Fort Myers Courthouse Marriage Guide

Planning a Fort Myers courthouse marriage can feel surprisingly confusing once you start looking into the details. Between figuring out the marriage license process, understanding waiting periods, choosing photo locations, and deciding how to make the day actually feel special, you might not be sure where to begin.

This guide walks you through exactly how to get married at the Fort Myers courthouse, what documents you’ll need, and ideas for turning a simple courthouse ceremony into a full wedding day experience. Whether you want something quick and stress-free or a full downtown elopement celebration, this guide will help you plan with confidence and avoid common mistakes.

Step-by-Step: How to get your marriage License in Fort Myers

First complete the online marriage license application. Next an appointment is recommended, as you’ll go to the clerk of courts to have the license officially issued. Then you’ll have it signed, for which you’ll need someone to marry you. In Florida you can be married by an ordained minister, judge, or a notary. Once you apply and receive the marriage license, you must complete and return it within 60 days. You can use the license anywhere in Florida, in case you’re considering a ceremony somewhere else in Florida’s beautiful scenery.

What to Bring

Both parties must be present when applying for the marriage license. They must both bring photo IDs, social security number (citizens) or foreign passport numbers (non-citizens) and must be at least 18 years old. The license will have 2 witness lines, but witnesses are not required. For fun you can have your besties sign or have your fur babies stamp their paw.

Waiting Period (Florida vs Out-of-State)

If one or both parties are Florida residents there is a 3 day waiting period to use the license. Florida residents can skip the waiting period by bringing a completion certificate of an approved 4 hour premarital course, you can browse course options here.

If neither parties are Florida residents you can have your ceremony immediately with no waiting period. 

Cost + Discounts

The fee for the license is $86 and you can receive a $25 discount by completing an approved 4 hour premarital course. To conduct the ceremony at the courthouse there is a fee of $30. The ceremony is conducted in a separate ceremony room that can accommodate 15 people, including the couple and photographer if you choose to have one.

Location and Hours

Make your appointment to get your license at the Fort Myers Clerk of Courts.

Address

Official Records Office

Lee County Administration Building

2115 Second Street, 2nd Floor

Fort Myers, FL 33901

Hours

Monday – Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

What a Fort Myers Courthouse Wedding Actually Feels Like

The decision to have a courthouse wedding can come from a lot of different places. Maybe you want something simple, maybe you’re planning on a short timeline, or maybe you just value a more intimate experience. No matter the reason, courthouse weddings have a way of feeling incredibly intentional.

Without a big production or strict timeline, the focus stays exactly where it should be, on the two of you. You can keep it minimal or turn it into a full day of celebration with personal touches, meaningful locations, and time to actually enjoy each moment together.

To give you a better idea of how a day like this can unfold, here’s an example.

Courthouse Elopement

On this day in April, I met this bride and groom on the courthouse steps for a private vow exchange. Just the two of them, soaking in the moment without any distractions. It felt like I was capturing a real-life fairy tale.

After tying the knot, the lovebirds headed over to Downtown House of Pizza for some well-deserved celebration. This spot is the perfect little local gem, and their pizza by the slice hit the spot. They enjoyed their slices out back in the Patio de Leon. Oh, and I can’t forget about the cheesecake they shared as a simple version of their wedding cake.

As the sun dipped lower, we made our way to the top of a parking garage for their first dance. The golden light made everything feel like a movie scene, and they danced to their song,  “God Really Knew” by Sidnee.

We wrapped up with some flash photos in front of the Edison Theatre sign, but can you believe the neon lights didn’t turn on? What a bummer! It’s all good though. We still got some great shots that captured their joy and celebration.

Their Timeline (4 hours):

5:00 – details and getting ready 

6:00 – first look and vows

7:00 – pizza at DHOP then sunset first dance

8:30 – flash photos with the Edison Theatre

9:00 – photo coverage ends

*A sunset timeline like this may not be possible with courthouse hours in the summer. This bride and groom did not sign their license that day, so a celebration like this is still possible even if it’s not your “legal” wedding day!

Florist: Maven House Floral Design

More Fort Myers Courthouse Wedding Timelines

One of the best parts about planning a Fort Myers courthouse marriage is how flexible the timeline can be. Here are some examples with different hours of photo coverage.

2 hour timeline

2:00pm ceremony inside the courthouse + photos on Old Courthouse steps

3:00pm Walk through downtown Fort Myers for portraits and celebrate with a quick treat

4:00pm photo coverage ends

4 hour timeline

2:00pm Getting ready and details

3:00pm Arrive at courthouse and private vow exchange outside

3:30pm Ceremony inside courthouse

4:00pm Downtown portraits

5:00pm Celebration dinner or sweet treat

5:30pm Golden hour portraits

6:00pm photo coverage ends

8 hour timeline

12:00pm Getting ready + details

1:00pm First look outside Airbnb + private vows

2:00pm Arrive at courthouse and ceremony

2:45pm Courthouse + downtown photos

3:30pm Drive to Fort Myers Beach

4:30pm early dinner + drinks

6:00pm sunset dolphin cruise

8:00pm cruise and photo coverage ends

Where to Celebrate After Your Lee County Courthouse Wedding

After your Fort Myers courthouse wedding, downtown offers plenty of fun places to celebrate together.

