The Best Places to Elope in Florida by Region
So you started planning your elopement and you’re wondering where to elope in Florida? Whether you’re dreaming of a boat adventure to a remote island, big city rooftop views, or a quiet beachside cottage to get ready in, there are countless places to elope in Florida. Florida is more than just beaches, it offers an incredible variety of unique elopement locations and experiences.
As a born and raised Floridian, I’ve explored every region in the state and I can tell you that each one is unique. As an elopement photographer I guide couples through planning their elopement day, including activities and finding the ideal “that’s us” place to say their vows! Here are some of the best places to elope in Florida, organized by region with helpful tips on the best airport to fly into.
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The Florida Keys
The Florida Keys are one of the most iconic places to elope if want a tropical escape, with crystal clear water and a little adventure for good measure.
Closest Airports: Fly into Key West (EYW) or Miami (MIA)
Dry Tortugas National Park
Best Activities: Seaplane, boating, snorkeling
The Dry Tortugas is a National Park offering the ultimate Florida adventure elopement: it’s only accessible by seaplane or boat! The park includes crystal clear beaches and Fort Jefferson, take a walk out onto the moat wall for epic wedding day photos. It’s easily one of the most adventurous places to elope in Florida.
Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum
Best Activities: petting cats, reading, historic tours and gardens
Attention cat people! The Hemingway House is home to nearly 60 six-toed cats, who are descendants of Ernest Hemingway’s cat. And yes, some will surely volunteer to be in your wedding photos. Grab a Hemingway novel at the gift shop and head to a nearby beach to finish your wedding day reading with your toes in the sand.
Smathers Beach
Best Activities: Private boat charters, snorkeling, dolphin watching
Say your vows under a coconut palm on Smathers Beach for a postcard perfect ceremony at one of the most classic places to elope in Florida. There’s no fee required to have a ceremony here. After your ceremony drive 10 minutes South to get a photo with the iconic “Southernmost Point” or drive 10 minutes north to Kermit’s Key Lime Pie Shop on Elizabeth Street to trade a traditional wedding cake for the best dessert of the keys. You can rent a private charter to go snorkeling, fishing, and dolphin watching.
Islamorada
Best Activities: A small wedding with guests, spa days, snorkeling tours, golf and sports
At Islamorada you can go all-inclusive, get married at the resort where you stay and relax. Basically rolling straight into your honeymoon after you say your vows! Book the intimate wedding package at Cheeca Lodge to enjoy a tropical vacation with all your ceremony details taken care of.
South Florida
South Florida offers some glamorous elopement locations, from bold city views to historic estates.
Closest Airports: Fly into Miami (MIA), Fort Lauderdale (FLL), or Palm Beach (PBI)
Miami
Best Activities: Latin dining, rooftop cocktails, beach walks, salsa dancing, sunset boat cruises
Miami is one of the most vibrant places to elope in Florida if you want a city-meets-beach atmosphere. You’ll enjoy tropical weather, white sand beaches, vibrant nightlife, Latin eats, and marvel at art deco architecture. Get ready for your wedding day with a Cuban coffee, then make it official at the downtown clerk of courts. After that head to a rooftop bar like the chic Area 31 or the urban jungle Sugar and soak in skyline views.
Vizcaya Gardens & Museum
Best Activities: garden strolls, champagne toasts, eco-friendly reception
Vizcaya Gardens is a dreamy 50-acre Tuscan estate surrounded by 10 acres of Italian Renaissance gardens. You’ll feel like you’re getting married in a royal estate here. It’s a coveted wedding venue where weddings can be quite pricey, but elopements are a fraction of the cost. If you’d like to have guests, the Vizcaya staff can happily assist you in making your ceremony and reception eco-friendly.
Pompano Beach
Best Activities: sunrise on the pier, waterfront dining, snorkeling, yacht excursions
Just 35 miles north of Miami, Pompano Beach is a much quieter spot for your elopement. Pompano Beach offers calm, photogenic beaches without the heavy crowds of Fort Lauderdale or Miami. The Pompano Beach Pier provides a scenic backdrop for portraits, and nearby waterfront restaurants are perfect for a casual celebration. You can also book a private yacht charter for a sunset dinner on the water.
Southwest Florida
Southwest Florida is ideal for couples dreaming of relaxed beach towns, romantic island charm, and incredible Gulf Coast sunsets.
Closest Airports: Fly into Fort Myers (RSW) or Punta Gorda (PGD)
Boca Grande
Best Activities: Biking, shelling, kayaking, relaxing
Boca Grande is a charming slice of old Florida on Gasparilla Island. Stay at the charming Gasparilla Inn or get a beachfront Airbnb. Head to Banyan Street for portraits under the Banyan tree canopy then walk down the street straight to the white sand beach. A little ways South is Gasparilla Island State Park with a full mile of shoreline and two very different historic lighthouses. This state park is also a great place to launch a kayak for the ultimate private elopement. Just south, Cayo Costa State Park is only accessible by kayak or boat.
