ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW
For those interested in tying the knot this year - or re-tying it, here are some questions and answers to help you understand the what, where, how and when of Bride Pride. Save this information for future reference. We will also e-mail you information after we receive your registration.
THE WHERE AND WHEN
When will the wedding take place? The wedding will take place promptly at 10:00 AM on Sunday, February 21, 2027.
Where will the wedding take place? This super-special wedding and renewal ceremony will take place in the Grand Central District of St Petersburg, Florida. After you have registered with us, we will send you more specific information.
Is there a rain date? No. Rain or shine, the wedding will go on! Don't worry about what to do about any rain - let us take care of that.
GENERAL QUESTIONS
Is this a legal wedding? Yes, you will be legally married by our Reverend-for-the-Day - Cynthia Nixon. Wait. What? Yes, we said Cynthia Nixon.
Is this a formal dress event? It’s all eyeballs on you. This is your wedding. You decide. Go understated or elegant. We’ve had women in tuxedos, bespoke suits, wedding dresses, rainbow Chuck Taylors, shorts, and everything in between. But - don’t forget the rings :)
Where can I stay? After you register, we will send out a list of partner hotels for you to consider. There are many terrific Hotels, Airbnbs, and Inns in St. Petersburg. If you’re looking for a beachy-stay, consider nearby St Pete Beach. Remember, Winter Pride will be happening on Central Ave, St Pete.
There’s a lot of info here. What do I absolutely need to know right now? You need to know how to sign up to participate and, if. you’re getting married, you’ll need to pay close attention to the Marriage License Application Process. After your register, you will receive an email with everything you need to know.
Do we need to read all of this now? No. This is a resource for you. After you register, you will receive an email with what you need to do and know.
Can we bring friends, family, pets to the ceremony? Yes, the more love the better. Invite friends, family, and bring the dogs, if you like.
Can I hire a photographer to take photos of the ceremony? Yes! You may hire your own photographer, or we will have photographers available the day of the wedding. We’ll be sending out information on local vendors in the future.
Is it safe to get married in St Petersburg, Florida? Yes. St Petersburg is an amazing LGBTQ+ destination. In short, we’re very gay. We can’t wait for you to experience it! St. Petersburg is a top-rated city for LGBTQ+ equality, earning a perfect 100 score on the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) Municipal Equality Index for 13 consecutive years as of 2026 - and, if you didn’t know, we have the seventh largest Pride celebration in the country!
Can trans-women get married at Bride Pride? Yes. If you’re marrying another woman or trans-woman, absolutely.
What happens if we miss the Bride Pride event? If, for some reason, you miss this historic event, AND you have a marriage license, you have 60 days (from the day you received your license) to act on those intentions (get married), or the intention becomes null and void and you have to start the whole process over again. Of course, you will be missing out on the opportunity to be part of something outrageously fun, historic and exciting. So, don't miss it!
HOW DO I SIGN UP
What will it cost to get married or renew our vows at Bride Pride? There is a $150.00 per couple fee to get married or renew your vows at Bride Pride. If you are getting married, there will be an additional $86.00 that will be paid to the City/Town Clerk's Office when you apply for your marriage license. The marriage license fee includes your application and two copies of your marriage certificate that the City/Town Clerk's office will mail to you.
Where do I register for Bride Pride? You are close. Very very close. Visit the Bride Pride Registration Page to register. You must register whether you are getting married or you will be renewing your vows.
How do I pay for my registration? After you have completed the Registration Form, click Submit and then click Pay Now. You will be taken to a payment page where you may pay by credit card.
Are there are other fees? If you are getting married, there will be a fee to obtain your marriage license. Fees vary in each town, but in St Petersburg, Florida, the total cost to obtain your marriage license is $86.00. This includes two certified copies of your marriage certificate once the Town Clerk records your marriage with the state (see next section). If you are renewing your vows at Bride Pride, there are no other costs associated with the event.
MARRIAGE LICENSE
Do I need to get a marriage license to get married at Bride Pride St Pete? Yes, if you are getting married at Bride Pride St Pete, you will need a marriage license.
