How to Elope in Kelly Park Rock Springs

Looking for how to elope in Kelly Park Rock Springs? You’re in the right place! Whether you’re craving a spring-fed adventure, tropical foliage, or a post-vow swim in crystal-clear water, Kelly Park Rock Springs in Apopka, Florida is one of the most underrated spots for a Florida spring wedding.

This 355-acre park is perfect for couples who want to keep things low-key, nature-filled, and FUN. Think tubing, kayaking, swimming, hiking, and soaking in one of Florida’s most iconic freshwater springs.

As a Florida native and Kelly Park elopement photographer, I’m here to guide you through the process with this guide! It includes everything from planning the perfect time to elope, to knowing where in the park to figuring out the legalities of eloping.

Let’s dive in. 🌿💍

Table of Contents

• How to Elope in Kelly Park (Step-by-Step)
• Best Time to Elope in Kelly Park
• Where Can You Elope in Kelly Park Rock Springs?
• What to Do After You Elope in Kelly Park
• What Else To Know About Kelly Park Rock Springs
• Leave No Trace at Kelly Park Rock Springs
• FAQ: Eloping in Kelly Park Rock Springs
• Example Timeline for Kelly Park Rock Springs
• Kelly Rock Springs Elopement Photographer

How to Elope in Kelly Park (Step-by-Step)

Planning your Kelly Park elopement is actually super simple. Florida is one of the easiest states to get legally married in and here’s what you need to do:

Step 1: Get Your Marriage License

To elope in Kelly Park, you’ll need a valid Florida marriage license. Here’s how to get one:

• Apply at any Florida Clerk of Court (Orange County is the closest to the park)
• You can apply online or in person (varies by Clerk of Court)
• Both people must be present with a valid ID (driver’s license or passport)
• Pay the marriage license fee (around $80)
• No blood test or medical exam required
• For Florida residents, there’s a 3-day waiting period (from the time you go to the Clerk of Court) unless you take a state-approved premarital course.
• For non-Florida residents, there’s no waiting period. You can get married the same day you pick up your license!

Once you have your marriage license in hand, it is good for 60 days and valid anywhere in the state, including right inside Kelly Park Rock Springs.

Step 2: Choose Who Will Officiate

In Florida, your marriage can be officiated by any ordained clergy, judges, or public notaries. If you want to elope in Kelly Park, you’ll need to book an officiant to make it legal. Alternatively, you can find an elopement photographer that is either ordained or a Florida notary to make the process super easy.

✨ Psst…I’m a Florida notary. That means I can legally marry you and photograph your adventure, all in one. No need to bring an extra person!

Step 3: Optional Witnesses

Florida does not require witnesses, but there’s space on the license for two if you want to include friends, family, or even your dog’s paw print 🐾 .

Best Time to Elope in Kelly Park

Kelly Park is open year-round, but not all seasons are created equal when it comes to comfort, crowds, and weather. Here’s a breakdown:

Florida Elopement by Season

• Spring: Lush, warm, and stunning, but busy. Spring break crowds and weekend traffic mean you’ll want to elope early and/or on a weekday morning.
  
• Summer: It’s HOT (think mid-90s) and daily storms are likely, but if you want a water-centered day, this could be perfect. This is a hot spot in the summer so get there early before the park reaches capacity.
  
• Fall: Still warm (80s), fewer crowds, and the tail-end of hurricane season. Aim for October through early November for the best combo of sunshine and breathing room.
  
• Winter: Chef’s kiss. Cool mornings, golden light, no bugs, and way fewer visitors. The best season to elope in Kelly Park, especially if you want more privacy.

Florida Hurricane Season

Hurricane season runs June–November, with peak activity mid-August to mid-October. If you’re planning a Kelly Park intimate wedding during this time, invest in travel insurance and have a flexible plan in place.

Avoiding Bugs + Crowds

During spring and summer, the park is super busy! The park can reach capacity by 9 AM and the park will not allow anymore entries. If you want to make sure you get there in time, get to the park as soon as it opens (sometimes there can be a line prior to open). If you want to avoid crowds, plan your elopement early in the morning when the park opens and/or during an off-season or non-holiday weekend.

Mosquitos and no-see-ums are brutal in summer. If you don’t want to worry about bugs, opt for a winter elopement. Any other time of the year, bring bug spray with you!

Where Can You Elope in Kelly Park Rock Springs?

You can elope anywhere in Kelly Park as long as you aren’t bothering or interrupting other spring-goers. Keep in mind that you might have people around for your ceremony, but most people are polite and will give you space. For the location, you’ve got two main choices:

The Spring Head

This is the most iconic location in the park where that crystal-clear water flows through the Rock Springs Run. The views here are unreal, especially at sunrise when the light filters through the trees. Keep in mind that different times of the year, the light will change the way the water looks.

From left to right (all at park opening): January, March, April, and May

The Deck Area / Entry Ramp

Want to do a first look or quiet moment before your ceremony? This boardwalk-style entry point to the spring makes a perfect tucked-away spot for that. It’s usually quieter and offers both shade and great photo light.

💡 Kelly Park doesn’t have a formal wedding permit system. That’s a gray area. Small elopements are usually chill—as long as you’re not disruptive or bringing big setups. Keep it minimal, and the rangers will typically give you space.

