Frequently Asked Questions

Here are the most common questions I get from couples planning their wedding in Southwest Florida. If you don’t see your question here, feel free to reach out directly.

How much does a wedding officiant cost?

My wedding officiant packages range from $245 to $795, depending on the level of customization you’d like. The Quick I Do ($245) covers the essentials for a simple, heartfelt ceremony. The I Do package ($595) is the most popular and includes a pre-written ceremony with a unity ceremony option. The Custom I Do ($795) is a fully personalized ceremony written around your love story, with unlimited consultations and ceremony planning. All packages include signing the marriage license.

What are the legal requirements for getting married in Florida?

You’ll need a valid Florida marriage license, which you can obtain from any county clerk’s office in the state. In Collier County, you can apply at the Collier County Clerk of Courts. Both partners must appear in person with valid photo ID and Social Security numbers. The license is valid for 60 days. Out-of-state couples have no waiting period; Florida residents wait 3 days unless they complete a premarital course. I handle all the paperwork after the ceremony, including signing and filing the marriage certificate.

Can a friend or family member officiate my wedding?

Yes, but they must be legally authorized under Florida Statute 741.07. The easiest path is getting ordained online through organizations like the Universal Life Church or American Marriage Ministries. I recommend they also carry their ordination credentials to the ceremony. If you want the personal touch of a family member leading the ceremony but want to make sure the legal side is covered, I’m happy to serve as a backup or co-officiant. Read more in my guide on who can officiate a wedding in Florida.

What types of ceremonies do you perform?

I perform a wide variety of ceremonies including non-denominational, Christian, spiritual, ACIM (A Course in Miracles), LGBTQ, interfaith, vow renewals, commitment ceremonies, elopements, and beach weddings. I also offer fully bilingual ceremonies in English and Spanish, transitioning naturally between both languages throughout the ceremony. Every ceremony is written or adapted to reflect your values, your love story, and your vision for the day.

How do I choose the right wedding officiant?

Choose someone whose energy and presence feel right for the most meaningful moment of your day. Ask about their experience, whether they customize ceremonies or use a script, and how they handle last-minute changes. I always recommend a Zoom call or phone conversation before booking so you can feel the connection. Your officiant should feel like a trusted friend standing with you, not a stranger reading from a card.

What questions should I ask a potential wedding officiant?

Great questions to ask include: How many weddings have you performed? Will you write a custom ceremony? Can you perform bilingual or interfaith ceremonies? What happens if you have an emergency on my wedding day? Do you handle the marriage license paperwork? What’s your cancellation policy? I’m always happy to answer all of these and more. You can find details about my services on the packages page or contact me directly.

Do you help with writing vows and planning the ceremony?

Absolutely. With the Custom I Do package ($795), I work closely with you to write a ceremony that’s uniquely yours. This includes unlimited Zoom and phone consultations, help with personal vows, selecting readings or poems, and planning unity ceremonies like sand blending, candle lighting, or tree planting. I arrive an hour early to make sure everything is set. Even with the standard I Do package ($595), I’m available to discuss your preferences and make adjustments.

How far in advance should I book?

I can accommodate last-minute ceremonies with as little as 24 hours’ notice, but I recommend booking 2-3 months in advance, especially during peak season (November through April in Southwest Florida). Weekends fill up quickly. I serve couples throughout Naples, Bonita Springs, Fort Myers, Marco Island, Estero, and Cape Coral, and I also travel for destination weddings.

How do I contact Maria for booking?

You can reach me by phone at 813-714-7525, by email at [email protected], or through the contact form on this site. I respond to all inquiries within 24 hours. I’d love to hear about your ceremony and help you make it something truly special. Hablo español!