11 Reasons Why My Marriage Celebrating Equality in Florida Was Remarkably Unique

In January 2015, Florida became the 36th state to legalize same-sex marriage, marking a significant milestone for LGBTQ+ rights. My partner, Alex, and I were eager to embrace this new reality after years of building a life together. We had invested in a home, blended our finances, and raised our child, Jamie, for the past four years. Unlike the traditional weddings most people envision, our ceremony was spontaneous and full of joy. Here are 11 reasons why our marriage celebration was truly one-of-a-kind.

11. Minimal Planning Required

Traditional weddings often demand extensive planning, from selecting the perfect venue to painstakingly organizing seating arrangements. Not us. We simply sent out a Facebook invitation announcing, “Meet us at the courthouse in three days! We’re tying the knot!” It was refreshingly straightforward.

10. A Shared Experience

Many couples face their wedding day feeling isolated, grappling with doubts and fears about their future together. However, we wed alongside countless other couples celebrating their love. It was comforting to share this monumental event with so many others. We even received a ticket number — ours was B15 — which added to the excitement.

9. Our Child Was Included

One of the advantages of our ceremony was that we could include our child, Jamie. Traditional weddings can sometimes feel disjointed when children are involved, but we had already built a family. Our wedding day felt complete with Jamie by our side, reinforcing the essence of our commitment.

8. Cost-Effective Celebration

Weddings can be exorbitantly expensive, with costs piling up for venues, catering, and decorations. In contrast, our celebration was remarkably affordable. We purchased our rings and wore new outfits, and that was it. No debt, no stress.

7. Law Enforcement Presence

Unlike most weddings, ours had actual police officers in attendance — though they were not strippers, which was mildly disappointing. Their presence added a layer of assurance and support to our joyous occasion.

6. Midnight Ceremony

We chose to get married at 12:01 AM on a Tuesday, a time that few would select for such an event. However, it felt rebellious and exciting to break convention. Plus, I enjoyed a late-night coffee beforehand, which was a delightful perk.

5. Unconventional Venue

Our ceremony took place in a government building, a setting that contrasted starkly with the typical romantic venues of a traditional wedding. The juxtaposition of love in a bureaucratic setting made it all the more memorable.

4. Dignitaries in Attendance

We had the unique experience of having the County Clerk and Sheriff present at our ceremony. This was undeniably a rare occurrence at most weddings and added an element of significance to our day.

3. Shared Anniversary

Our wedding anniversary falls on January 6th, allowing us to share this special date with many other couples across Florida. It creates a unique bond and community among those who celebrate love on the same day.

2. Cherished Friends by Our Side

We celebrated our marriage alongside two dear friends, Emily and Sam, who have been integral to our lives. Their presence enriched our experience, especially for Jamie, who has formed strong bonds with them.

1. The Foundation of Love

Ultimately, the most important reason our marriage felt special was the love we share — not just between Alex and me, but the overwhelming support from family and friends. It’s a testament to the journey we’ve taken together. Like many in the LGBTQ+ community, we never expected to see marriage within our reach, yet here we are. Our family, the Smith-Joneses, is filled with gratitude and joy.

Through our journey, we’ve learned that love is not just about the ceremony but the community that surrounds us. If you’re considering starting your own family, check out resources like this one for guidance on home insemination. You can also read more about the process in this article, which provides excellent information on intrauterine insemination, or explore more about home insemination on our blog.

In summary, our marriage was a celebration of love, equality, and community, proving that the essence of partnership transcends tradition.