Eloping in Florida: The Ultimate Dos and Don’ts Guide

Dreaming of an epic and adventurous elopement in Florida? Then this guide is for you! Whether you’re drawn to the sport ocean fishing, vibrant city scenes, or the blue waters, Florida offers a stunning backdrop for your elopement. From water activities to the local craft breweries, there’s no shortage of things to do. But before you dive into planning, let’s explore the main do’s and don’ts to ensure your Florida elopement is everything you’ve ever wanted! From hiring the right vendors to navigating permits and weather considerations, these tips will help you create the perfect, sun-soaked adventure elopement while avoiding common mistakes.

Do’s

1. Plan Ahead: Even though elopements are often more spontaneous, it’s still wise to plan ahead to ensure everything you need is in place, such as necessary documents, travel arrangements, and any permits. Give yourself at least 6 months to make sure you have a solid plan in place. The more time, the better.
2. Hire Elopement-Specific Vendors: Florida is notorious for cheap elopements, but your elopement is so much more than a wham, bam, thank you ma’am experience. Consider investing in elopement-specific vendors (such as elopement photographer *wink, wink*) to plan and capture the elopement. These moments are once in a lifetime, and having experts on your side to bring your elopement vision to life is SO worth it. Need help finding the right elopement photographer? Check out this resource for some guidance!
3. Get the Legalities Right: Research the legal requirements for marriage in Florida. Ensure you have a valid Florida marriage license and give yourself plenty of time to obtain a license. Check the specific county’s requirements and processing times, and factor this into your timeline. Check out my resource on how to elope in Florida for more info!
4. Personalize the Experience: Since elopements are often more intimate, you have the opportunity to personalize every aspect. Write your own vows, choose meaningful readings, and include activities that reflect your personalities. Here’s my list of 50+ activities to do during your Florida elopement to give you some inspiration!
5. Consider Your Outfits: Choose attire that suits the location and vibe of your elopement. It doesn’t have to be traditional, but keep in mind where you’ll be and what you’ll be doing. Florida tends to be hot and humid and most out of state couples should opt for lighter fabrics to keep cool.
6. Inform Close Friends and Family: Always, always, always have a plan for sharing the news with your closest friends and family before or shortly after the elopement to avoid hurt feelings. Trust me on this one.
7. Research Locations: Florida offers diverse settings, from beaches to gardens and historic sites. Research and choose a location that resonates with your elopement vision. Consider factors like where you want to stay, what you want to see, what you want to do, and what types of photos you’ll want captured.
8. Plan for Weather: Florida’s weather can be unpredictable. Have a backup plan if you’re eloping outdoors, and consider the best time of year for your chosen location. You can find more about Florida weather and the best time to elope here.
9. Incorporate Water Activities: If your elopement is near the water, consider adding a fun activity like kayaking or boating to your celebration. I encourage all my couples to get in the water somehow whether it’s jumping into a pool, running through some fountains, or changing into bikinis, it almost feels like a MUST for a Florida elopement.

Don’ts

1. Don’t Neglect Legalities: This might seem obvious since we made this part of the do section, but it’s so important! Make sure you understand and fulfill the legal requirements for marriage in your chosen location to avoid any issues down the line. When it comes to locations, some Florida locations require permits for events, including elopements or even just photography. Check if your chosen spot has any permit or fee requirements. If eloping on a beach, adhere to local regulations regarding ceremonies, set-ups, and cleanliness.
2. Don’t Forget Important People: While eloping can be intimate, consider the feelings of close family and friends who might be hurt if they find out after the fact. Decide on the level of involvement you want from others and how you can include them on your wedding day.
3. Don’t Rush the Process: While elopements can be spontaneous and short, give yourself enough time to enjoy the day and get it captured with your elopement photographer. Rushing through the day to adhere to your photography coverage can lead to overlooked details and added stress. My most popular package is 8 hours and gives couples plenty of time to soak in their day. Need some help picking how many hours you need? Check out my guide for choosing!
4. Don’t Feel Pressured by Tradition: Your elopement doesn’t have to adhere to traditional wedding norms…at all. Create a unique experience that resonates with your relationship. Ditch anything that feels weird, awkward, or complicated.
5. Don’t Overcomplicate: While personalization is great, don’t overcomplicate the elopement to the point that it becomes stressful. Keep it simple and meaningful. Pick one or two activities that sound fun and don’t stress about the little details.
6. Don’t Ignore Hurricane Season: Summer is popular in Florida, but be aware of hurricane season (June to November) and consider travel insurance or a backup plan if eloping during this time. November through May is the best for the weather and photos.
7. Don’t Forget Bug Protection: Depending on the location and time of day, insects can be a nuisance. Have bug repellent on hand.
8. Don’t Rush Hair and Makeup: Florida’s humidity can affect hair and makeup BAD. Give your hair and make up artist plenty of time to work with you to ensure it lasts as long as possible.
9. Don’t Skip Sun Protection: Florida’s sun can be intense. Ensure you have sunscreen, hats, and other sun protection to stay comfortable. This is especially important if you’re arriving a few days a head of time. Nothing is worse than looking like a lobster before your elopement.
10. Don’t Ignore Popular Times: Popular Florida locations can get crowded, especially during peak tourist seasons such as spring break, summer, any holiday, and in between Christmas and New Years. With increased popularity, increased prices for accommodations normally follow.
11. Don’t Neglect Comfort: Florida’s temperatures can vary, so choose activities and attire that’s comfortable and suitable for the weather conditions. Ask your photographer for recommendations.

Hey there! I’m Anna, your Florida elopement photographer, planner + biggest fan to make it all happen and I’m so happy you’re here! I’m based in Florida, where the water is always close and the vibes are chill and tropical. Florida is so much more than long stretches of sandy beaches, and I l o v e showing rad folks like you just what makes this place special. In fact, I geek out over discovering what makes every place special when I’m planning elopements. From choosing the perfect location to figuring out those pesky permits to ensuring every detail aligns with your vision, I’ve got you covered. There’s a lot to consider ahead of your elopement and I’m here to guide you through those dos and don’ts.

Tell me what you want your day to feel like, and I’ll take the wheel. I legit can’t wait to start researching and planning to create exactly what you want.