Orlando Weddings

Orlando vacation rentals are an excellent option for Orlando weddings and honeymoons since they are convenient to the many attractions of the Orlando area. Whether you opt for a traditional church wedding, a simple garden ceremony, or an elaborate themed celebration, Orlando wedding planners can help you create the wedding of your dreams.

How about a romantic Orlando wedding on the St. Johns River on the Rivership Romance (407-321-5091) or saying your vows as you soar over Orlando in a hot air balloon? Walt Disney World (321-939-4610) offers several fabulous Orlando wedding locations, including the Cinderella Castle and the international-themed areas at Epcot Center.

Leu Gardens (407-246-3681) in Orlando features gorgeous gardens and two picturesque gazebos that are perfect for a romantic Orlando wedding ceremony. Cypress Grove Park (407-857-9850) on Lake Jessamine in Orlando offers a charming lakeside gazebo, an amphitheatre, and lovely gardens, as well as reception space with a large caterer's kitchen.

In Winter Park, small weddings (up to 20 guests) can be held in the lovely Kraft Azalea Gardens on Lake Maitland. Chairs and decorations are not allowed in this public park. Call 407-599-3399 for information.

Orlando weddings can also be celebrated in local wedding chapels such as the Royal Wedding Chapel at 7044 International Dr. in Orlando (866-398-9993). Other great locations for Orlando weddings include the Maitland Art Center in Maitland (407-539-2181), Mead Garden in Winter Park (407-262-2049), and the Casa Feliz Historic Home Museum in Winter Park (casafeliz@earthlink.net).

A Florida marriage license is required for Orlando weddings. Any Clerk of Court's office in the state can issue the license, which is valid for 60 days. The bride and groom must appear in person, show photo identification, and provide a Social Security number. If either party is divorced, the date of the divorce is required. Florida residents must wait three days for the license to become valid or undergo a four-hour counseling session. There is no waiting period for out-of-state visitors.

Prior to signing the license application, the bride and groom are required to read the Florida Family Law Handbook, supplied by the Clerk. Couples can save time by downloading the license application and the Florida Family Law Handbook from the Clerk's website prior to arrival at the Clerk's office. The license fee is $93.50, payable by cash or credit card. Florida residents who provide proof of completing an approved premarital counseling course receive a discount of $32.50.

In Orange County, marriage licenses can be obtained at 425 North Orange Ave., Room 355, in Orlando; 475 West Story Rd. in Ocoee; 450 North Lakemont Ave. in Winter Park; and 1111 North Rock Springs Rd in Apopka. The Clerk's office is open from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. weekdays, except holidays.

Guests of Kissimmee vacation rentals can obtain a marriage license from the Osceola County Clerk at 2 Courthouse Square, Suite 2000, in Kissimmee. Licenses are issued weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., except holidays. Call 407-343-3500 for information.