1. How to Become a Minister in Tampa

The first step you’ll need to take is to become an ordained ULC minister (assuming you haven’t completed this part already). Get Ordained™ provides ordination through the Universal Life Church free of charge and welcomes all who feel called to ministry. It’s also easy to join; the process can be done entirely online and takes only a few minutes from start to finish. Once ordained, you’ll have the authority to perform legal marriage ceremonies! To begin, just click the button below.

Important Info for Ministers in Tampa

ULC Ordination Accepted:
Yes
Minister Registration Required:
No
Documents Required:
N/A
Minister's Residency:
Irrelevant
Minister's Minimum Age:
18

2. Learn Tampa Marriage Requirements

Your next step will be to reach out to the office that processes marriage licenses in Tampa. Let them know that you’re an ordained minister and that you’re curious about what documents or credentials they need to see from you, as the wedding officiant, before performing a ceremony in their jurisdiction. You’ll find contact information for the Tampa office listed below.

Office Address:
419 E Pierce Street
Tampa, FL 33602
Office Phone Number:
(813) 276-8100
Office Website:
Tampa Office Website

3. Who Can Officiate a Wedding in Tampa?

One great candidate: You! (At least, as soon as you are ordained). We all know that weddings are notoriously spendy, but one way that couples are reducing their costs – and bringing deeper meaning to the event – is by choosing an officiant they know personally.

For loved ones who are asked to officiate, this is an incredible honor; serving in the role of officiant signifies a deep level of faith and trust between you and the couple. But not all couples are aware this is an option! If someone you love has an upcoming wedding, you might offer to preside over the ceremony as an ordained minister in case they hadn't considered it. In the end, the decision will of course be theirs.

Average Cost of a Wedding in Tampa:
$23,500

4. What You'll Need to Officiate in Tampa

After speaking with the office in Tampa, you should have a clearer idea of what you might need to order from our online catalog. Many of our ministers in Tampa decide to get an Classic Wedding Kit, though your choice may vary based on the specific requirements in place.

With all that prep work out of the way, you’ll be set to officiate the wedding! Woohoo! If this is your first time performing a wedding (or you just want to brush up on your knowledge) head over to our wedding training center, where you’ll find all sorts of useful tools and resources.

5. How Tampa Marriage Licenses Work

After the ceremony is over, your last (and vital) responsibility will be to sign and return the marriage license. In Tampa, a marriage license is valid for 60 days. Once it has been picked up, there is a mandatory 3-day waiting period for residents or no waiting period for non-residents before the wedding ceremony may be performed. Please keep in mind that the license must be returned within the prescribed period after signing.

This is a legal document, so please double-check that it is correctly filled out before returning it to the office that issued it. For detailed instructions on how to fill out a marriage license, visit our marriage license training page.

Marriage License Waiting Period:
3 Days for Florida Residents
Marriage License Valid For:
60 Days
Return Within:
10 Days

6. Performing a Wedding in Tampa

Tampa is known for the vibrant and diverse Ybor City, a Cuban territory, Busch Gardens, and being the birthplace of the Cuban sandwich. Most people come for its lush parks and high-end eateries. With historic architecture and modern landmarks, a culture infused with Cuban and Spanish flavors, and beautiful waterways, Tampa is a wonderful place to work, play, and unwind before and after a wedding ceremony.

7. What You Should Do Now for a Wedding in Tampa

In Tampa, mid-October through early December offer the best bet for nice weather for an outdoor wedding.

Now that you know everything there is to know about Tampa weddings, don’t forget to take that all-important first step in this process by officially becoming ordained with the ULC! Click the button below to get the ball rolling.

Once ordained, you’ll be well on your way to performing legal wedding ceremonies in Tampa!