What to Do After You Elope in Kelly Park

You’ve said “I do” in a natural spring – now what? Here are some ways to turn your Florida spring wedding into a full-on experience:

Things To Do In the Park

• Tubing the spring run: The 3/4 mile float takes about 30 mins. Don’t forget your float + pump!
• Swimming or wading: Cool off together post-ceremony
• Hiking: 7 miles of scenic trails to explore
• Picnic brunch: Donuts + champagne picnic at a shaded picnic table = YES

Things To Do Beyond the Park

• Kings Landing: Rent kayaks or canoes and paddle the Emerald Cut. This is a must for couples who want adventure as part of their Florida elopement. There you can hang out, swim, and enjoy the water like this couple did for their spring elopement.
• Henry’s Depot (Sanford): About 30 minutes away, there’s a food hall, cocktails, and great vibes for a celebratory lunch.
• Back to your Airbnb: Chill, change, or jump in the pool in your wedding clothes.

What Else To Know About Kelly Park Rock Springs

Here’s a quick list of facts to know about eloping in Kelly Park Rock Springs:

• The park is open 8 AM til 8 PM in the summer and 8 AM til 6 PM in the winter. Everything closes one hour prior to park closing.
• There is an admission fee depending on the number of passengers.
• There’s a campground for larger parties at Camp Joy; however, this is located a little ways from the spring with an alternative entrance.
• Camping is permitted
• If an alligator is spotted, swimming cannot resume until the trapper has captured the alligator.
• Floats less than 5′ in any direction are permitted.

Contact the park with any park related questions at (407) 254-1906 (Kelly Park Hotline) or (407)-254-1902 (Entrance Station). You can also make camping reservations online through the Orange County Parks & Recreation website.

Leave No Trace at Kelly Park Rock Springs

One of the best things about eloping in Kelly Park is how raw and untouched it feels and keeping it that way is a big deal. Whether you’re hiking, tubing, or exchanging vows at the spring head, following Leave No Trace (LNT) principles helps protect the park for future couples and local wildlife.

Here’s how to keep your Kelly Park elopement eco-friendly and ranger-approved:

Pack In, Pack Out

Whatever you bring into the park – snacks, flowers, cans, towels, décor – take it all with you when you leave. This helps protect the wildlife and keeps the area clean for the next couple.

No Confetti, Rice, or Flower Petals

Even biodegradable confetti or real flower petals can harm the spring ecosystem and confuse wildlife. Instead, let’s celebrate with a sparkling cider pop, a fist pump, or a jump into the water (yes, for real).

Stay on Trails

If we’re hiking or exploring any of the park’s 7 miles of trails, we’ll stay on marked paths to protect native plants and prevent erosion.

Be Mindful with Florals

Choose locally-sourced, pesticide-free bouquets or faux options that won’t shed into the spring. Avoid invasive species or anything that could damage the ecosystem.

Keep It Low-Key

This is a public park, not a private venue. Keep the noise to a minimum and make sure your elopement doesn’t disturb other visitors enjoying the spring.

FAQ: Eloping in Kelly Park Rock Springs

Do I need a permit to elope in Kelly Park?

There’s no formal wedding permit process, but elopements that don’t disturb others are generally allowed. With that said, it’s easier for elopements than micro weddings to take place here. The park rangers want to make sure everyone is having a great time so they will ask you to leave if they find a wedding to be bothersome for other spring goers.

Can we reserve the spring head for our ceremony?

The spring head location is first come, first served. You might find others exploring it, another wedding or photo shoot happening. It’s important to be respectful of the space and give everyone some space to enjoy the outdoors. With that said, eloping on a weekday and/or once the park opens will minimize this risk.

Can I bring décor or florals?

Small bouquets or handheld décor? Totally fine. Big setups, arches, and chairs? Not allowed. It’s important to follow Leave No Trace (LNT) principles for things you’re planning to bring.

What about music or a speaker?

Low-volume, portable speakers are fine. But keep it respectful. This is a public nature space and park rangers will ask you to leave if it’s too loud.

Can we bring our dog to the elopement?

Unfortunately, pets are not allowed at Kelly Park. Bummer, I know, but this is strictly enforced.

Can we bring champagne or beers?

Unfortunately, alcohol is not allowed at Kelly Park. But a sparkling apple cider? Totally allowed.

Can we invite guests?

Yes, but stick to under 10 people as the area around the spring head is not large enough to accommodate much more.

Example Timeline for Kelly Park Rock Springs

If you’re wondering how your Kelly Park Rock Springs elopement could look, here’s an example timeline:

6:00 – 7:30 AM Getting ready at hotel 
7:30 – 8:00 AM Travel to Kelly Rock
8:00 – 8:30 AM Change & first look on deck
8:30 – 9:00 AM Ceremony at spring head
9:00 – 10:00 AM Portraits & celebratory donuts at spring 
10:00 – 10:30 AM Change into swim suits
10:30 – 10:45 AM Travel to Kings Landing
11:00 – 1:00 PM Kayak to Emerald Cut
1:00 – 2:00 PM Head back & change
2:00 – 3:00 PM Travel to Henry’s Depot
3:00 – 5:00 PM Lunch and drinks at Henry’s Depot

Kelly Rock Springs Elopement Photographer

Eloping in Kelly Park Rock Springs would be the perfect Florida elopement for couple seeking some adventure! As a Florida elopement photographer serving Kelly Park Rock Springs, I’ll focus on understanding your elopement vision; finding activities, and adventures that align with your vision; planning and curating a day that’s 100% percent you; and helping figure out the logistics of your elopement! These moments are once in a lifetime, and having a local expert on your side to bring your elopement vision to life is SO worth it.