Essential Questions to Discuss with Your Partner Before Marriage in Florida

Marriage is a beautiful journey, but beyond the wedding day, it’s a lifelong commitment that requires communication, compromise, and a shared vision. While love is the foundation, successful marriages thrive on understanding, trust, and planning for the future.

I believe a strong marriage is rooted in placing God at the center of the relationship. A marriage built on love, respect, and spiritual guidance is more likely to withstand challenges and grow stronger over time. When couples seek wisdom, patience, and grace through faith, they create a union that is not only legally binding but spiritually fulfilling.

As a Florida notary public and ordained wedding officiant, I am excited to begin officiating weddings and helping couples create ceremonies that reflect their love and commitment. While I have not yet performed any weddings, I am fully prepared to provide couples with a professional and meaningful experience as they embark on this new chapter together. Additionally, because I am ordained, I can officiate weddings nationwide and internationally where ordained ministers are recognized.

To help couples build a strong foundation for their marriage, I’ve outlined some essential topics that every couple should discuss before saying “I do.”

• How do we feel about budgeting, saving, and spending?
• Do we have any debts, and what is our plan for paying them off?
• Will we combine finances, keep separate accounts, or have a hybrid approach?
• What are our short-term and long-term financial goals (e.g., buying a home, retirement planning, investing)?

Pro Tip: Couples who openly discuss money before marriage tend to have healthier financial habits and fewer money-related disagreements. Consulting a financial advisor can help navigate these discussions and provide a solid financial strategy for the future.

• Do we want children? If so, how many?
• What are our thoughts on parenting styles and discipline?
• Will we raise our children with a particular religion or set of values?
• How will we handle challenges like infertility or adoption?

Pro Tip: Even if you're undecided about children, discussing potential scenarios can help align your values and expectations.

• How will we divide household chores?
• Who will handle cooking, cleaning, and grocery shopping?
• How will we manage household expenses and bills?
• How do we handle major home decisions (repairs, furniture, moving, etc.)?

Pro Tip: Having a clear plan ensures both partners feel valued and respected in maintaining the home.

• How do our careers impact our time together and our future plans?
• Are we open to relocating for job opportunities?
• How will we balance work and personal life?
• Do we support each other’s education and career growth?

Pro Tip: Supporting each other’s ambitions helps build a strong partnership where both individuals thrive.

• Marriage License: Couples must apply for a marriage license at a county clerk's office. There is a three-day waiting period unless the couple completes a premarital preparation course.
• Notary Public Officiants: In Florida, a notary public can legally perform wedding ceremonies. This is a great option for couples looking for a simple, stress-free wedding officiant.
• Name Changes & Legal Documents: If either spouse plans to change their last name, ensure documents like social security, driver’s licenses, and financial accounts are updated accordingly.

Pro Tip: Working with a wedding officiant who understands Florida laws makes the process seamless and stress-free.

Before walking down the aisle, all couples—whether first-time spouses, remarried partners, or seniors entering a new chapter—should take time to discuss essential topics that will impact their future together.

Financial Planning – Consulting a financial advisor can help couples plan for shared expenses, investments, and long-term security, including retirement, real estate, and debt management.

Pre-Marital Counseling – Participating in pre-marital counseling provides a structured way to discuss communication styles, conflict resolution, and long-term goals, ensuring a solid foundation for marriage.

Relationship & Intimacy Expectations – Discussing physical and emotional intimacy ensures both partners feel valued, loved, and supported. Even if a couple has been together for years, marriage brings new dynamics, and open conversations about affection, intimacy, and expectations help build a fulfilling partnership.

By addressing these areas before saying “I do”, couples can strengthen their relationship and step into marriage with confidence and clarity.

Marriage is a fresh start, but for those who have been married before, there are unique factors to discuss before saying “I do” again. Whether it’s your second, third, or even fourth wedding, each new chapter brings unique considerations, such as:

• Blended Families – How will children from previous relationships be incorporated into the new family dynamic?
• Financial & Legal Implications – Are there assets, debts, or obligations from previous marriages that should be discussed?
• Divorce Finalization – Before remarriage, all legal matters from the prior marriage must be resolved, including alimony or child support arrangements.
• Emotional Readiness – Have both partners healed from past experiences, and are they entering this marriage with a renewed, open heart?

Pro Tip: A second (or third) marriage can be a beautiful new beginning when approached with honesty, understanding, and shared goals for the future.

A wedding is a beautiful celebration, but a successful marriage is built on communication, shared values, and intentional planning. Discussing these topics before you say “I do” helps strengthen your relationship and prepare you for a lifetime of love and partnership.

As a notary public and ordained wedding officiant, I am honored to guide couples through their special day and provide personalized, meaningful ceremonies. Whether you’re planning an intimate elopement or a personalized ceremony, I’m here to ensure your special day is smooth, stress-free, and legally official—helping you begin your journey of Joy for a Lifetime.