How To Elope in Florida

You’re probably here because you and your partner want an elopement filled with sun and adventure, and decided Florida had both, but now you have no idea how to elope in Florida. Am I right? That’s where I come in! I’ve created this guide to tell you the where’s, the when’s, and the how’s for eloping in Florida! If you’re looking for the best information from a Florida native who has photographed dozens of Florida elopements, then you’re in the right place! Let’s dive on in!

In this How to Elope in Florida blog, we will cover:

• Where to Elope in Florida
• When to Elope in Florida
• How to Elope in Florida
• What To Do for Your Florida Elopement
• What to Bring to Elope in Florida
• Example Timelines 
• Florida Elopement Packages

Where To Elope in Florida

Picking where to elope can be the hardest part of your elopement planning process! Florida has so many different regions with each location having its very own vibe. With its wide spectrum of cultures, Florida can be broken down into about 7 regions:

• Northwest Florida (30A, Rosemary Beach, Pensacola, Tallahassee, etc.)
• Northeast Florida (Jacksonville, Saint Augustine, etc.)
• Central Florida (Orlando, etc.)
• Central East (aka Space Coast) (Cocoa, Melbourne, etc.)
• Southeast Florida (Miami, Fort Lauderdale, West Palm Beach, etc.)
• Southwest Florida (Tampa, Clearwater, St. Petersburg, etc.)
• Florida Keys & Key West (Islamorada, Key Largo, Key West, etc.)

If you need some help narrowing it down, here’s where you should go!

If you’re looking for amazing blue springs: Apopka, Deland
If you’re looking for long stretches of white, sandy beaches: Clearwater, Saint Petersburg
If you’re looking for historic small towns: Saint Augustine, Key West
If you’re looking for urban, big city vibes: Tampa, Miami, Orlando
If you’re looking for a tropical oasis: Florida Keys and Key West
If you’re looking for the best bar hopping: Key West, Saint Augustine
If you’re looking for the best breweries: Tampa
If you’re looking for upscale beach living: Rosemary Beach and 30A area, West Palm Beach, Fort Lauderdale
If you’re looking to live like the locals: Vero Beach, Fort Pierce
If you’re looking for the best spots for boating: Fort Pierce, Florida Keys and Key West

Whew – that was a lot! And there’s still so much more to discover. No matter which region you end up going to, keep in mind that there may be wedding and/or photography permits needed for each county, park, or location. My biggest tip for finding your location? Work with a Florida elopement photographer who can help you you navigate these permit waters (pun intended) and suggest locations that fit your vision!

Here aare some of my favorite elopement spots in Florida:

• The Florida Keys (in particular Key West)
• Saint Augustine
• Treasure Coast (Vero Beach, Fort Pierce, Jensen Beach, Stuart)
• Downtown Tampa
• Kelly Park Rock Springs
• Clearwater

Need help finding the perfect Florida elopement location? Let’s plan something together!

When To Elope In Florida

Florida is pretty much tropical all year round! Don’t be fooled though. Florida gets occasional cold frontts in the winter months that will drop into the 30s and 40s. It will normally pass in a few days though!

Generally, here’s what you can expect:

• Spring (March-May): Hot (mid 70s to mid 80s), humid, with higher rain chances towards May.
• Summer (June-August): Hotter (mid 80s to mid 90s), more humid, longer days (~8 PM sunset), and afternoon thunderstorms are like clockwork. If you want a summer elopement, opt for a sunrise ceremony!
• Fall (September-November): Less hot (mid 80s) with lower rain chances after October.
• Winter (December-January): Prime time with the weather! Cooler day time temperatures (low to mid 70s), rain chances are superrrrr low, the days are shorter (~5 PM sunset), the bugs aren’t out as much, and your evenings are cool.

Keep this in mind before setting a date! Florida’s hurricane season starts in June and goes all the way until November. If you plan to elope during this time, plan an early summer (June/July) as hurricane activity picks up later in the season between mid-August and mid-October. If you want to elope during this time, travel insurance is a must!

