Looking for the perfect place for your dreamy emerald coast elopement? You’re in the right spot. Here’s a curated list of the best 30A elopement venues from dreamy beach dunes to charming coastal towns where you and your partner can have an unforgettable, stress‑free celebration. As a Florida elopement photographer that helps couples bring their visions to life, this list includes all the best spots that you’ll find along the 30A highway for eloping couples!

• The Best 30A Elopement Venues
  • The Chapel at Seaside (Seaside)
  • Grayton Beach State Park (Grayton Beach)
  • Topsail Hill Preserve State Park (Santa Rosa Beach)
  • Deer Lake State Park Dune Lake (Santa Rosa Beach)
  • Eden Gardens State Park (Point Washington)
  • Private Residences Along 30A
  • Private Boat Charters
  • FAQs for 30A Elopement Couples
  • Meet Your 30A Elopement Photographer

The Best 30A Elopement Venues

The Chapel at Seaside (Seaside)

Vibe: Classic, clean, and captivating architecture

The Chapel at Seaside is the only true traditional church venue available right along 30A for couples who want a intimate ceremony in a stunning interfaith chapel with vaulted ceilings and an iconic bell tower. Nestled in the heart of Seaside, it brings timeless elegance and neighborhood charm just steps from the Gulf. This is a great option for couples that want an indoor space along the 30A coast.

Estimated Cost: Weekday ceremonies starting at $4,500; Weekend elopements starting at $8,500 Guest Max: Up to 175 guests
Pets Allowed: Pets are not allowed.
Permit/Application Process: Yes, book your elopement date through their website.

Grayton Beach State Park (Grayton Beach)

Vibe: Natural, rustic, wild

Grayton Beach State Park is the place to go if your idea of a panhandle elopement is about raw beauty and pine‑lined dunes with minimal interruption. Grayton Beach State Park is wild and serene, with large dunes, coastal forests, and one of the smoothest bodies of water on the Gulf. There’s even camping and cabin options on-site! Since this state park doesn’t promote weddings, it’s best to double check with the park service.

Estimated Cost: $5 per vehicle
Guests Max: Less than 10
Pets Allowed: Yes, on leash; but dogs are not allowed in the cabins
Permit/Application: Florida State Parks special use event and photography permit required. Contact the park for the most up to date information about permits and fees.

Topsail Hill Preserve State Park (Santa Rosa Beach)

Vibe: Wild coastal dunes, rare dune lakes, totally serene

If you’re looking for a more secluded, nature-first 30A elopement spot, Topsail Hill Preserve State Park is a hidden gem. With towering white sand dunes, rare coastal dune lakes, and miles of untouched shoreline, it’s perfect for couples who crave adventure and natural beauty without the crowds. It’s also one of the few state parks in the area offering glamping and cozy cabins, and wake up just steps from your ceremony location. Since this state park doesn’t promote weddings, it’s best to double check with the park service.

• Estimated Cost: $6 per vehicle
• Guests Max: Less than 10 guests
• Pets Allowed: Yes, on leash; but dogs are not allowed in the cabins
• Permit/Application: Florida State Parks special use event and photography permit required. Contact the park for the most up to date information about fees.

Deer Lake State Park Dune Lake (Santa Rosa Beach)

For couples open to a beautiful short drive, Deer Lake State Park offers one of the last dune‑lake ecosystems in the area. This is pure panhandle elopement magic with turquoise water, wild dunes, thick dunes backed by woodland. You can go for a wind‑swept beach edge, perched dunes, or a shaded woodland nook. Bathrooms and parking available, but you still feel miles away from crowds. Since this state park doesn’t promote weddings, it’s best to double check with the park service.

Estimated Cost: $3 per vehicle
Guests Max: Less than 10 guests
Pets Allowed: Yes, on leash; dog-friendly lake access
Permit/Application: Florida State Parks special use event and photography permit required. Contact the park for the most up to date information about fees.

Eden Gardens State Park (Point Washington)

Vibe: Historic, garden‑filled, romantic

Not all 30A weddings have to be oceanfront! Eden Gardens State Park Website brings you classic Southern garden romance. Cypress‑lined lagoons, historic home, gazebo under oak trees: a total romance novel. Ideal for couples imagining vintage romance among blooming azaleas and moss‑covered branches.

Estimated Cost: $3000
Guests Max: Up to 100 guests
Pets Allowed: Yes, on leash (both lawn and garden areas); not allowed in the building
Permit/Application: Reservations required through their wedding coordinator (850-267-8320) up to 11 months in advance and they only permit one wedding per day regardless of size.

Private Residences Along 30A

Vibe: Exclusive, private, beachfront or luxury courtyard

If you’re dreaming of a ceremony right on the beach in some of the more exclusive 30A communities like Seaside or Seacrest a private residence might be your best bet. These vacation homes often include beach access, rooftops, courtyards, or boardwalks, offering a completely private and customizable space. It’s important to note that some communities do not allow ceremonies on the beach; however, they will allow photography with pre-approval.

Estimated Cost: Varies widely ($1,000–$10,000+) depending on property size, time of year, and access
Guests Max: Usually 10–30 guests depending on HOA rules and space
Pets Allowed: Often yes, but depends on the rental policy
Permit/Application: You’ll need both the homeowner’s permission, the applicable community’s permission, and possibly a beach use permit from Walton County. Some HOAs also require event approval. It’s best to check the communities rules and regulations before booking your stay.

Private Boat Charters

For couples seeking a truly adventurous and intimate elopement, a private boat charter is a perfect way to exchange vows surrounded by the emerald waters of the Panhandle. With a range of vessels from sailboats to luxury yachts, you can say “I do” with the sun setting on the horizon or anchored near a secluded sandbar. Here are two of my favorite options for couples wanting a more curated experience:

30A Yacht Charters
Parrot Head Yachts
Paradise Adventures
Private Luxury Yacht Cruise up to 13 guests
38′ Yacht
KiKi Yacht

Estimated cost:Charter costs vary depending on the type of boat and duration. Most packages start around $2,000 for a few hours.

Guest Max: Varies, but depends on the boat size.
Pets allowed: Some boat charters allow pets.
Permit/application process: No permits are needed, but advanced booking and ceremony permission with the charter company is required.

FAQs for 30A Elopement Couples

Q: I noticed you didn’t put Rosemary Beach or Alys Beach on the list. Can we elope there?
Not exactly – Rosemary Beach and Alys Beach are both master-planned communities with very strict rules about weddings and photography. You must stay on-property through their exclusive property management (Rosemary Beach Rentals or Alys Beach Vacation Rentals) to have permission to just photograph in the common areas; however, this doesn’t include your ceremony. Always double check rules and restrictions with the applicable property management company before booking a rental.

Q: What about Seaside or Seagrove?

Seagrove is a bit more flexible and offers several low-key, under-the-radar spots perfect for private ceremonies. Seaside elopements can happen at public beach accesses with a permit or in areas near rental homes with beach access. Seaside requires pre-approval for photography.

Q: Do I need permits?
Yes, many venues (beaches, state parks, etc) require permits. This is something that I help walk my couples through when they’re planning their elopement.

Q: Can we include our dog?
Absolutely. Many state park locations allow dogs on‑leash. For beach ceremonies, you’ll want to make sure you find a dog-friendly beach. Most community beaches do not allow dogs.

Q: How long do we need to plan for a 30A elopement?
Depends. Some couples book a few months out while others book a year in advance. I recommend for couples to start locking things down at least 6 months in advance.

Meet Your 30A Elopement Photographer