Inclusive Weddings in Jacksonville: LGBTQ+ and Non‑Traditional Ceremonies at Rainbow Wedding Chapel

If you want an inclusive wedding chapel in Jacksonville, FL that feels welcoming, fast, and stress-free, Rainbow Wedding Chapel is ready for you. Located in Downtown Jacksonville across from the Duval County Courthouse, this chapel focuses on simple, joyful ceremonies for every couple.

Whether you are planning a walk-in elopement, a quick “make it legal” moment, or a small wedding with up to 60 guests, you can celebrate your way. You bring the marriage license and your love. Rainbow Wedding Chapel helps you handle the rest.

LGBTQ+ couple holding hands during a small wedding ceremony — An intimate, inclusive wedding ceremony in the heart of Downtown Jacksonville.

What an Inclusive Wedding Chapel Means in Downtown Jacksonville

Rainbow Wedding Chapel welcomes all couples. The focus is on love, respect, and a smooth ceremony experience, not on strict traditions or complicated rules.

Here is what “inclusive wedding chapel Jacksonville FL” looks like in real life:

All genders, identities, and orientations welcome. No awkward questions. No judgment.
Simple, clear communication. Straightforward steps, what you need to bring, and what to expect.
Flexible ceremony styles. From quick sign-and-go to heartfelt vow exchanges.
Space for your people. Options from just the two of you up to about 60 guests.

The chapel is conveniently located near the Duval County Courthouse in Downtown Jacksonville, FL 32202. That makes it easy to plan your wedding day around getting or filing your marriage license.

LGBTQ+ Friendly Policies, Language, and Ceremony Options

At Rainbow Wedding Chapel, LGBTQ+ couples are not an exception. You are the norm. The team uses inclusive language and focuses on your relationship, not on outdated expectations.

Affirming Language and Ceremony Scripts

You can expect:

Gender-neutral terms like “partner,” “spouse,” or your chosen titles.
Ceremony wording that reflects your values and story.
Respect for your names, pronouns, and family structure.

You can choose a short, simple script or a slightly longer ceremony with vows, ring exchange, and a brief message. Non-traditional couples often mix elements, such as:

Skipping the “giving away” moment.
Walking in together as equals.
Including a quick reading from a friend or family member.

Elopements, Walk-Ins, and Non-Traditional Ceremonies

Rainbow Wedding Chapel offers:

Walk in wedding ceremonies for couples ready to get married today, when availability allows.
Elopement ceremonies for couples who want a private, meaningful moment with little planning.
Express “Married In A Minute” style ceremonies to make it legal quickly and easily.

These options are ideal if you want a low-pressure, non-traditional wedding that still feels special and official.

Choosing Your Wedding Officiant and Customizing Your Vows

Rainbow Wedding Chapel gives you a choice of officiant so your ceremony feels right for you.

Ordained Minister vs. Florida Commissioned Notary

You can choose between:

Ordained minister for couples who prefer a spiritual or faith-leaning tone.
Florida commissioned notary for a more civil, straightforward ceremony.

Both options are valid for legal weddings in Florida. The difference is style and wording. You decide what fits your relationship.

Customizing Your Ceremony and Vows

You can keep things simple with a standard script or add personal touches, such as:

Reading your own short vows.
Including a brief story about how you met.
Adding a moment of silence to honor loved ones.

If you want a fast ceremony, you can still personalize one or two lines. For example, each of you can share one sentence about what you love most about the other.

Ceremony Sizes: From Elopements to 60-Guest Micro Weddings

Not every couple wants a huge ballroom wedding. Rainbow Wedding Chapel focuses on elopements, micro weddings, and intimate celebrations.

Elopements and Mini Weddings

For very small ceremonies, you can choose:

Elopement ceremonies for just the two of you or a couple of witnesses.
Mini weddings and small weddings with a handful of guests.

These are perfect if you want a quiet, focused moment without a big crowd. You still get an aisle, an officiant, and photos, but with less stress.

Micro and Large Weddings up to 60 Guests

If you want to include more loved ones, the chapel can host:

Micro weddings with your closest friends and family.
Larger weddings at the chapel with up to about 60 guests.

This size is ideal if you want a real “wedding feel” without the cost and pressure of a huge venue. You can still walk down the aisle, play music, and take group photos.