Outside of hurricane season, you want to choose a date that will avoid crowds! Plan your elopement during an off-season, non-holiday weekend, or during the week!

We can’t forget about our mortal enemies, the Florida mosquitos and no-see-ums. These biting insects are TERRIBLE in the hot summer months. If you want to avoid getting eaten alive, look to get married during the late fall/winter months (November through February).

Need help figuring out the best time to elope in Florida? Let me help guide you!

How To Elope In Florida

Florida is one of the easiest states to elope! There are two easy steps for making it legal in Florida! 

You’ll first need to apply for a marriage license at the local clerk of court. The majority of counties allow you to do this online. If you’re a non-Florida resident, you can pick up your marriage license the same day you plan to sign it! If you’re a Florida resident, there’s a 3-day waiting period. The cost of the license varies by county; however, they’re around $80.

To apply for a marriage license, you’ll need your driver’s license or state ID. Both people must be present. Florida does not require blood test or medical exams.

Once you have your marriage license, you can elope anywhere in Florida within 60 days. Check with the applicable Clerk of Court before making plans to ensure you have all your ducks in a row.

Now that you have your marriage license, you’ll need someone to make it official. This can be any ordained minister, priest, rabbi or other ordained clergy, judges of the state of Florida, or Public notaries of the state of Florida. Don’t want to hire an officiant? Find a photographer (like me) who’s a Florida notary and can make it legal while you’re out adventuring. One less person to worry about!

Heads up – there are two spaces for witness signatures on the Florida marriage license. However, this is not a requirement of the state. Did you know that your dog can sign in this spot? Heart. Melted.

Need help figuring out what you need and when you need it for your marriage license? Let’s plan your elopement!

What To Do For Your Florida Elopement

Florida is so much more than the beach! With a never ending supply of warm weather and sunshining days, adventuring outdoors comes easy in this state. While I have a running list of things to do for your Florida elopement, here are a few of my favorites:

• Get hitched at a spring head and kayak down the Emerald Cut
• Go horseback riding on the beach followed by a luxury picnic
• Horsesback ride the Florida Cracker Trail ending the night campfire side playing card games and drinking hot toddies
• Visit some breweries, eat some sushi, and run through fountains
• Sunrise ceremony over the ocean followed by outfit change into swimsuits for fishing and shotgunning
• Rent a charter boat, pop champagne, then meet friends and family for brunch
• Visit Night of Lights during Christmas and drink martinis
• Play video games, eat pizza, and jump in a pool
• Island hop, mix cocktails, eat PubSubs, and jump in the water
• Cruise around, drink beers, and visit a boat access only bar

There’s endless opportunities to make your Florida elopement exactly how you want it with YOUR kind of adventure!

Need help brainstorming ideas? Let’s create something epic together!

What To Bring To Elope in Florida

Depending on the time of year and the weather, here’s a quick list of all the things to have handy for your Florida elopement:

• Marriage License
• Pen
• Backpack
• Bug spray
• Sunscreen
• Umbrella
• Rain coat
• Snacks
• Water
• Towel (if we plan to get into the water)
• Change of clothes (if you tend to sweat)
• Some form of celebratory drinks for post I do’s!

Example Timelines

Your Florida elopement can be as epic as you want, but how exactly does that look? Below are three options to give you an idea!

4-Hour Timeline

Hour 1: Getting ready, details, & first look
Hour 2-3: Ceremony & mini adventure
Hour 4: Portraits at golden hour

8-Hour Timeline

Hour 1: Getting ready, details, & first look
Hour 2-6: Ceremony & half day adventure
Hour 7: Portraits at golden hour
Hour 8: Dinner & drinks

12-Hour Timeline

Hour 1: Getting ready, details, & first look
Hour 2-5: Ceremony, lunch break, & adventure at first location
Hour 6-12: Adventure & portraits at second location

Florida Elopement Photographer

If you’ve made it this far, it means you’re ready to elope in Florida, but maybe you’re feeling a bit overwhelmed with all that’s involved? If that’s you and you would love for someone to help brainstorm ideas, plan out the logistics, give you recommendations, andddddddd capture epic photos, then I’m your girl!