Mental Capacity

In most states for marriage to be legal, both parties must possess sufficient mental capacity at the time of the marriage ceremony.

What is sufficient mental capacity? This is just simply the capacity to comprehend the nature of the marriage contract, resulting duties as well as responsibilities. If a person has been judged mentally incompetent, insane, or is mentally retarded to the extent that they cannot make decisions on their own, in most ststes they will be judged not capable of contracting in marriage .

The Marriage Ceremony

The state of Florida does not require a specified language or protocol for use in the performance of a marriage ceremony.

If both parties agree and the notary performing the wedding or justice of the peace or clerk of the courts the wedding party may request that their own written vows be used in the ceremony. There is also no age limit put on the person who signs as a witness to the marriage. The person performing the marriage should have a brief conversation if the witness is young so they understand the seriousness of being a witness. There is no law required in Florida that they actually have to have a witness although there is a blank spaces provided for this on the marriage application it is recommended that they have leased two witnesses. If you have any questions concerning your marriage vows or procedures during the ceremony be sure to have a short rehearsal with the person performing the wedding they can it put your mind at ease and answer all your questions.

Marriage in the State of Florida.

If you live in Florida or are visiting the state you may be married by a Notary Public. There are only four states in the union that allow this. Florida, South Carolina, Maine and one parish in Louisiana.

A marriage in the state of Florida is defined as a legal union between one man and one woman. It is a civil contract in which a man and woman enter into mutually.

In order for a marriage to be legally valid there are several fundamental requirements. The first one being Age a marital license cannot be issued to any person under the age of 18. Number two would be Mental Capacity the couple must comprehend the nature of the marriage contract. Number three Consent this is simply the consent of both parties that they want to marry of their own free will. There is no blood test required in the state of Florida for a marriage license to be issued. And a marriage in the state of Florida must be authorized by a Florida marriage license which may be obtained at the circuit clerk's office. If you are planning to marry in the state of Florida there are many beautiful sites and beaches that can accommodate you. Contact your local Notary Public I'm sure they will have the necessary information and will be glad to accommodate you.