Sanibel & Captiva
Best Activities: shelling, biking, wildlife trails, kayaking
Sanibel & Captiva Islands are charming beach islands near Fort Myers, where you can stay at an adorable pastel beach cottage. Sanibel is known nationally as one of the best shelling beaches and they protect the small town vibes by being very selective about allowing large restaurant chains on the island! You’ll enjoy local eats on an island that makes you want to sway to “Island in the Sun”. You can also rent a bike and spend your weekend beach hopping on their 25 miles of bike paths, which go all the way from Sanibel Lighthouse Beach to nearby Captiva Island. Just north of Sanibel, Captiva is an even smaller and more private island escape with some beautiful beach resorts and delicious desserts at The Bubble Room.
Naples & Marco Island
Best Activities: dolphin tours, shopping + dining, beach walks
Naples is one of the most elegant places to elope in Florida, blending tropical beaches with upscale coastal charm. Have your ceremony at Wedding Beach, which features a palm tree lined park, or say your vows at the Naples Botanical Garden. After your ceremony, stroll through the palm-lined streets of downtown and celebrate with a romantic dinner at one of the restaurants on Fifth Avenue South. You can even channel a little bit of Italian energy, with a gondola ride launching from Fifth Avenue. On Marco Island you can stay at the gorgeous JW Marriott and the hotel can help plan a ceremony for just the two of you or a few more if you like.
Tampa Bay
Tampa Bay is great for couples who want a blend of city energy, waterfront views, and quirky Florida experiences.
Closest Airport: Fly into Tampa (TPA) or St. Petersburg (PIE)
Tampa Riverwalk
Best Activities: museums, kayaking, paddleboarding, dining
Another option for a city elopement, get your marriage license at the downtown Tampa courthouse and then walk along the Riverwalk. Kayak and paddleboards are available to explore the river right in the middle of downtown. After your elopement ceremony go celebrate at a rooftop bar or the quirky food hall Armature Works. Continue the adventure by taking portraits with interesting architecture or visit the Florida Aquarium.
Weeki Wachee Spring
Best Activities: kayaking, paddleboarding, water slides, boat tours
Weeki Wachee is a stunning spring outside Tampa, famous for its classic mermaid shows. The main state park offers unique experiences, including hosting a ceremony for up to 30 guests on a riverboat! Beyond the public areas, there are also some beautiful, hidden gem spots perfect for more private, intimate celebrations.
The Ringling Museum
Best Activities: art museums, champagne toasts, sunset beach portraits nearby
The Ringling Museum in Sarasota is a beloved wedding venue. Here you’ll visit the 1920s estate and gardens of John & Mable Ringling, yes of circus fame. To have a ceremony here, you must book a wedding package. However, couples can take portraits with a two-hour photo pass. You could book the ceremony package or have vows elsewhere, like at Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, your Airbnb backyard, or a local park. Don’t let the adventure stop there though, end the day with sunset beach portraits at Siesta Key or Perico Preserve, and maybe find a field of native purple muhly grass.
Central Florida
Central Florida offers a mix of city energy, charming neighborhoods, gardens, and easy-access adventure.
Closest Airports: Fly into Orlando (MCO)
Lake Eola / Downtown Orlando
Best Activities: lakeside photos, courthouse ceremony, restaurant hopping
For downtown city vibes elope in Downtown Orlando, sign your marriage license at the courthouse and take a walk to Lake Eola. There are swan boats you could take for a spin, but watch for events here, there could be one you want to attend or avoid! Overall downtown is a great elopement location for couples who want city vibes with romantic water views.
Winter Park
Best Activities: scenic walks, park picnic, boat tour
Winter Park is a smaller cozier town outside Orlando, when I lived in Orlando it was my favorite area. You could host a romantic reception at Enzo’s, take a walk through Kraft Azalea Gardens, or wander the quaint brick streets downtown where you might meet some of the city’s wild peacocks. And you have to try a brick toast at Krungthep on my behalf!
Bok Tower
Best Activities: garden strolls, wildlife watching, carillon first dance
For a fairytale garden elopement, you have to look at Bok Tower Gardens. The singing tower has a carillon inside, meaning you get to hear a live performance played with bells inside the tower. Perfect for your first dance! When you explore their lush gardens and peaceful ponds, you’ll discover a perfect elopement spot for couples looking for a timeless garden setting.
