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Frequently Asked Questions
Start Times:
Wedding ceremony start times can vary depending on the season. Dusk arrives earlier November through February, so evening ceremonies begin as early as 4:30, whereas March through October is 6:00-10:00. Romantic holidays such as Valentine's Day, Sweetest Day, New Year's Eve, Christmas Eve, and Thanksgiving services can roll until midnight! In any case, we ask you to arrive at least 30 minutes prior to your ceremony start time and you will be given 30 minutes after the ceremony for posed portraits in and around the chapel.
Do we need to get a Florida Marriage License for our wedding?
Yes, every couple is required to get a Florida Marriage license to legally perform your wedding ceremony in Florida. You can obtain your marriage license in any county in Florida. It does not have to be obtained from the county you are getting married in.
When Should I get my Florida Marriage License?
If BOTH of you are non-Florida residents (out-of-state), you can get your Florida marriage license the same day. If one, or both of you, are a Florida resident, there is a three day waiting period, and this waiting period does not include the day you obtain your marriage license. You can get your marriage license up to 60 days before your wedding.
Is our Marriage License an additional cost?
Your Florida marriage license is NOT INCLUDED in any of our packages. The bride and groom must obtain their own marriage license. The cost of a Florida marriage license is $86.00
What do I need to get my Marriage License?
You will need a valid government issued photo ID. If one, or both of you have been divorced, you will need the date your divorce was finalized. No blood tests are needed to obtain your license. If you are an international visitor, there is no residency or citizenship requirement to apply for a Florida marriage license but you will need your photo passport.
Is my Florida Marriage License Valid in my home town?
Your Florida marriage license is valid in all 50 states, as well as internationally. If you are not a citizen of the United States, you will need to register your certified copy of your marriage license with your own country for validation.
I got My Marriage license, now what?
You must bring your Florida marriage license with you to your ceremony. We will take it with us and officially file it after the ceremony. It may take several weeks for you to receive your certificate from the county clerk.
Deposit, Cancellation, Rescheduling and Refund Policies
A deposit (50% of package price) is needed to reserve your date. Deposits are refundable up to 30 days prior to your reservation. This reserves your date, package, staff, location, etc. Shorter than 30 days, your package is transferable to a new date.
What happens if it rains on my wedding day?
It is unusual that it rains all day in Florida, and usually is just a passing shower. If this is the case and moving your wedding time up is not an option, we can wait it out for up to 60 minutes
How to obtain a marriage license:
Qualifications:
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You must be at least 18 years of age to apply without parental consent.
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Both parties must apply in person and bring identification.
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If you have been divorced, the divorce decree is required.
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If your previous marriage ended in death, the date of death is required.
Fees:
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$86.00 without a premarital preparation course, and there is no blood test.
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Payment of fee accepted in cash, money order, cashier check, Visa, or Master Card
Florida Statute Requirements:
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All Florida applicants are subject to a 3-day waiting period.
There is no waiting period for non-residents -
All applicants are required to read the Family Law Handbook (available on premises).
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A Marriage license is valid for 60 days from the effective date.
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If the marriage license is obtained in Florida, the couple may be married
anywhere in the State of Florida.
You can obtain your marriage license at any County Clerk’s office in Florida; however, the following is located near our chapel:
Charlotte County
350 East Marion Avenue
Punta Gorda, Florida, 33950
Phone 941-637-2240
Hours: 08:00 am - 4:00 pm
Do you provide a minister or officiant? Can we bring our own?
All of our wedding packages include the officiant, although you are welcomed to "BYOM". Supplying your own minister would not increase or decrease the price, however.
Do we get a rehearsal?
Yes, if you are planning a more traditional event, we ask that the couple and attendants arrive 60 minutes prior to the ceremony for rehearsal. Weddings are personal. If you are interested in keeping with tradition where the groom catches his first glimpse upon the bride's walk down the aisle, the bride and groom should arrive separately. When the bride arrives, we can keep her out of view until the right moment.
Can we schedule a rehearsal the night or two before the day of the event?
YES. We are happy to accommodate for an additional $100. We do recognize the tradition and how it can be almost as much fun to plan a party before the party! There are several local hot spots in our hometown for your rehearsal dinner to follow. Allow us to make a recommendation that may fit within your budget!
How long does it take to get married at the mini chapel?
Most wedding ceremonies are 15 to 20 minutes in length, although we ask the bridal party (if any) to arrive 15-30 minutes prior. Similarly, we provide additional time after the ceremony for altar formals and beach or garden photography.
When should we book our date?
As soon as you are sure of your date and time! We have couples who book as early as a year in advance for a more traditional affair and others, spontaneously come from the hustle and bustle of the big city, or an airport, whimsically on track for an intimate garden ceremony that may have been arranged by phone earlier that day! In any case, we do need to know you are coming in advance before we can tie the knot! For those looking for more traditional accommodations, it is important to place your deposit as soon as you are able. Times can book up quickly!
How much deposit is required to book a date and what is your refund policy?
A deposit of 50% of your package price is required to secure your date and time. The deposit is refundable with a cancelation of 30 days in advance. Shorter than 30 days, your package is transferable to a new date.
Can I get married today or tomorrow?
Most often yes, if you have your marriage license and need immediate nuptials, we are ready when you are! Please call for an appointment.
Do you have a reception venue?
Resource lists will be provided upon booking, as there are many reception venues at every price point within a 20-mile radius.
Can we decorate the chapel our way and add or take away decor?
Because our arrangements that decorate our wedding chapels are silk, they are floral colors in muted tones so all parties should blend and meld with the neutral scheme. We are also willing to decorate in a specific color for an additional fee. Additionally, one of the benefits of the “chapel system" is the all- inclusiveness. Decor is just one more expense you do not need to worry about.
How many people can I have in my bridal party?
The wedding chapel was designed for small intimate weddings. Along with a maximum of 24 guests, we ask that you include no more than 4 or 6 grown up attendants total (2 or 3 on each side) along with an additional flower girl or ring bearer or two.
Can we get dressed at the chapel?
No, sorry.
Is there anything to do in Port Charlotte or places to stay?
Of course! We would be happy to provide recommendations.
NOTE: All couples must present a valid Florida State Marriage License for us to perform your ceremony. * Additional premiums apply on holidays: 8-13-2021, 12-31,2021, 1-1-2022, 2-2-2022, 2-20-2022, 2-22-2022.
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