• Oxbow Bar & Grill: The Oxbow offers a romantic waterfront dinner for two, or book a private event if you’d like to host a reception.
• Beacon Social Drinkery at the Luminary: This chic rooftop bar will feel extra romantic watching the sunset together in your wedding attire!
• Downtown House of Pizza: A local gem, DHOP is a cute option for a casual pizza date after your ceremony.
• Dolphin Cruise: Head to Fort Myers Beach after to set out on a private sunset dolphin cruise celebration.
• The Veranda: The Veranda is a romantic, award winning restaurant nearby. If you’d like to have a reception with family they offer wedding and event packages.
• The 86 Room: The 86 room will have you feeling like Bonnie and Clyde as you toast in this prohibition themed bar.
• Peter’s German Café: Homemade cake and ice cream, I just know the owners will be stoked to see you in your wedding dress!

Best Photo Locations Near the Fort Myers Courthouse

One of the biggest perks of a Fort Myers courthouse marriage is how many photo locations are within walking distance.

• The Old Courthouse: This is not actually the courthouse you get married in, but it is the prettiest for your photos!
• Patio de Leon: This patio area is in between a lot of popular restaurants and has pretty bistro lights and potted plants.
• Parking Garages: The parking garages offer pretty views and look great at golden hour.
• Riverfront: Head to the river for a water background to add something different to the rest of your urban chic photos.

Go beyond downtown locations and check out this list of my favorite spots in all of Fort Myers.

Where to Stay

Staying downtown makes your Fort Myers courthouse wedding day much less stressful. Whether you’re traveling, booking a hotel to get ready in, or having a staycation honeymoon, these are the best hotels in the area.

• The Luminary & Co: This newer hotel has set out to be the heart of the city, the restaurants here would be great for a reception.
• The Banyan: This boutique hotel recently had a top to bottom renovation, it has a rooftop with a bar and pool and stunning views of downtown and the river. Located across the street from the courthouse.
• The Hibiscus House: A bed and breakfast full of historic charm and a fascinating story, located in a home that dates to 1923.

Tips to Make Your Courthouse Wedding Feel Special

A courthouse wedding doesn’t have to feel rushed or impersonal. In fact, many couples end up feeling more connected because the day is focused on them instead of managing a large event. You can keep things simple while making the day feel intentional, emotional, and fully worth celebrating. I recommend thinking of it like an epic date night, it could be anything you want and you should fill it with all your favorite things!

Here are a few ways to make your courthouse marriage feel more like a full wedding day experience:

• Exchange private vows before or after the ceremony
• Get ready separately and have a first look
• Book professional hair and makeup
• Buy or rent the dress or suit you really want
• Bring a bouquet or boutonniere (DIY or hire a florist)
• Create a details flat lay with your jewelry, vows, florals, and whatever else is important to you!
• Invite a few close friends or family members
• Plan a celebratory dinner afterward
• Have a first dance somewhere meaningful
• Stay at a hotel or Airbnb for the night
• Include activities you genuinely love together
• Pop champagne and toast to you
• Bring your dog along to sign your license (and eat puppy ice cream at Peter’s German Cafe)
• Order a small cake or your favorite dessert
• Rent a vintage car or fun getaway vehicle

Is a Courthouse Wedding Right for You?

A courthouse wedding might be right for you if the idea of a huge wedding feels overwhelming, performative, or financially stressful. Many couples choose this route because they want the focus to stay on their relationship instead of spending months planning a large production. Others simply want the freedom to create a day that feels relaxed and true to them.

Courthouse weddings are especially great for couples who:

• prefer intimate moments over big crowds
• want to save money or prioritize travel instead
• feel awkward being the center of attention
• want a flexible, low-stress wedding day
• want to be legally married quickly
• care more about the experience than tradition

That said, simple does not have to mean boring. You can still have beautiful photos, meaningful moments, great outfits, incredible food, and an unforgettable day. The difference is that you get to build the experience intentionally instead of following a cookie cutter wedding timeline. Plus, photographers can often book elopements with shorter notice.

Planning Your Fort Myers Courthouse Marriage?

I’m Amanda, a Florida elopement photographer based in Fort Myers. Small intentional weddings are my absolute favorite to capture. I help my couples plan timelines and activities to make their wedding day feel like their own. Reach out to me for a free consultation, I’d love to hear what your wedding vision is and how I can help make it happen!