Space Coast
Best Activities: bioluminescence tours, rocket launch viewing, wildlife viewing
The space coast is home to Kennedy Space Center, if you time your trip right you might see a rocket launch. The Space Center is nestled in the middle of Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, a 140,000 acre preserve. Here you can spot manatees, dolphins, and migratory birds on the 7-mile wildlife drive. There are also beautiful beaches nearby like Cocoa Beach. My favorite activity to recommend is booking a bioluminescence tour to see the ocean glow, it’s best seen from June to September.
Kelly Rock
Best Activities: hiking, swimming, kayaking
Kelly Rock in Ocala National Forest is probably the most popular spring for elopements. You can privately say your vows on a rock that juts out into the clear blue water. Then go for a swim (in your wedding dress maybe?) or kayak down the river. Ideal for couples seeking an intimate, off-the-beaten-path ceremony surrounded by nature.
Lake Louisa State Park
Best Activities: biking, boating, horseback riding, kayaking, glamping or camping
I’m sorry, Central Florida must be my favorite place to elope because this is the 6th location! Lake Louisa is a state park with a little bit of everything and it’s hard to believe all this is only 30 minutes from Orlando. Florida is flat but there are actually hills here, along with Spanish moss draped oak hammocks, and sparkling lakes. Plan to stay in one of their cabins or glamping spots.
North Florida
North Florida is perfect if you love historic cities, oak-lined gardens, and freshwater springs.
Closest airports: Jacksonville (JAX) or Tallahassee (TLH)
Saint Augustine
Best Activities: historic strolls, ghost tours, dining, beach sunrises
Saint Augustine, founded in 1565, offers tons of historic charm for your elopement, from cobblestone streets to scenic coastal views. You could get married at a fort, a lighthouse, or even a modern day castle! Elope during the winter to enjoy the city twinkling in a festival called the Night of Lights.
Washington Oaks State Park
Best Activities: hiking, biking, picnics, beach sunrises, tidal pool exploring
This state park includes sprawling oaks, formal gardens, and a naturally rocky beach with tide pools (a rare sight in Florida). Honestly this one looks like a dream! Perfect for couples seeking colorful blooms, elegant gardens, and serene coastal scenery.
Ichetucknee Springs
Best Activities: snorkeling, kayaking, river tubing, hiking
You’ll find a few springs on this list because Florida’s freshwater springs are one of the state’s treasures. Ichetucknee Springs State Park has a crystal clear tree-lined spring and offers activities such as snorkeling, kayaking, and tubing down a natural lazy river.
Gilchrist Springs
Best Activities: snorkeling, hiking, kayaking
This hidden gem is the newest Florida state park, established in 2017. The main spring is a stunning clear blue and you can kayak down the river to explore a series of smaller springs. Ideal for couples seeking an intimate, private ceremony with a striking natural backdrop.
The Panhandle
The Florida Panhandle is ideal for couples who love emerald water, charming coastal towns, and quiet, scenic beaches.
Airport: Fly into Pensacola (PNS) or Panama City (ECP)
30A
Best Activities: beach sunsets, bonfires, kayaking
30A is a stretch of scenic coastal highway running through small towns on the emerald coast, yes emerald the water is known to be a stunning green hue. 30A is a long stretch so there are a lot of options, you could have a church ceremony at the adorable Chapel at Seaside. Or rent an Airbnb in a town like Seaside to get ready sipping coffee and then walk right out onto the beach for your ceremony. Hire a beach bonfire company to enjoy an evening celebrating by the fire.
Grayton Beach State Park
Best Activities: beach sunsets, hiking, kayaking, biking
Grayton Beach is famous for sugar-white sand dunes, emerald waters, and coastal forests. A perfect elopement spot for a natural beach wedding (no condos in sight). There are rolling sand dunes covered in tall beach grass and clear blue water.
Eden Gardens State Park
Best Activities: hiking, kayaking, picnics
At Eden Gardens you can say your vows under the 600 year old “wedding tree” , a sprawling oak that watches over as 150 couples get married there each year. With that being said, you’ll have to book it 11 months in advance. After your ceremony, you can enjoy a peaceful walk through the gardens featuring roses, camellias, azaleas and even a secret garden. The historic 1897 Wesley House adds even more old Florida charm to the property.
Ready to start planning your Florida elopement?
With so many incredible places to elope in Florida, the hardest part is choosing your favorite. If you’re still figuring out where to elope, that’s exactly where I come in. As a Florida elopement photographer, I don’t just show up with a camera, I help couples plan an entire experience. I’m with you every step of the way from navigating location permits to creating a stress-free timeline for your day. Whether you’re dreaming of a quiet beach ceremony, a spring adventure, or a rooftop celebration, I’ll help create a day that feels true to you. Contact me to start planning your day.
