Start with the correct issuing office, then confirm your officiant and ceremony. This Miami, Florida guide separates those arrangements so you can plan the photographs around a wedding time and location you have actually booked.
Details reviewed October 30, 2026. Confirm current arrangements directly with the linked office or venue for your date.
Complete the Miami-Dade pre-application
Miami-Dade asks couples to complete its online pre-application before attending in person. Appointments can reduce waiting. Follow its identification and document checklist and confirm the current license fee before your visit.
Check the effective date of the license
A Florida license is valid for 60 days. Florida residents generally have a three day wait, with a qualifying premarital course exception. Non-Florida residents are exempt from that wait. Your ceremony must occur on or after the effective date shown on the license.
Official planning information
Reserve the ceremony separately
Miami-Dade deputy clerks offer civil ceremonies and list a $30 ceremony fee. Confirm current appointments, guest limits and camera access with the chosen location. The license application and ceremony are separate services; check the instructions for returning the signed license afterward.
Plan the photographs around your ceremony
Once your Miami, Florida ceremony is confirmed, share the address, time and guest count. I would agree on the family photographs before the day and choose a short portrait route, so you spend less of your coverage gathering people or traveling.
Ask the ceremony provider about camera rules, room access and how early we can arrive. If you want portraits elsewhere, include parking, walking and a weather alternative in the plan. Share what matters most to you so we can recommend coverage around your actual celebration.
Wedding photography and next steps
Tell us your date, venue or ceremony location, guest count and the parts of the day you want photographed. We’re based in Wilmington, North Carolina; we’ll confirm destination availability and travel with your quote.
The photographs in this guide are examples from our work. We’ll plan your locations and access for your own wedding.
Let’s talk about your wedding.
Share your plans. We’ll reply with availability and a coverage option for your day.
Ask about our wedding ↗