Where do we get a marriage license? What do we need to do to get married on the beach? Here are the answers to those questions and more.

How do I get a Marriage License?

You must be at least eighteen (18) years of age to apply for a marriage license in the State of Florida.
Once issued, the license is valid for 60 days and can be used anywhere in the State.  The fee for a Florida Marriage License is $93.50 as of this writing. Most counties in Florida maintain a website with marriage license information and frequently asked questions, and some details vary from county to county. 

For weddings in the Anna Maria/Longboat Key/Bradenton/Lakewood Ranch area, you can obtain your marriage license at the:

Manatee County Courthouse
1115 Manatee Avenue West
Bradenton, FL  34205
941-749-1800
Business Hours: Mon.-Fri. 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m.
www.manateeclerk.org

What are the Beach Wedding Rules and Regulations? 

All Manatee County beaches are open to the public. You can get married on any beach; however, you should contact the appropriate municipality in which you are getting married to inform them of the date and time of event.

Alcohol is banned on all Manatee County’s beaches.

Bradenton Beach:

Contact:  Bradenton Beach Code Enforcement, 941-778-1005 x278, to inform them of the date and time of the ceremony.

If you’re planning a complicated ceremony, including a band and more than 50 people, a Special Event Application Form may be needed.

No tiki torches are allowed on Bradenton Beach.

If over 50 people are expected, you must notify the Bradenton Beach Police Department, 778-6311.

Anna Maria Bayfront Park, Anna Maria Beach, Coquina Beach, Cortez Beach and Manatee County Beach:

Contact: Manatee County Parks & Recreation Department, 941-748-4501 x6032, to inform them of the date and time of ceremony. 

You may place chairs/arch/gazebo/trellis out on the beach 10 minutes before the ceremony, then take it down immediately after the ceremony.

No tiki torches are allowed May 1-October 31 due to turtle season.

No alcohol is allowed on beaches.

If a complicated ceremony is planned or more than 50 people will be in attendance, you may need a certificate of insurance, among other things.

Holmes Beach:

Contact: Holmes Beach City Hall, 941-708-5800 

If tents, chairs and music will be involved, you may need Temporary Use permit.

Longboat Key:

Contact: Longboat Key City Hall, 941-316-1999

You must complete a Public Form Permit. You can either call City Hall at 941-316-1999 or you can download the permit from Longboat Key’s website, www.longboatkey.org. You will find the form under Town Clerk Department, then scroll down to Public Form Permit.