When do I need to get my license? For current Florida residents, you will need to secure your marriage license at least three full days prior to the wedding date of Sunday, February 21, 2027. The safest bet is to apply for your license no earlier than Friday, January 1, 2027 and no later than Monday, February 15, 2027.
For out-of-state couples, you will be able to apply for your marriage license up to the day of the wedding. But, remember, the ceremony is on a Sunday and the offices will be closed. To be super safe, we recommend getting your license no later than Wednesday, February 17, 2027. See more important info in the Marriage License Application Process for deadlines you won’t want to miss.
When do I need to arrive to be a part of Bride Pride? If you are getting married, see the Marriage License Application Process section below for more information on the timing required for securing your Marriage License. We recommend arriving earlier than required so that you can get everything in order and enjoy the events that Winter Pride St Pete will have planned for the week of 2/14-2/21/2027.
If you are renewing your vows we suggest you arrive in St Petersburg early to apply for your license (no later than 02/17/2027). Arriving earlier has its benefits! Winter Pride week is going to be amazing. You'll want to meet all the women from across the planet who are attending, join us at the Bride Pride Bridal Party, hear the new talent we have in store for the week, and participate in events that will be just for you as a part of Bride Pride.
What do we need to bring with us if my partner is not from the United States? The questions and information required to obtain a marriage license are the same for both those born within the United States and those who do not reside in the US or are not US citizens.
MARRIAGE LICENSE APPLICATION PROCESS - For those getting married.
We are FLORIDA RESIDENTS. What do we have to do to obtain a Marriage License for Bride Pride? Where do we go?
For current Florida residents, you may make your application for a marriage license in any city or town in Florida. You will need to secure your marriage license at least three (3) full days prior to the wedding date of Sunday, February 21, 2027 and pick it up from the office by 4:30p.m on Friday, February 19, 2027. You must make your application no later than Monday, February 15, 2027. It will be valid for sixty days from the date you receive it - so applying after the new year (01/01/2027) is a safe bet. If you plan to apply for your license in St Petersburg, Florida - you may apply for a marriage license through the Pinellas County Clerk of the Circuit Court, with a branch located at 545 First Avenue North, Room 154, St. Petersburg, FL 33701. Keep in mind, both individuals will need to be present to file the application.
So when do I have to apply for my marriage license by?
Apply sometime between 01/01/2027 and 02/15/2027. You will need to pick it up from the office where you applied no later than Friday, February 19, 2027. Make sure you check hours of business for the office where you initially apply. Most close at 4:30PM, but many close at noon. You will then need to take the certificate to the Bride Pride Welcome Center.
We are from OUT-Of-STATE. What do we need to do to obtain a Marriage License for Bride Pride? Where do we go?
For out-of-state couples, you will be able to apply for your marriage license when you arrive in Florida - up to the day of the wedding - but given that the wedding is on a Sunday - we recommend that you make your application no later than Wednesday, February 17, 2027. Keep in mind the office closes at 4:30p.m. If you plan to apply for your license in St Petersburg, Florida - you may apply for a marriage license through the Pinellas County Clerk of the Circuit Court, with a branch located at 545 First Avenue North, Room 154, St. Petersburg, FL 33701. Both individuals will need to be present to file the application.
Can we apply online for our marriage license?
If you plan to apply for your license in St Petersburg, Florida - you may apply for a marriage license through the Pinellas County Clerk of the Circuit Court, with a branch located at 545 First Avenue North, Room 154, St. Petersburg, FL 33701.
However, while you can start the process online for this location, both parties must appear in person to finalize the license.
The business hours of the St Petersburg office are Monday through Friday, 8:30a.m. to 4:30p.m.
Steps to Apply for a Marriage License at the St Petersburg location - only.
Complete the Online Application: Start by filling out the eMarriage Application on the Pinellas County Clerk’s website to speed up the process.
Visit in Person: Both individuals must visit a Clerk's office together, bringing a valid photo ID (driver’s license or passport) and know their Social Security Numbers.
Pay the Fee: The fee is $86.00.
