Jacksonville Courthouse Weddings Made Easy: Step‑By‑Step Guide to Saying “I Do” at Rainbow Wedding Chapel
If you want a fast, affordable Jacksonville courthouse wedding without the crowded hallway vibe, Rainbow Wedding Chapel is your spot. You stay close to the Duval County Courthouse, but you get privacy, photos, and a real celebration.
Located in Downtown Jacksonville across from the courthouse area at Forsyth and Clay Streets, Rainbow Wedding Chapel is built for walk-in and short-notice weddings. You bring your Florida marriage license and IDs. They handle the ceremony, photos, and filing with the Clerk of Courts.
Why Couples Choose a Jacksonville Courthouse-Style Wedding (and How Rainbow Wedding Chapel Fits In)
A Jacksonville courthouse wedding is perfect when you want to get married quickly, keep it simple, and stay on budget. Many couples choose this style when:
- You want to get legally married before a bigger celebration later.
- You prefer a small, intimate ceremony with only a few guests.
- You are on a tight timeline because of work, deployment, or travel.
- You want to get married on a lunch break or between courthouse errands.
Rainbow Wedding Chapel gives you that same fast, legal experience, but in a private, welcoming space. You still stay steps from the Duval County Courthouse, but you avoid long lines and public waiting areas.
The chapel focuses on:
- Speed: Express “Married In A Minute” style ceremonies that make it legal without a long program.
- Flexibility: Walk-in weddings, elopements, micro weddings, and larger gatherings up to about 60 guests.
- Inclusion: All couples are welcome. You choose an ordained minister or a Florida commissioned notary as your officiant.
- Convenience: Digital wedding photos included with ceremonies, plus on-site photo printing and packages.
Exactly What You Need Before You Arrive
1. Get Your Florida Marriage License
To have a legal Jacksonville courthouse wedding-style ceremony at Rainbow Wedding Chapel, you must first get a Florida marriage license. You typically apply in person at a Florida Clerk of Courts office.
Because Rainbow Wedding Chapel is across from the Duval County Courthouse area, many couples:
- Apply for the license at the courthouse.
- Walk over to the chapel for the ceremony the same day (if eligible).
If you take an approved premarital class, you may be able to skip the standard waiting period and save on your license cost. Rainbow Wedding Chapel can refer you to a partner premarital course provider so you are ready to marry sooner.
2. Bring Valid Photo IDs
Both of you must bring valid government-issued photo identification. Common options include:
- Driver license
- State ID card
- Passport
Make sure the names on your IDs match the names on your marriage license application.
3. Know Your Timing Near the Duval County Courthouse
The chapel is designed for fast, efficient ceremonies near the courthouse. To keep things smooth:
- Check your license effective date and expiration date.
- Allow time for parking and walking from the courthouse area.
- Arrive a few minutes early so you can check in and review your details.
Weekdays are ideal if you want a true “get married today” experience. Saturday wedding retainers and weekday retainers help you lock in your preferred time.
Courthouse vs. Chapel: Key Differences in Experience, Privacy, and Flexibility
A Jacksonville courthouse wedding is usually quick and public. Rainbow Wedding Chapel keeps the speed but upgrades the experience.
Privacy and Atmosphere
- Courthouse: Hallways, waiting rooms, and other people’s cases happening nearby.
- Rainbow Wedding Chapel: A dedicated wedding space focused only on ceremonies and photos.
Guest Count and Seating
- Courthouse: Often limited space and strict guest caps.
- Rainbow Wedding Chapel: Options from two-person elopements up to small and large weddings with about 60 guests.
Officiant Options
- Courthouse: Usually a judge or clerk, limited ceremony customization.
- Rainbow Wedding Chapel: Choose an ordained minister or a Florida commissioned notary. Keep it simple or add personal touches.
Photos and Keepsakes
- Courthouse: You rely on a friend’s phone in a busy hallway.
- Rainbow Wedding Chapel: Digital wedding photos are included with ceremonies, plus on-site printing and photo packages.
You still get the convenience of a Jacksonville courthouse wedding, but with more comfort, privacy, and celebration.
Walk-In, Elopement, and Small Group Options
Rainbow Wedding Chapel is built for flexibility. You choose the ceremony style that fits your day and your guest list.
Walk-In and “Married In A Minute” Ceremonies
Need to make it legal fast? The express “Married In A Minute” style ceremony focuses on the essentials:
- Confirm your license and IDs.
- Short, clear vows.
- Signing and witnessing of your license.
- Quick photos so you still have memories.
This is ideal if you are on a break from work, between courthouse appointments, or catching a flight later that day.
