Eloping in Florida: The Ultimate Planning Guide and Best Places
So you and your partner are thinking of eloping in Florida and you’re dreaming of suntans, salt air, and adventure. But now the big question is how do you elope in Florida? Luckily Florida is one of the easiest states to elope in! I’m going to guide you through everything about planning a Florida elopement, from the legal stuff, the when, the where, and the what!
Reasons to Elope in Florida
The Scenery
Florida is one of the most diverse states when it comes to landscapes. Maybe you’re already thinking of the beach, and you can exchange vows on white-sand beaches. But you can also have a ceremony under live oaks draped in Spanish moss, or beside crystal-clear springs, in tropical botanical gardens, or even on a secluded island only accessible by boat. If you want your wedding day to feel like a tropical vacation without traveling halfway around the world, Florida offers an incredible variety of scenery in one state.
It’s Easy (legally)
Florida is one of the simplest states to get married in. Marriage licenses can be obtained in any Florida county and used anywhere in the state. There are no witnesses required, and if neither of you is a Florida resident, there’s no waiting period either. That makes eloping in Florida especially easy for couples traveling here from other states.
Warm Weather Year-Round
If you’re dreaming of saying your vows outdoors, Florida makes that possible almost any month of the year. Winter brings sunny days in the 70s while much of the country is buried in snow, and spring offers some of the state’s most comfortable weather. Even during summer, sunrise ceremonies, shaded forests, and indoor options make beautiful celebrations possible with a little planning.
Ideal for Just-the-two-of-you Weddings
Florida naturally lends itself to intimate celebrations. You could plan a day around kayaking to a hidden spring, getting ready in a beach cottage, hiking through a state park, or watching dolphins at sunset. It’s easy to build a day centered around your relationship instead of entertaining guests.
Combine your Wedding and Honeymoon
One of the biggest advantages of eloping in Florida is that you don’t have to travel again once the wedding is over. Spend a few days relaxing at a luxury resort, island hopping through the Keys, exploring national parks, visiting theme parks, or road-tripping the coast. Your wedding naturally flows into your honeymoon, saving both time and money while creating an unforgettable trip together.
Reasons Not to Elope in Florida
Backup Plans Needed
Backup plans can be a must-have in Florida, particularly in hurricane season. During summer you will need backup plans due to afternoon storms, possible red tide, and in the event a hurricane pops up you may even need to change your travel dates. If you want solid plans and this sounds like a nightmare to you, I’d recommend eloping in Florida in winter or looking into another location for a summer elopement.
Travel Distance
It can be confusing to look at Florida, a narrow state, and realize that Orlando is a 1 hour drive from the beach. So if you’d like to experience multiple landscapes (like a natural spring and the beach) you might need a two day elopement. Which just means twice the fun!
When another destination might fit your vision better
Florida isn’t the right fit for every couple, and that’s okay. If you’re dreaming of mountain peaks, colorful fall foliage, or snowy forests, another designation may align better with your vision. The best elopement location is the one that feels like you. If you’re dreaming of warm weather, tropical scenery, adventure, and a wedding that doubles as an incredible vacation, Florida is hard to beat. As an elopement photographer, I’m happy to meet you wherever you feel at home!
How to Plan a Florida Elopement
Dream Up Your Perfect Florida Elopement
Before you book anything, think about how you want your wedding day to feel. Would you rather kayak through a spring than have a first dance? Start saving locations, activities, and ideas that feel like you. This guide will help you narrow down where to go, what to do, and how to elope in Florida in a way that feels completely your own.
Hire an Elopement Photographer Early
An experienced Florida elopement photographer is more than someone who takes photos. When you’re eloping in Florida, they can recommend locations, guide you to the best season, connect you with trusted vendors, and steer you away from common planning mistakes. Once you know the kind of experience you want, they’ll help you build a timeline with a ceremony and activities you’ll love. Booking your photographer early makes every other decision easier.
Lock in timeline, permits, other vendors, and rentals
As your Florida elopement date gets closer you’ll start to lock in other vendors and location permits. Reserve your accommodations, apply for your marriage license, and make sure everything is all good to go!
Enjoy Your Wedding Day!
Once all the planning is finished, it’s time to enjoy your Florida elopement. Slow down, stay present, and soak it all in. After planning a day full of things you love, this should feel not like an event, but like the best day of your favorite vacation!
How to Legally Get Married in Florida
One of the biggest perks of eloping in Florida is how straightforward the legal process is compared to many other states. Here’s everything you need to obtain a marriage license in Florida.
- Make an appointment and apply for your license at a clerk of court (some allow you to apply online and pick up in person)
- Bring with you: photo ID and social security numbers (or passport numbers or immigration numbers)
- There may be additional requirements depending on the county (particularly if you have a prior divorce or children), check the info for the specific clerk of court you will be using.
- Florida residents must wait 3 days to obtain their license and non-residents have no waiting period.
