If you are looking to plan the perfect elopement but aren’t quite sure exactly how to Elope in Florida, then you are in the right place, and I’m here to make the process simple. I’m a Florida elopement photographer who specializes in helping you plan the perfect day for YOU and then documenting the whole experience so that you can relive it again and again. Florida is known for its beautiful beaches and fun-filled parks, and eloping here can be incredibly easy with the right guide! Follow the tips below to plan your perfect Florida elopement.
Why You Should Consider Eloping in Florida
With its pristine beaches, lush tropical landscapes, and vibrant sunsets, this state offers so much natural beauty that’s hard to beat. As a photographer, I’ve had the privilege of capturing the love stories of couples against the backdrop of Florida’s stunning scenery, and let me tell you – there’s something truly enchanting about it. From the tranquil serenity of secluded beach coves to the majestic beauty of mangrove forests and the iconic charm of historic towns, Florida provides endless opportunities for breathtaking elopement photos. Whether you’re exchanging vows on the sandy shores of Tampa Bay or amidst the swaying palms of the Florida Keys, each moment is infused with a sense of romance and adventure that’s unique to the Sunshine State.
The Legal Stuff: How To Elope in Florida Legally
1. Apply For a Marriage License
You can apply for a marriage license by going to any County Clerk’s Office in the state of Florida and bringing the needed items. Some county’s will also let you start the application online to save time in the office.
Things To Note:
- You can get married in any county in Florida regardless of which county you get your marriage license in.
- Florida Residents have a 3-Day waiting period before they can marry (F.S. 741.04) unless a Premarital Counseling Course Completion Certificate is presented.
- You do not need to make an appointment. Applying for a marriage certificate can be done as a walk-in appointment at the County Clerk’s Office.
- You need to use your marriage license within 60 days of receiving it and it must be returned signed to the County Clerk’s Office within 10 days of the wedding.
2. What to Bring to the County Clerk’s Office: Documents Needed to Elope in Florida
- Applicants are required to provide one of the following ID’s, and that ID must include his/her date of birth: A Florida ID or Driver’s license, US passport, or a foreign passport. Other options and more information can be found here.
- Social Security Number (No card needed, just know the number.)
- Cash or credit card to pay the application fee
- (Optional) Premarital Counseling Certificate of Completion
3. Hire an Officiant
After you have decided on a location and a photographer, it’s time to hire an officiant! In Florida, a judge or clerk from a country courthouse can officiate your wedding, a Florida certified notary, or you can have a Florida-licensed officiant (someone who has been ordained in a way that is recognized by the state of Florida).
If you are looking to have a truly intimate elopement, you can even hire a photographer (like me!) who is ordained and can officiate your ceremony.
4. Witnesses
In Florida, witnesses are not required to sign your marriage license. There are two spaces for them to sign if you would like them too though! You can find more information about it here.
Where to Elope in Florida
When considering where to elope in Florida, it really comes down to how you want to spend your elopement day. The way you want to spend your day will determine the perfect location Do you want to get married as the sun sets over the beach? Do you want to kayak through the natural springs and say your “I do’s” with alligators as your witnesses? Do you want to go to Disney and have a day filled with *magic*? Do you want to have a scuba diving adventure and say your vows underwater? The options are endless, but I’m here to help.
Not sure what would be a good fit for you? I’ll walk you through how to elope in Florida and plan the perfect day for you. Reach out here to connect!
How to Elope in Florida: Choose the Perfect Activities
Below are some examples of things you could do in Florida during your elopement. Once your know what you want to do, it’s easier to choose the perfect location!
- Kayak through the Florida Natural Springs
- Say your vows surrounded by history (or a castle!) in America’s oldest city (St. Augustine).
- Go for a sunset boat ride
- Cast spells at Harry Potter World
- Get married at the Hard Rock Cafe for a rock-themed elopement
- Take an airboat ride
- Go to a diner and share a “toast” (get it? like a piece of toast lol)
- Say your vows as the sun sets over the ocean
- Go scuba diving (I mean come on, how cool! I’m scuba certified and will be there to capture the whole thing)
- Have a picnic
- Spend the day at Disney (did you know that you CAN elope here? It’s called an Escape wedding. You will need to reach out to Disney weddings, but you can hire an outside photographer as long as you work with Disney’s planners to make it happen)
- Go to a brewery
- Have a pizza party
- Celebrate at a bar
Not sure what is the right fit for you or what this could look like? Let’s connect and plan your perfect elopement!
How to Elope in Florida: Choosing the Right Time of Year
Florida may be known as the Sunshine State, but as a born and raised Floridian, I can tell you that that label is highly deceiving. Depending on the time of year, you could be drenched by afternoon thunderstorms or avoiding incoming hurricanes. It’s definitely a sunny state, but here are some tips to help you plan the best time of year to elope in Florida.
Spring: Spring is a beautiful time in Florida. It’s not quite as hot as the summer months, but warm enough to enjoy the beach and soak up some sun rays. It’s a great time to elope as long as you plan around the spring breakers (not the ideal time for the famous beaches unless you want elopement photos with a bunch of fun spring breakers celebrating with you, which honestly could be a vibe too).
Summer: Summer in Florida is a beach lover’s paradise. Summer brings the sun, but also the crowds. If you are planning to elope somewhere like Disney, I don’t recommend summer for your elopement. But if you are eloping at a brewery or courthouse, it could be an awesome option! Keep in mind that Florida summers see afternoon thunderstorms almost every day (but they do pass!) as well as the start of hurricane season.
Fall: Fall in Florida is often a beautiful time to elope, not in the way that it is up north though, because Florida rarely sees many color changes in our trees. Fall in Florida means that the mosquitos are starting to die down a bit, the weather isn’t so scorching, and the summer crowds have gone away. Fall in Florida is my favorite time of year for weddings and elopements, but keep in mind that it is hurricane season. Hurricanes sound scary, but they are often charted for many days and even weeks before the event.
Winter: Winter in Florida makes the perfect tropical escape for couples who want to get away from the winter blues. Since Florida doesn’t see snow or winter blizzards, it’s a great time to escape the cold. It does get *cool* in Florida, but many Floridians consider it to be freezing when it drops into the 40s (myself included).
Bonus tip: Consider planning your elopement on a weekend if you are going to a popular spot. Florida is tourist heaven, and it is a much more pleasant experience to go when the crowds aren’t around.
TLDR: How To Elope in Florida
- Obtain a Marriage License
- Hire an amazing photographer who can walk you through the entire process (like me!)
- Have the best day ever.
Let’s connect and make your dream Florida elopement a reality!
