Info & Links

Obtaining a Marriage License in Florida.
There is no waiting period for out-of state residents if BOTH of you are holding an out-of-state driver's license. Out-of-state Brides and Grooms/Couples can apply for a Marriage License at 9:00AM and get married that same day (the Marriage License Department is closed on Saturday and Sunday). A Marriage License must be used within sixty days of issuance. A Florida Marriage License can be used in any county within the State of Florida.

Obtaining a Marriage License in Sarasota County
SARASOTA COUNTY (the Sarasota – Venice – Siesta Key area)
North Sarasota County Office 2000 Main Street, Room 102, Sarasota, FL 34237 • Telephone (941) 861-7400 • 8:30AM–4:00PM  Monday–Friday
South Sarasota County Office R L Anderson Administration Center, 4000 South Tamiami Trail, Venice, FL 34293 • Telephone (941) 861-7400 • 8:30AM–4:00PM Monday–Friday

Obtaining a Marriage License in Charlotte County
CHARLOTTE COUNTY (the Punta Gorda, Port Charlotte, and Englewood area)
Charlotte County Justice Center 350 East Marion Avenue, P O Box 511687, Punta Gorda, FL 33951-1687 • Telephone (941) 637-2199 • 8:30AM–4:00PM Monday-Friday
Murdock Annex (Charlotte County) 18500 Murdock Circle, Port Charlotte, FL 33948 • Telephone (941) 743-1400 • 8:30AM–4:00PM Monday-Friday

The Sunset and Date Calendar If you wish to get those great sunset photographs on your wedding day, I strongly suggest that you schedule your ceremony at least thirty (30) minutes in advance of the actual sunset time. For example, if sunset is scheduled for 5:38PM, then schedule your ceremony for 5:00PM. You can obtain the sunrise and sunset time for a specific date in a specific town at https://www.timeanddate.com/sun/

Obtaining "a beach wedding permit" or "an event permit" from the Parks and Recreation Department of Sarasota County.
All beach weddings and/or special events taking place ON THE BEACH or in a Sarasota County BEACH PARK require a permit. And it does not make any difference if there are 10 people or 110 people participating in the event. The rule is... "if you are standing on property that is owned or maintained by Sarasota County then you must apply for a permit." You can call the SARASOTA COUNTY PARKS AND RECREATION DEPARTMENT, Monday through Friday from 830AM to 4PM for information or to obtain your "event permit". The telephone number is (941) 861-9930 or 9931. Before you call the Parks and Recreation Department you should have a good idea where you want to have your event or ceremony (the beach location), the time and date of your event, approximately how many people will be attending and/or participating in your event, and if you plan to set up an archway and/or chairs and/or decorate the area. Payment can made over the phone with a credit or debit card. If you ask, they will give you the permit number/receipt number/confirmation number over the telephone. I strongly suggest getting "an event permit" in the very early stage of planning your wedding or event so you get the time, the date, and the exact beach location that you want. You should also have a "Plan B" or alternative ceremony site if the weather is inclement or if it is raining.

You will need to contact the SARASOTA COUNTY PARKS AND RECREATION DEPARTMENT if you wish to have "a beach wedding" at any of these Sarasota County beaches or parks.

Beaches and Parks
Brohard Beach Park, 1600 Harbor Drive South, Venice
South Brohard Beach, 1900 Harbor Drive South, Venice
Casperson Beach Park, 4100 Harbor Drive South, Venice
Chauncy Howard Park, 601 The Esplanade North, Venice
Maxine Barritt Park, 1600 Harbor Drive South, Venice
Service Club Park, 1190 Harbor Drive South, Venice
Venice Beach, 101 The Esplanade, Venice
Blind Pass Beach Park, 6725 Manasota Key Road, Manasota Key
Manasota Beach Park, 8570 Manasota Key Road, Manasota Key
Lido Beach and Pool/North Lido Beach, 400 Benjamin Franklin Drive, Lido Key
South Lido Beach Park, 2201 Benjamin Franklin Drive, Lido Key
Nokomis Beach Park, 901 Casey Key Road, Casey Key
North Jetty Park, 1000 Casey Key Road, Casey Key
Palmer Point Beach Park, 9399 Midnight Pass Road, Siesta Key
Siesta Beach Park, 948 Beach Road, Siesta Key
Turtle Beach Park, 8918 Midnight Pass Road, Siesta Key
 
If you would like to have your wedding ceremony on a beach or park in CHARLOTTE COUNTY, you must contact each location for date and time availability, rental and/or parking fees, and amenities (barbeque grills, pavilions, picnic shelters, restrooms or rental rooms).

Englewood Beach/Chadwick Park, 2100 North Beach Road, Englewood (941) 473-1018
Port Charlotte Beach Park, 4500 Harbor Boulevard, Port Charlotte (941) 627-1628

Links
Visitflorida.com
Cherishedceremonies.com
Weddingwire.com
Marthastewartweddings.com
Weddinghelpline.com
OneWed.com
WeddingVendors.com
Wedfolio.com
MyWedding.com
WaverlyBride.com
PlatinumBeachWeddings.com
TheBrideScribe.com
ToHonorYouEvents.com
AlwaysAnOccasionFlorist.com
VeniceGardensOfEdenFL.com