SimpleKeysWeddings.com

A "secular" ceremony is a non-religious legal marriage ceremony performed by an authorized officiant or minister.

A religious wedding ceremony typically includes prayer, Bible readings, and or references to scripture & ones faith.

Absolutely!   This is one of the most asked questions and most common confustions in the Wedding process.  Below is the customary tip schedule as suggested by "TheKnot.com"

Officiant - Civil / Non denominational:  $50-100
Wedding planner: 15-20 percent of fee
Chef: $100+
Hairstylist: 15 to 20 percent
Makeup artist: 15 to 20 percent
Photographer/videographer: If you’re paying a flat fee with no overtime, $100
Musicians: 15 percent of fee for ceremony musicians; $25 to $50 per musician for reception

Both.  Bill is a licensed Notary in the State of Florida. He is also a fully Licenced & Ordained Independent NCFM Christian Minister, a Member of the National Association of Christian Ministers and the American Chaplain's Association. 

Not if you choose not to.   We have a huge selection of ceremony components/styles and content to choose from.  Bill will work with you to customize your choices to flow smoothly and be exactly what you wish.  Many secular ceremonies contain no prayer or religious references at all. Bill will however be in personal prayer for you and your new marraige. If you prefer a religious ceremony we can most surely accomodate you.   We also have many mini ceremony components that can be added such as the Sand Ceremony, Unity Candle, Rose Ceremony, Wine / Wine Box Ceremony, Jumping over the Sword, Pinning of the Tartan, etc.

Absolutely!   It's your wedding and we can include whatever you wish providing it's legal, ethical and in good taste.  You can add songs, readings, poems, recite your own vows, etc.  We will assist you in making your wedding perfect!

A simple civil ceremony can take as little as ten minutes.  Of course it completely depends on the components you choose but even the more elaborate ceremonies are less than thirty minutes long.

It completely depends on you and your fiancee's wishes, beliefs, values and family traditions. Bill can assist in guiding you through the choices and perform the ceremony as you decide... it's your wedding!

No.  The wedding Officiant fees include planning correspondence via email, etc., ceremony preparation and the services outlined by the description of the Service Agreement for the day of appearance only. These fees do not include wedding rehearsals or day prior attendance by Officiant. If you wish the Officiant to attend a rehearsal, walk through or planning event the day prior, an additional fee of a minimum $75 will be required, is subject to availability and approval and must be arranged in advance.  Bill is quite prepared to conduct the Officiant portion of the ceremony the day of.  Rehearsals are conducted by your planner/coordinator and not by the Officiant.

Florida State Requirements:
Wedding licenses are available to both Florida residents and non-residents. Licenses are valid for 60 days and issued immediately.  Photo ID is required (valid Driver's License or Passport).  No Blood test is required.  A three-day waiting period or 4 hours of premarital counseling is mandatory for Florida residents only. For out of state, Canadians and international visitors, there is no waiting period or counseling required.  You must both attend in person and present photo ID (passport is acceptable)  Your responsibility is to present the license to the ceremony officiant before the ceremony begins.  If one of you is a Florida resident, consider enhancing your marriage with premarital counseling.  A four-hour course with a registered provider saves you $32.50 on the cost of your license.

Previous Marriages:
If you have been previously married, the date of your divorce or date of your spouse's death must be supplied. If the divorce or spouse's death occurred within the past 30 days, a certified copy of the divorce decree or death certificate is required.

Waiting Period:
There is no waiting period for Florida residents who have both completed a state sanctioned marriage preparation course within the last 12 months. There is a three-day waiting period for Florida residents who have not taken the course.   For out of state, Canadians and
international visitors, there is no waiting period or counseling required.

Fees:
Marriage License Fee is $93.50 payable to the local County and can be obtained at any  Florida State County Clerks Office during regular business hours. Many locales do accept credit cards now, but be sure to check with the local County Clerk to make sure.
Couples who have completed a state-sanctioned marriage preparation course within the past 12 months are entitled to a $32.50
discount.

Florida State County Clerks Offices
Florida Marriage Laws

Obtain your Marriage License in the Keys at: