April 3, 2024
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! I’m a Florida elopement photographer, and I’m here to make the process simple! I specialize 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.
The Ultimate Guide for Hosting Your Dream Florida Elopement
Why You Should Elope 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.
When to Have Your Florida Elopement
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 ducking away from the incoming hurricanes. It’s definitely a sunny state, but you do have to be prepared. 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 it’s still warm enough to enjoy the beach and soak up some sun. This is a great time to elope, as long as you plan around the spring breakers. After all, it’s not the ideal time for hitting up the most famous beaches unless you want elopement photos with a bunch of spring breakers celebrating with you, which honestly could be a vibe!
Summer
Summer in Florida is a beach lover’s paradise. It brings the sun, but it also brings the crowds. If you are planning to elope somewhere like Disney, I don’t recommend these months in Florida for your elopement. But if you are eloping somewhere a bit more intimate, like a brewery or courthouse, this season could be an awesome option! Just 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, but not in the way you might expect. Because the weather stays pretty tropical, Florida rarely sees many color changes in our trees. Nonetheless, there are still quite a few transformations you will love. For starters, fall in Florida means that the mosquitoes are finally starting to die down a bit, and the weather isn’t quite as scorching. Plus, most vacationers have returned to the real world, so the crowds are much smaller. Personally, I think the fall in Florida is my favorite time of year for weddings and elopements, but keep in mind that it is hurricane season, so you will have to keep an eye on the weather reports. Don’t stress too much about this, though. Hurricanes might sound scary, but they are often charted for many days and even weeks before the event.
Winter
Winter in Florida is the perfect tropical escape for elopement couples who want to get away from the winter blues up north. Since Florida doesn’t see snow or winter blizzards, it’s a great time to escape the cold. At the same time, you might not want to leave those jackets at home. Florida can get pretty chilly throughout this season. Many Floridians–myself included–consider it to be freezing when it drops into the 40s.
Bonus Tip
No matter the weather, Florida can still get crowded year-round. I always recommend planning your elopement on a weekday if you are going to use a popular spot. Florida is tourist heaven, especially on the weekends! And it is a much more pleasant experience to go when the crowds aren’t around
How Much Do Florida Elopements Cost?
The wonderful thing about elopements is that you can plan them around pretty much any budget. Some couples choose to have a private ceremony alone on the beach, while others want to bring along some friends and family to celebrate by their side.
Legally, there are a few fees you will have to pay:
- Marriage license (we can chat about this in a few minutes): The standard fee is $93.50, but it can be knocked down if you take a premarital course.
- A wedding officiant: Florida requires an ordained minister, clergy member, or judicial officer to officiate your wedding. If you need to hire one, you can expect to pay $200-$500. However, if you work with me, I’m actually a licensed officiate and offer the service complimentary to my elopement clients!
From there, you will want to decide what you want for your Florida elopement. You will definitely want to consider the following:
- Transportation to and from the state
- Lodging while you are in town
- An elopement planner and photographer
- Hair and Makeup
- Attire
- Tables and chairs (if you are having guests)
- Food after the elopement
If you do decide to have a venue, you can normally save quite a bit by opting to have your wedding on a weekday. Most venues offer specialty weekday pricing for less than $1000. All in all, on average, you can expect to pay $3000-$8000.
Many of the couples I work with as an elopement photographer and planner opt to not have a venue, and instead, fill their elopement day with experiences out in nature or at places like cool breweries.
Where to Elope in Florida
When considering where to elope in Florida, it really comes down to how you want to spend the day of your wedding. From there, you can typically narrow down your options pretty easily. Ask yourself things like, do you want to get married as the sun sets over the beach, or 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*, or would you rather have a scuba diving adventure and say your vows underwater? The options are endless, but I would love to help you find some ideas!
Central Florida
The big draw in Central Florida is definitely Orlando. A lot of people choose this elopement spot for the Florida theme parks, with both Disney and Universal Studios serving as popular choices. If you want to avoid the massive crowds, you can instead stick with the resorts so you can have a private celebration that still captures the magic of the spot. Even if the parks aren’t exactly your thing, Central Florida still has a lot to love. You can find lots of scenic barns and natural springs. Additionally, this area is home to some of the most picturesque beaches, making it the ideal choice for a sunrise elopement overlooking the water.
East Coast
The East Coast is home to some absolute gems, including Daytona, Melbourne, Cocoa, and Jupiter. All these spots give you an unforgettable view for your beach wedding. If you are the type of person who nerds out over history (relatable, tbh), you might want to check out St. Augustine. This is one of the oldest established spots in the entire country, and you can find so many unforgettable venues like Castle Garden or Ponce de Leon’s Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park. This whole area is the ideal spot for people who love to get out and seek adventures.
West Coast
If you are the type of person who lives for nightlife, you might really love the West Coast. This area features Tampa, Clearwater, and Naples. Yes, of course, you are going to get the full beach experience and stunning sunsets, but you are also going to get so much charm from the cities! You can head into downtown Tampa and try out some high-end clubs or restaurants for a wedding celebration, you may or may not remember the morning after.
South Florida
South Florida is the place to go if you are looking for a luxury elopement. Home to both Miami and Fort Lauderdale, this area is full of venues that people fly in from all across the globe to reserve. This is always a great spot for hotel weddings, offering luxe spots like Kimpton Surfcomber or Four Seasons. And while you can absolutely do a beach wedding, be prepared for way more crowds, especially during spring break. South Florida also features the Everglades for those who prefer to get out into nature!