Do we get our Marriage License the same day we applied for it?
For out-of-state couples - Yes, you may make your application up to the day of the wedding. Given that the wedding is on a Sunday, however, your deadline for applying for and receiving your Marriage License is Friday, February 19, 2027.
For Florida residents, there is a mandatory three-day waiting period before the license will be issued. It is, therefore, imperative that you visit the location where you apply for your license and complete the application no later than by MONDAY, February 15, 2027. You can then pick it up on Friday, February 19, 2027. You will need to bring the license with you to the ceremony,
If we live outside of Florida, can we apply for a marriage license in our hometown and bring it with me? No, an out-of-state marriage license cannot be used for a wedding ceremony in Florida. You must complete a marriage license application in the State of Florida.
We live in Florida- Do I have to apply for our Marriage License in St Petersburg? No. If you intend to marry in the state of Florida, you can apply for a marriage license in any town or city in Florida and take that marriage license with you anywhere in the state to have your ceremony performed - which is, in this case, St Petersburg. If you receive your marriage license in a town other than St Petersburg, the Bride Pride Officiant will mail your signed marriage license back to that respective town's Town Clerk after the ceremony. However, regardless of where you apply, you must apply for a marriage license within 60 days of the wedding date (no earlier) and every town has a three day waiting period. So pay very close attention to the timing. If, however, you decide to take a day-trip and apply for your marriage license in St Petersburg the week of the wedding, you must do so no later than MONDAY, February 15, 2027 allowing three full days to process the application as required by the mandatory three day waiting period. You may pick it up no later than by close of business (4:30 p.m. ) on Friday, February 19, 2027.
AFTER YOU APPLY FOR YOUR MARRIAGE LICENSE
What do I do after I have applied for our marriage license?
FOR FLORIDA RESIDENTS - After you have filed your marriage intentions, and after the mandatory three-day waiting period has elapsed, you will need to return to retrieve your marriage license from the office where you applied. Once you pick up your marriage license, you will need to bring it to the Welcome Center for Bride Pride by Saturday, February 20, 2027, 4PM where you will receive your Bride Pride Welcome Kit.
FOR OUT-OF-STATE COUPLES, you will be able to apply and take your marriage license with you same day. You will then bring it to the Bride Pride Welcome Center by Saturday, February 20, 2027, 4PM.
The Bride Pride Welcome Center will be your headquarters for registration, event information and the perfect stop for lesbian/feminist literature and more.
No matter when or where you have obtained your license -within the previous 60 days - whether in St Petersburg or elsewhere, you must drop off your Marriage License to the Bride Pride Welcome Center to have it available the wedding ceremony.
What do we do with the signed Marriage License after the ceremony? After you have been legally married at the ceremony, the officiant will sign your Marriage License. All of the Marriage Licenses will be returned to the office where you originally applied so that they may record it. We will do this for you.
Can I get a copy of the Marriage License? Yes. You will contact the office where you originally applied and ask for a copy. Give them time to receive the license and to record it.
PLANNING FOR THE CEREMONY
Can I announce the wedding or renewal on my Social Media sites?
Umm, yes, please! We'd love you to be a voice in the planning of your Wedding Party!! Besides getting the message out to your friends, family, and followers, we'd love you to follow us and all the other brides on Instagram @bridepridestpete and on Facebook at @bridepridestpete. Do Couple Selfies, Ring Selfies and Proposal Selfies on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, or wherever. Use hashtag #BridePrideStPete. IDEA: Create and share a personal wedding or renewal hashtag (try to make it unique so someone else isn't using it for their wedding, too - e.g., #SarahKateBridePride2027 DURING and AFTER the wedding, share your hashtag with guests who can't attend so they can follow along.
MORE INFORMATION?
Who may I contact to receive more information about the Marriage License process?
Regardless of where you file your marriage intentions, it is always best to contact the Town/City Clerk's Office to find out what is required in order to avoid any last minute surprises and be better prepared for your big event.
Where can I learn more about Bride Pride?
You are always welcome to reach out to us through our contact info on the site.