text: The simple answer is "Yes, inmates can get married." When an inmate decides to get married, the first step is to submit an inmate request form to the Chaplain requesting to be married. The Chaplain tells the inmate about the information and forms they must provide in order for a decision to be made. This includes:
  a letter from both parties indicating their desire to marry;
  parental permission for any party under 18 years of age;
  court papers indicating the termination of a marriage(s) if either party was previously married; or in the case of a marriage ending by the death of a spouse, a copy of the death certificate is required.
  The information is reviewed thoroughly before the request is approved or denied. It is only when the request is approved that plans for a ceremony can begin. Marriage ceremonies in prison are normally held in the visitation park. A prison marriage ceremony is not elaborate and attendance is necessarily restricted.
  ​Information obtained from the Florida Department of Corrections, January 2016
  There are couples who choose to get married while one partner is doing time. This does not mean that the wedding day cannot be special. The correctional institution may restrict many of the marriage rituals from being performed, such as lighting the unity candle, jumping the broom, sharing wine, breaking glass or pouring sand.
  Within the limits of the correctional system, I will work with you to create a uniquely special wedding ceremony that reflects your feelings, beliefs, and hopes for a successful future.
  Taking steps to bond your partnership is the beginning of showing your love and commitment to each other. It's the building blocks of creation that two spirits seek to help each other unfold, grow, and develop into beautiful people who can teach others the way of true balance.
  Currently I am approved for wedding ceremonies at Graceville Correctional Facility in Graceville Florida. If you would like to request my services at a different facility, please contact me earlier to enough so I can get my paperwork turned in and approved in a timely manner.
  Each penal facility is different. You will need to contact the Chaplain or the Deputy Warden in charge of Special Services to get the necessary information. Your marriage will need to be approved by the prison before it can take place.
  As with any institution there may be unforeseen delays so be patient.
  We will get you married!
  PLEASE READ CAREFULLY THE FOLLOWING:
  Depending on your circumstances it can take as little as 30 days to complete the paperwork, set the date & get married.
  Your fiance` must be free of any disciplinary actions for 6 months before a wedding request will be considered. If at any time during the process your fiance` is disciplined the wedding will be canceled, even if the date has already been set.
  Your officiant/clergy must submit their info before a date can be set. Please have 2-3 dates in mind in case your initial date is unavailable.
  As soon as you receive approval of the wedding, please let me know so that I can send the required letter & other pertinent info to the prison informing them that I will be the one performing the ceremony.
  Schedule your visit for the same date as your ceremony. Otherwise you will be married & then escorted out.
  Please make sure that you adhere to the dress code when selecting your wedding attire.
  When I arrive at the facility, I am not responsible for any cancellations by either the bride, groom or the institution THE DAY OF THE SCHEDULED WEDDING, therefore you will forfeit all money paid.
  Disclaimer:
  I am not an employee of, nor do I represent, the Florida Department of Rehabilitation and Corrections or any of it's special programs.
  My fee for officiant services at Holmes Correctional Institution, Northwest Florida Reception Center, and Graceville Correctional Facility $150. A 50% non-refundable deposit is required to reserve your wedding date/time.
  Information/requirements are subject to change. Please speak with the Chaplain at the prison you plan to marry.
  ​Note: Services provided on this page may be called many things such as, prison wedding(s), jail or jailhouse wedding(s), offender wedding(s) and/or inmate wedding(s). I prefer to call them... weddings. I will treat your ceremony with the same reverance and respect I give all of my wedding ceremonies.