North Florida
North Florida is home to some of the most popular cities for families, including Jacksonville, Tallahassee, and Gainesville. Because it tends to bring in larger crews, you can also count on bigger AirBnBs that can sleep your entire crew! North Florida is home to several kitschy elopement spots, including Rainbow weddings. You can find a lot of charming areas that will give you a ceremony you won’t forget!
Panhandle
The Panhandle is full of breathtaking beaches that will shine throughout your wedding. Because it’s a bit northern, you also won’t have the same long trek you might have with other locations. This area is home to Destin, 30A, and Panama City Beach. You can choose from a long list of options for your elopement, including The Chapel at Seaside and Topsail Hill Preserve State Park. This is also one of the best spots to board a private boat and get married on the seas!
The Keys
Last but certainly not least are The Keys. All of the islands give you impeccable Florida vibes for your beach vacation. You can count on sandy white beaches, blue waters, and tons of palm trees. While this is going to be the furthest away from the rest of the country, I promise the views are worth it! Plus, they offer several resorts where you can book all-inclusive packages that let you tie the knot in style!
The Legalities of Eloping in Florida
Apply For a Marriage License
Now, time for all the legalese. Florida makes it pretty easy to apply for a marriage license the week of your wedding. If you are a type-A person who simply cannot wait until you’re here, some of the counties will let you start the application online so you can save time in the office. Once you arrive, you can apply for a marriage license by going to any County Clerk’s Office in the state of Florida and bringing the necessary items listed below.
What to Bring to the County Clerk’s Office: Documents Needed to Elope in Florida
- Applicants are required to provide one of the following IDs, and it must include his/her date of birth: A Florida ID or Driver’s license, a US passport, or a foreign passport. Other options and more information can be found here.
- Social Security Number (you don’t need to bring your card. Just be sure you have the number memorized)
- Cash or a credit card to pay the application fee
- (Optional) Premarital Counseling Certificate of Completion
Things To Note:
- You can get married in any county in Florida, regardless of which county you received 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 ahead of time to get your license. Applying for a marriage certificate can be done as a walk-in appointment at the County Clerk’s Office.
- You will 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.
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 county 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.
Witnesses
In Florida, witnesses are not required to sign the 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.
Accommodations for Your Elopement in Florida
Where to Stay
When you are deciding where you want to stay, you have a lot of options. It really just depends on your style. A lot of my elopement clients prefer the convenience of a hotel or the intimacy of an airbnb. Lucky for you, we have a lot of options, whether you are in the mood for something classic like the Four Seasons Resort at Walt Disney or want something bright and colorful like The Colony Palm Beach. Some people prefer to have a house where they can relax for the week and get ready for their wedding. Florida has a lot of these, too.
You can go with a traditional beach house through a rental company, or you can stick with AirBnBs. I always suggest going with an option that will really shine throughout your get-ready pictures! Many of the AirBnBs have been staged ahead of time, and they tend to make gorgeous backdrops. Plus, you can find places big enough to sleep all your guests while putting you right on the beach. It can be pretty convenient!
Airports
Florida has five major airports you can use for your elopement:
- Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW) located in Fort Myers
- Tampa International Airport (TPA)
- Fort Lauderdale – Hollywood International Airport (FLL)
- Orlando International Airport (MCO)
- Miami International Airport (MIA)
Local Food to Try
When in Florida, there are a handful of foods that you absolutely need to try! Here are my faves:
- Gator: Gator tail is an absolute necessity! Try it fired for an extra kick!
- Seafood: It’s not exactly a secret that we have some of the freshest seafood around. Try some Gulf Oysters, Pompano, stone crab claws, or lobster.
- Key lime pie: Sure, it might be available everywhere, but we take great pride in it!
- Cubano: This is a must, especially if you are in Tampa or Miami.
In addition to these spots, our theme parks tend to have their own specialities. If you are in Universal, you have to check out the Butterbeer in Harry Potter World. And if you are in Disney, it’s time to try a Dole Whip!
Things to Do in Florida
Below are some of the best things you could do in Florida during your elopement. This is definitely something you want to think about ahead of time. After all, once you 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 n roll-themed elopement
- Take an airboat ride
- Go to a breakfast diner and share a “toast” (get it? like a piece of toast!)
- Say your vows as the sun sets over the ocean
- Go scuba diving (I mean, come on, how cool! BTW, 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!
Hiring a Florida Elopement Photographer
When it comes to your elopement, the one thing you do not want to skimp on is a wedding photographer. I mean, after all, you are planning a once-in-a-lifetime adventure, and you don’t want to risk those memories fading away. If you are looking for the right person for your day, I might just be your girl! As a Florida elopement photographer, I know how to work with couples to help them document each and every second of their journey. I not only photograph your day, but I also help you plan it! Whether you want to get the perfect sunset pictures or get some portraits beneath the water, I am ready to be there through it all! Let’s work together so you can tell your love story the way it deserves to be told.
I Hope This Helps You Plan The Florida Elopement Of Your Dreams
Phew, I think that just about covers it all! I hope this guide helps you as you plan your totally unique, completely unforgettable, Florida elopement. And if you do think I might just be the photographer for you, I would love nothing more than to chat all about it! Send me a message today, and we can get this thing started!
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