Elopements and Micro Weddings
If you want more than a two-minute ceremony but less than a big ballroom wedding, consider:
- Elopement ceremonies: Just the two of you or a couple of guests.
- Micro weddings: A small, intimate group with a short program and time for photos.
- Mini and small weddings: A slightly larger group, still focused on connection and simplicity.
These options work well if you want to exchange vows, take photos, and then head to a Downtown Jacksonville restaurant to celebrate.
Larger Weddings up to About 60 Guests
Want a courthouse-style location but a real guest list? Rainbow Wedding Chapel can host larger weddings with up to about 60 guests. You still enjoy:
- A central Downtown Jacksonville location.
- A ceremony-focused space instead of a courtroom.
- Digital photos and optional printed packages.
How Rainbow Wedding Chapel Handles Your Marriage License Filing
Once you say “I do,” Rainbow Wedding Chapel helps with the paperwork so your Jacksonville courthouse wedding is fully legal.
- Review: Your officiant confirms your marriage license details before the ceremony.
- Sign: You, your officiant, and any required witnesses sign after the ceremony.
- File: The chapel files your marriage license with the Clerk of Courts.
This saves you a return trip and reduces stress. You leave knowing your license is on its way back to the courthouse system.
Digital Wedding Photos, On-Site Printing, and Simple Pricing
Even if you choose a quick Jacksonville courthouse wedding-style ceremony, you still deserve great photos.
At Rainbow Wedding Chapel:
- Digital wedding photos are included with ceremonies, according to the chapel’s site language.
- You can add on-site photo printing if you want instant prints for family.
- Photo packages are available if you want more poses or group shots.
Because the chapel focuses on simple, clear options, you can choose what fits your day without sorting through complicated packages.
Day-Of Tips: Parking, What to Wear, and Getting Married on Your Lunch Break
Parking Near Forsyth & Clay in Downtown Jacksonville
Rainbow Wedding Chapel is located in Downtown Jacksonville, across from the Duval County Courthouse area near Forsyth and Clay Streets. When planning your arrival:
- Allow extra time for Downtown traffic, especially on weekdays.
- Look for nearby public parking garages or street parking.
- Consider rideshare if you want to avoid parking altogether.
What to Wear for a Courthouse-Style Ceremony
You can dress up or keep it casual. Many couples choose:
- Simple white dress or jumpsuit.
- Dress shirt and slacks, with or without a jacket.
- Colorful outfits that reflect their personality and pride.
Wear something you can move in easily for photos and walking around Downtown Jacksonville afterward.
How to Get Married on Your Lunch Break
If you are aiming for a true “get married today” moment near the courthouse, plan like this:
- Confirm your Florida marriage license is active and in hand.
- Schedule or walk in for an express ceremony at Rainbow Wedding Chapel.
- Bring your IDs and any guests you want present.
- Arrive a bit early, say your vows, take quick photos, and head back to work newly married.
Ready to Plan Your Jacksonville Courthouse Wedding at Rainbow Wedding Chapel?
If you want a fast, inclusive, courthouse-style wedding in Downtown Jacksonville, Rainbow Wedding Chapel makes it simple. You bring the license and IDs. They provide the officiant, ceremony space, photos, and license filing with the Clerk of Courts.
Whether you are planning a walk-in elopement, a micro wedding with close family, or a small celebration with up to about 60 guests, you can get married just steps from the Duval County Courthouse without the stress of a traditional courtroom ceremony.
Next steps:
- Secure your Florida marriage license.
- Ask about Saturday wedding retainers or weekday retainers to hold your time.
- Choose your ceremony style: express, elopement, micro, mini, small, or larger gathering.
Then head to Rainbow Wedding Chapel in Downtown Jacksonville and say “I do” your way.
Frequently Asked Questions About Jacksonville Courthouse Weddings at Rainbow Wedding Chapel
Do I still need a Florida marriage license if I use Rainbow Wedding Chapel?
Yes. You must have a valid Florida marriage license before your ceremony. The chapel uses that license to make your marriage legal.
How close is Rainbow Wedding Chapel to the Duval County Courthouse?
The chapel is in Downtown Jacksonville, across from the Duval County Courthouse area near Forsyth and Clay Streets, making it easy to walk between the two.
Can I get married the same day I get my license?
Same-day ceremonies may be possible depending on Florida waiting period rules and your situation. A premarital class referral may help you marry sooner.
How many guests can I bring?
You can choose from private elopements for two up to larger weddings with about 60 guests, depending on the ceremony option you select.
Who can officiate my ceremony at Rainbow Wedding Chapel?
You can choose an ordained minister or a Florida commissioned notary as your wedding officiant, based on your preference.