- If you take a pre-marital course prior to applying, residents can acquire the license immediately and receive a discount on the fee.
- The fee is $86 dollars in most counties
- The license is valid for 60 days and once signed it must be returned in 10 days. It must be returned to the same clerk of court but it can be signed in any county in Florida.
- You can be married by an ordained minister, judge, or a notary. Most couples will hire an officiant, which I can recommend my faves!
- The license has two signature lines for witnesses but they are NOT required, for fun you can have your besties sign or have your fur babies stamp their paw.
When is the best time to elope in Florida?
If you’re wondering when to plan your Florida elopement, winter is hands down my favorite season. Check out my guide for the full breakdown of the weather in every season. Winter has the best weather and there’s a reason it’s our busy season. Summer can be oppressively hot and humid as well as the threat of hurricanes. Early spring can be nice if avoiding spring break, and late Autumn is possible, although hurricane season does last until November 30th.
The Best Places to Elope in Florida by Region
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.
Skip to your favorite region
The Florida Keys
Closest Airports: Fly into Key West (EYW) or Miami (MIA)
The Florida Keys are one of the most iconic places to elope if you want a tropical escape, with crystal clear water and a little adventure for good measure.
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.
Location Permits
Depending on where you’re eloping in Florida, you may need a permit for your ceremony, photography, or both. Prices will vary a lot, so having a good elopement photographer will make it a lot easier. An elopement photographer can help you find a location you love and guide you to apply for any permits you will need.
Activities to Do in Florida For Your Elopement
Adventurous: kayaking, paddle boarding, airboat rides, snorkeling, horseback riding, seaplane tours
Romantic: sunset sail, private chef, beach picnic, spa day, wine tasting, dolphin cruise
Food lovers: coffee shops, seafood restaurants, key lime pie, food tours, farmers markets
City life: rooftop cocktails, museums, live music art districts, historic downtowns
Where to Stay in Florida
Florida has all kinds of different places to stay. Whether you’re looking for a luxurious resort or a beachside cottage, glamping or a houseboat. You’re sure to find something that suits your elopement in Florida.
Anchor Inn & Cottages – Pastel A frame cottages on Sanibel Island
The Don CeSar – A legendary 1928 resort, nicknamed the “Pink Palace” located in St. Pete Beach
Ritz Carlton, Naples – A 5 star resort on the Gulf Coast where you can walk out onto the beach
Houseboat Airbnb – A tiki style houseboat only accessible by boat in the Florida Keys
Treehouse Airbnb – A true treehouse with romantic fairy light located in St. Cloud, near Orlando
Glamping – Stay in a tent with modern luxuries and choose from multiple state park locations
Funky Flamingo Cottage – A riverfront property on the Weeki Wachee river with kayaks for you to use
Little Palm Island Resort – Stay in complete privacy in the Keys in a resort only accessible by boat or plane
The Collector Luxury Inn – Adults only, converted historic homes in the heart of St. Augustine
Where to Eat in Florida
Florida has 26 Michelin-star restaurants as well as a variety of uniquely Florida dishes. I’m talking key lime pie, cuban sandwiches and coffee, and fresh citrus. Here are some of the best restaurants.
Soseki – a Michelin starred Japanese omakase exploring Japanese cuisine with Florida elements located in Winter Park
Joe’s Stone Crab – A Miami classic with a history dating to 1913, serving local stone crab and fried chicken
Baleen – The best waterfront dining the gulf coast, located in a Naples resort
Kermit’s Key West Key Lime Shoppe – Famously the best key lime pie in the Florida Keys
Sanguich de Miami – A walk up spot serving the best Cuban sandwiches in Miami, it even has a Michelin nod
The Floridian – Farm to table and fresh local seafood in historic Saint Augustine
Oxford Exchange – Enjoy brunch at this combined restaurant, bookstore, gift store, event venue and more in Tampa, Florida.
Traveling to Florida
The best way into Florida would be to pick your region and fly into the local airport. When getting around once you’re here, public transport is somewhat lacking. The major cities do have transportation, but you will likely need a rental car in most locations. Here are some options I would recommend.
Brightline – a high speed rail connecting Miami and Orlando plus major cities in between
Metrorail – connects the Miami airport to Brickell and Downtown Miami
How much does it cost to elope in Florida?
The bare minimum for eloping in Florida would be a marriage license, officiant, and a location permit for your ceremony. All combined that will be about $500, depending on the exact location you choose for your ceremony. Some locations are free!
You’ll also likely want an elopement photographer, which will run from $2,800 to $12,000. I think remembering your day with photos is a must have! Most elopement photographers also help with planning, permits, timelines, and crafting an elopement day that’s stress free for you.
If you’re creating a more luxurious elopement, you may be thinking about activities, florists, makeup artists, and more. Each of these will increase the price tag, so if sticking to your budget is important you may have to prioritize.
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.
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