wedding. At Rainbow Wedding Chapel you can choose:

Walk in wedding ceremonies for true “get married today” energy.
Elopement ceremonies tailored for just the two of you or a few guests.
Express “Married In A Minute” style ceremonies focused on making it legal and meaningful.
Micro, mini, and small weddings when you want a bit more time and guests.
Large weddings with space for up to about 60 guests.

What an Elopement Ceremony at Rainbow Wedding Chapel Actually Looks Like

Your elopement ceremony at Rainbow Wedding Chapel is designed to be simple, warm, and efficient. You bring your valid Florida marriage license and your partner. They handle the rest.

A Typical Elopement Flow

Here is how a standard elopement ceremony often goes:

You arrive at the chapel in Downtown Jacksonville, FL, with your license and IDs.
You meet your officiant (ordained minister or Florida commissioned notary).
You confirm your names, license details, and any quick preferences for wording.
You stand together in the ceremony space with your witnesses if needed.
The officiant leads a short, heartfelt ceremony with vows and ring exchange if you choose.
You are pronounced married.
Your license is signed and completed.
You take digital wedding photos on site to capture the moment.

Every ceremony can be as quick or as personal as you want. If you prefer the fastest option, the Express “Married In A Minute” style ceremony focuses on the legal essentials while still honoring your commitment.

Newly married couple smiling and posing for wedding photos in a city setting — Capture your Downtown Jacksonville elopement with included digital wedding photos.

Step-by-Step: How to Get Your Florida Marriage License Near the Duval County Courthouse

Before you can have an elopement ceremony at Rainbow Wedding Chapel, you need a valid Florida marriage license. Here is a simple overview of the process near the Duval County Courthouse.

1. Confirm Basic Requirements

In general, you and your partner will need:

Valid government-issued photo IDs.
To apply together in person at a Florida Clerk of Courts office.
To meet any age and legal requirements set by the state.

Requirements can change, so always check the latest details with the Clerk of Courts before you go.

2. Visit the Clerk of Courts Near Downtown Jacksonville

The Duval County Courthouse area is where you will handle your license. Rainbow Wedding Chapel is conveniently located across from the Duval County Courthouse, so you can:

Apply for your marriage license.
Walk across the street to the chapel.
Have your ceremony the same day if you are eligible and ready.

3. Consider a Premarital Class Referral

Rainbow Wedding Chapel can connect you with a premarital class referral through a partner resource. Completing an approved premarital course may help you:

Skip the standard waiting period for Florida residents, if applicable.
Potentially save on your marriage license cost, depending on local rules.

Ask the chapel team about current premarital course options when you plan your elopement.

4. Bring Your License to Rainbow Wedding Chapel

Once you have your license in hand, you are ready to get married. Rainbow Wedding Chapel will:

Use your license for the ceremony.
Make sure it is properly signed and completed.
File your marriage license with the Clerk of Courts after the ceremony.

Walk-In vs. Scheduled Elopements: Timing, Requirements, and What to Bring

Rainbow Wedding Chapel is built for both spontaneous and planned elopements. You can walk in or book ahead, depending on your style and schedule.

Walk-In Elopement Ceremonies

Walk-in weddings are ideal if you want to get married quickly near the courthouse. To prepare, you should:

Have your valid Florida marriage license and required IDs.
Check the chapel’s current walk-in hours.
Bring any rings, vows, or small details you care about.

Walk-ins are great for couples who just finished at the courthouse and are ready to make it official the same day.

Scheduled Elopements and Small Weddings

If you prefer a set time or want guests, you can schedule:

Elopement ceremonies for just the two of you.
Micro or mini weddings with a handful of guests.
Small and large weddings with up to about 60 guests.

Rainbow Wedding Chapel offers Saturday wedding retainers and weekday retainers as booking deposits. This helps secure your date and time so you can plan around it.

What to Bring for Any Elopement Ceremony

Florida marriage license and valid IDs.
Rings (optional but popular).
Any short vows or readings you want to include.
A few guests, if you are inviting people (up to the chapel’s capacity).
Payment method for your chosen ceremony and any add-ons.

Inclusive Officiant Options: Ordained Minister or Florida Notary for Your Elopement

Rainbow Wedding Chapel is inclusive and welcoming to all couples. You can choose the officiant style that feels right for you.

Ordained Minister

If you prefer a more traditional or spiritual tone, you can select an ordained minister to lead your ceremony. This option works well for couples who want a faith-friendly or classic wedding feel without a long service.

Florida Commissioned Notary

If you want a simple, civil-style ceremony, you can choose a Florida commissioned notary as your officiant. This is a great fit for couples who want a straightforward legal ceremony with a warm, neutral tone.

Either way, your ceremony will be legal, respectful, and tailored to your comfort level.

Photos, License Filing, and Add-Ons: What’s Included and What You Can Upgrade

Rainbow Wedding Chapel focuses on giving you a complete elopement experience in one place, from vows to photos to paperwork.

Digital Wedding Photos Included

Digital wedding photos are included with ceremonies, based on the chapel’s current offerings. This means you leave with real images of your day, not just memories.

On-Site Photo Printing and Packages

If you want more than digital files, you can explore:

On-site photo printing for instant keepsakes.
Photo packages with additional poses, prints, or digital images.

Ask about current photo options when you book so you can plan how you want to display and share your images.

Marriage License Filing

After your ceremony, Rainbow Wedding Chapel will file your marriage license with the Clerk of Courts. This saves you an extra trip and helps keep the process simple from start to finish.

How to Book Your Elopement at Rainbow Wedding Chapel

Whether you are planning weeks ahead or standing outside the courthouse right now, Rainbow Wedding Chapel can help you get married quickly and easily.

Same-Day and Short-Notice Options

If you already have your marriage license, you can often:

Walk in for an elopement or Express “Married In A Minute” style ceremony.
Call ahead to confirm availability for the same day.

Planning Ahead with Retainers

If you know your date, you can reserve it with:

Saturday wedding retainers for weekend ceremonies.
Weekday retainers for Monday–Friday ceremonies.

This is especially helpful if you are inviting guests or planning a micro, mini, small, or large wedding up to about 60 people.

When you reach out to the chapel, be ready to share:

Your preferred date and time.
Estimated guest count.
Whether you want a walk-in style elopement or a scheduled wedding.
Your officiant preference (ordained minister or Florida notary).

Ready to plan your elopement ceremony in Jacksonville, FL? Get your Florida marriage license at the Duval County Courthouse, then head across the street to Rainbow Wedding Chapel to make it official with an inclusive, affordable ceremony that fits your style.

FAQ: Eloping at Rainbow Wedding Chapel in Jacksonville, FL

Do I need an appointment for an elopement ceremony at Rainbow Wedding Chapel?

No appointment is required for walk-in ceremonies during posted hours, but scheduling ahead can help secure your preferred time.

How many guests can I bring to my elopement or small wedding?

You can keep it just the two of you or invite guests, with options for micro, mini, and small weddings up to about 60 guests.

What do I need to bring for my elopement ceremony?

Bring your valid Florida marriage license, required IDs, any rings or vows you want to use, and your payment method.

Can I choose my officiant at Rainbow Wedding Chapel?

Yes. You can choose between an ordained minister or a Florida commissioned notary, depending on your ceremony style preference.

Are photos included with my ceremony?

Yes. Digital wedding photos are included with ceremonies based on current offerings, and you can upgrade with on-site printing and photo packages.