Ultimate Guide for Fall Florida Elopements
The Ultimate Guide for Fall Florida Elopements is here to help you plan you Florida elopement! When it comes to fall elopements, Florida might not first come to mind, but I’m here to tell you why Florida should be considered for your autumn elopement! It’s not all pumpkin patches and spooky events around here (although we that going on too!). Fall in Florida is perfect for cooler weather, less crowds, and less rain! This guide will walk you through all the things you need to know about eloping in the fall here in Florida.
What can you expect from a Fall Florida elopement?
Unlike most states, Florida doesn’t really experience the four seasons; however, that doesn’t mean the weather doesn’t change! Each fall month brings a slightly different climate with the coolest temperatures in November. If you’re looking to elope in fall, it’s recommended to pick a date between mid-October and the end of November. Here’s why:
September still brings hotter weather and afternoon showers with an average temperature between 71 and 89 degrees Fahrenheit. The waters are still warm (roughly 89F) if you’re considering water activities! But warm waters mean hurricanes and September is the peak for hurricane activity. This could mean wet elopements or cancelled elopements all together and no one wants that! If you’re considering eloping in September, I would recommend getting good travel insurance.
October still brings slightly less hot weather with an average temperature between 65 and 84 degrees Fahrenheit. The lows will most likely be found in northern parts of the state around Orlando and north. Mid-October also means lower humidity and less showers. This makes it easier to plan outdoor elopement activities and golden hour portrait sessions!
November brings the best fall weather with an average temperature between 56 and 77 degrees Fahrenheit. The lows will still be found in northern parts of the state, but the rest of the state will be comfortable. Thunderstorms and afternoon showers reduce dramatically making this the best month for outdoor activities. The waters cool down to 79 degrees which makes water activities still bearable!
One thing to keep in mind is that hurricane season is active until November 30th. That means there is a small chance that a hurricane will pop up in November, but that shouldn’t shy you away from a November elopement!
What should you know about a fall Florida elopement?
Fall is not considered the busiest season in Florida; however, tourism starts increasing closer to Thanksgiving bringing with it higher hotel and travel costs. It’s also the height of Florida wedding season. Be sure to reserve your accommodations and vendors early for the best chance of getting what and who you want for your elopement. It’s recommended to start your search at least 6 months in advance!
In terms of wildlife, there’s three seasons to keep in mind – love bug, lobster, and manatee season. Love bug season brings swarms of small, yet harmless migrating bugs that are a nuance for your car. The love bugs come with the changing of the seasons around mid to late September and late November. Lobster season doesn’t mean much unless you’re wanting to elope in the Florida keys. Lobster season bring tons of people into the Florida keys which means HIGH travel costs. (think 3-5X of the typical price). You only need to worry about this for the first few weeks of open between early August to early September. Manatee season (November through April with peak in December through February) also doesn’t change much about traveling to Florida, but if you’re wanting to spot a manatee during your time here, the best time to come would be now!
Best activities for your fall Florida elopement
Since it feels hotter than Hades during the summer months and torrential downpour is always expected, the majority of outdoor activities pick up in the fall. You’ll see more festivals, concerts, and events in the fall. This is a good time to plan one of these as part of your Florida elopement! Some popular fall-themed activities include Epcot’s International Food & Wine Festival (Orlando), Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party (Orlando), Howl-O-Scream (Tampa), numerous fall festivals around the state, and Universal Studios Halloween Horror Nights (Orlando). Outside of the festivals, concerts, and events, here are some outdoor activities for your Florida elopement:
- Sport fishing
- Wildlife watching (dolphins, manatees, etc.) in the Indian River
- Kayaking at King’s Landing
- Horseback riding on the beach
- Off-Roading in Central Florida
- Airboating in the Everglades
- Duval bar crawl
- Renting mopeds in Key West
- Paddleboarding
- Booze cruising on a boat
- Hanging on a sandbar
- Hitting up a theme park in Orlando
- Ziplining in Ocala
- Scuba Diving/Free Diving in the Florida Keys
- Camping on the beach
How should you pack for your fall Florida elopement?
Fall is still pretty warm especially if you’re traveling from a northern state. Summer clothes like bathing suit, shorts, and short sleeves are perfect. It gets cooler at night so a light jacket would be a great option. In terms of your wedding attire, opt for light linens, sleeveless or short sleeve dresses, and forgoing the suit jacket might be a good idea!
Looking for a Florida elopement photographer?
Fall in Florida would be the perfect season for your Florida elopement if you want cooler weather without the hassle of afternoon thunderstorms or crowds. As part of your planning, consider investing in a Florida elopement photographer to plan and capture your elopement. Elopement photographers 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. Need help finding the right elopement photographer? Check out this resource for some guidance!
And if you already feel like we vibe? Let’s get to planning, boo!
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.