Small wedding ceremony with guests seated in an intimate chapel — Micro weddings at Rainbow Wedding Chapel keep your celebration intimate and meaningful.

Fast, Affordable Options Near the Duval County Courthouse

If you are searching for a fast, inclusive wedding chapel in Jacksonville, FL, Rainbow Wedding Chapel offers several options designed for speed and simplicity.

Walk-In and Short-Notice Ceremonies

Depending on availability, you may be able to:

Walk in for a same-day ceremony.
Book a short-notice time slot during the week.

This is especially helpful if you are already at the Duval County Courthouse and want to get married nearby without waiting weeks.

Express “Married In A Minute” Style Ceremonies

If you mainly want to make it legal, the chapel’s express ceremony keeps things quick and focused. You sign, say a few words, and you are married. It is ideal for couples who:

Plan a bigger celebration later.
Need the legal marriage for timing or travel reasons.
Prefer a low-key, no-fuss moment.

License Handling and Premarital Class Referrals

Rainbow Wedding Chapel helps simplify the paperwork side:

License handling: After your ceremony, they file your marriage license with the Clerk of Courts.
Premarital class referral: They can refer you to a partner resource for a premarital course that may help you skip the waiting period and reduce the cost of your license, according to local rules.

You are responsible for getting your marriage license before the ceremony, but the chapel guides you on what to bring and what happens next.

Capturing the Moment: Photos Included and On-Site Printing

Your wedding day deserves to be remembered, even if you keep it small and simple. Rainbow Wedding Chapel includes digital wedding photos with ceremonies, based on the chapel’s current offerings.

Digital Photos Included

During your ceremony, the team captures key moments, such as:

Your entrance or first look.
Vows and ring exchange.
The first kiss as a married couple.
Posed shots with guests.

Digital images make it easy to share your day on social media, send to family, or print later.

On-Site Photo Printing and Packages

If you want prints right away, the chapel offers:

On-site photo printing for instant keepsakes.
Photo package upgrades for more images or larger prints.

This is especially helpful for out-of-town guests or couples who want to leave with framed photos in hand.

Planning Your Inclusive Jacksonville Wedding Day

Because Rainbow Wedding Chapel is across from the Duval County Courthouse in Downtown Jacksonville, you can plan your day around both your license and your ceremony.

Timing Around the Courthouse

Here is a simple way to structure your day:

Confirm courthouse hours for marriage licenses.
Secure your license in advance, or plan enough time before your ceremony.
Schedule your ceremony at the chapel after your courthouse visit.

Ask the chapel team about ideal time windows so you are not rushed between locations.

Parking and Arrival Tips

Downtown Jacksonville offers various parking options near Forsyth and Clay Streets. To keep things smooth:

Arrive early to find parking and gather your group.
Tell guests exactly where to meet and when.
Keep your license and IDs in a safe, easy-to-reach place.

Saturday and Weekday Retainers

To hold your preferred date and time, Rainbow Wedding Chapel uses retainers:

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

Booking a retainer helps secure your spot, especially if you want a specific time or are inviting guests.

Next Steps: Get Married at Rainbow Wedding Chapel

If you are ready to celebrate at an inclusive wedding chapel in Jacksonville, FL, here is your quick checklist:

Get your Florida marriage license before your ceremony.
Decide on your ceremony style: walk-in, elopement, micro wedding, or express “Married In A Minute.”
Choose your officiant: ordained minister or Florida commissioned notary.
Pick your guest count, up to about 60 people.
Contact Rainbow Wedding Chapel to confirm availability and secure your retainer for your chosen date.

Rainbow Wedding Chapel keeps your wedding simple, inclusive, and joyful. You bring your love. They help you turn it into a marriage, right in the heart of Downtown Jacksonville.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do we need a marriage license before our ceremony?

Yes. You must obtain a valid Florida marriage license before your ceremony at Rainbow Wedding Chapel.

Can we walk in without an appointment?

Walk-in ceremonies may be available depending on the schedule. Contact the chapel for current walk-in options and hours.

How many guests can we invite?

The chapel can typically host up to about 60 guests for larger small weddings and micro weddings.

Are LGBTQ+ weddings treated the same as other weddings?

Yes. All couples receive the same respect, ceremony options, and support, regardless of gender identity or orientation.

Are photos included with our ceremony?

Digital wedding photos are included with ceremonies based on current chapel offerings, with optional on-site printing and photo packages.