Dry Tortugas Elopement Guide

How to Elope in the Dry Tortugas: A Complete Guide for an Epic Florida Adventure

If you’ve been dreaming of an adventurous way to elope in Florida, then a Dry Tortugas elopement might just be the perfect plan for you. Imagine exchanging vows on a secluded island only accessible by boat or plane, surrounded by crystal-clear waters, historic ruins, and a pristine natural landscape that feels like your own little world. Sounds pretty epic, right? Here’s everything you need to know to elope in Dry Tortugas and create the most unforgettable day ever.

The most up-to-date information about the Dry Tortugas can be found on the National Park Service website.

If you need help planning your Dry Tortugas elopement, then check out my Key West elopement experience and how I can personally curate and capture your elopement.

What is the Dry Tortugas?

The Dry Tortugas is a remote national park about 70 miles west of Key West, Florida, only accessible by boat or seaplane. It’s made up of seven small islands, but the crown jewel is Garden Key, home to the massive, unfinished Fort Jefferson, a 19th-century fort that sits right on the water. With its blend of history, stunning turquoise waters, and white sand beaches, it’s no wonder this spot is becoming a favorite for couples looking to elope.

A Dry Tortugas elopement offers the best of both worlds: epic Florida adventure mixed with a secluded intimate setting. Whether you’re envisioning a private beach ceremony, exploring the ruins of Fort Jefferson, or snorkeling through coral reefs right after you say your vows, this location is ideal for couples who crave adventure and romance.

How to Get to the Dry Tortugas

Getting to the Dry Tortugas is part of the adventure! Since it’s a remote island, you have three options for transportation:

1. Ferry: The Yankee Freedom ferry departs from Key West daily. The ride takes about 2.5 hours each way, so it’s a full-day trip, but the ferry provides lunch and snorkel gear for exploring once you arrive. Be sure to book your ferry tickets well in advance, as they often sell out during the busy season. Tickets start at $220 per person.
2. Seaplane: If you want to make a grand entrance (one that I highly recommend for an epic Florida adventure elopement), the seaplane is the way to go. A seaplane from Key West takes about 40 minutes and gives you a bird’s-eye view of the islands and the Gulf of Mexico. Plus, it allows for more flexibility with departure times, making it easier to plan your day. Rates start at $466 per person.
3. Private Boat: Feeling extra adventurous? You can also rent a private charter from Key West for a more customizable schedule and the chance to explore some of the other small islands in the Dry Tortugas archipelago. It’s the ultimate way to create a private, personalized experience for your day.

Unsure about the best way to get there? Whether you’re considering a ferry, seaplane, or private boat, I can help you decide what works best for your vision. Check out the Key West elopement experience and see how I can help find the perfect option for your Dry Tortugas elopement!

Permits and Legal Requirements for a Dry Tortugas Elopement

While eloping is all about keeping things simple, there are still a few logistics to sort out when it comes to permits and paperwork. Here’s what you’ll need to legally elope in the Dry Tortugas:

• Special Use Permit: Any wedding or elopement in Dry Tortugas National Park requires a Special Use Permit. It’s easy to apply for through the National Park Service website, but make sure you allow time for processing and approval. This permit is required to ensure that your elopement is in line with the park’s guidelines and regulations.
• Marriage License: Since you’re getting married in Florida, you’ll need a Florida marriage license. You can get one from any county in the state, and the process is pretty simple. If you’re from out of state, there’s no waiting period, so you can get your license and elope right away!

Need help with the permits or legal paperwork? I’ve got experience with the National Park requirements and can walk you through the whole process to keep it stress-free. Let me show you how I can help make your Key West elopement truly stress-free!

Best Time to Elope in the Dry Tortugas

Timing your Dry Tortugas elopement is crucial for ensuring the best experience with weather and crowds. The best time to elope is during the dry season, which runs from November to April. During this time, you’ll experience cooler temperatures, less humidity, lower chance of rain, and you’ll avoid hurricane season —perfect for an outdoor elopement.

For the best chance of a quiet, intimate day, aim for a weekday elopement. Weekends can be busier with day-trippers, but weekdays are generally quieter, allowing you to enjoy a more secluded experience.

Pro tip – give yourself plenty of planning time! Many of the transportation options get fully booked during busy season so give yourself at least 3 months of planning time to get the best options!

Ready to pick the best time for your elopement? I’ll help you choose a date that works with both the weather and your schedule to make sure your day is picture-perfect. Check out my Key West elopement experiences.

Things to Do During Your Dry Tortugas Elopement

One of the coolest things about eloping in the Dry Tortugas is that the fun doesn’t stop after your ceremony. The park is a playground for outdoor lovers, with activities ranging from historical tours to underwater adventures. Here’s how you can make the most of your day:

• Snorkeling and swimming: The coral reefs surrounding the islands are full of vibrant marine life. After exchanging your vows, grab your snorkel gear and dive into the clear, warm waters to explore the reefs and see tropical fish, sea turtles, and maybe even a dolphin or two.
• Explore Fort Jefferson: Fort Jefferson is an absolute must-see while you’re there. Wander through the ruins, climb up to the fort’s highest points for amazing panoramic views, and take advantage of the incredible photo opportunities. The park offers self-guided tours.
• Beach Picnic: What could be better than celebrating your newlywed status with a romantic beach picnic? Pack a blanket, some snacks, and a bottle of champagne to toast to your new adventure together.
• Overnight camping: make your elopement even more adventurous by camping before or after your ceremony!

Want to make the most of your elopement day? Whether it’s snorkeling, exploring Fort Jefferson, or planning a beach picnic, I’m here to help you create a fun and personalized itinerary. Let me show you how I can craft your ultimate elopement adventure!

Can You Bring Guests or Pets to Your Dry Tortugas Elopement?

While a Dry Tortugas elopement is typically a more intimate, adventurous experience, you might be wondering if you can bring along a few guests—or even your furry family members. While pets are allowed at the Dry Tortugas (Garden Key only), there are some restrictions outlined on the NPS website. If you want to bring guests or pets, here’s what to keep in mind:

• Ferry: The Yankee Freedom ferry allows up to 175 passengers, so you can definitely bring a few guests. However, pets are not permitted on the ferry, so if your pup is a must-have for your day, this option won’t work for them.
• Seaplane: With limited seating, seaplanes offer less flexibility for larger groups. You’ll likely be limited to just a few guests (up to 10), and unfortunately, pets are not allowed on the seaplanes either.
• Private Boat: If you want total flexibility with both your guest list and the option to bring your dog, a private boat charter is your best bet. Some private boat companies are more flexible about allowing pets onboard, and you can work with the captain to ensure your guests (and pups) are comfortable. Just double-check with your boat provider to confirm their pet policy!

Thinking about bringing guests or including your pup for your elopement? I’ll help you figure out the best transportation options and make sure everyone—human or furry—gets to be part of your adventure. View my Key West elopement experiences.

What to Bring for Your Dry Tortugas Elopement

Since the Dry Tortugas is so remote, you’ll need to be prepared for a full day outdoors. Here are the essentials you’ll want to pack:

• Wedding Attire: Keep it simple and breathable. Lightweight dresses and linen suits are perfect for the warm, tropical climate. And don’t forget a change of clothes if you plan on snorkeling or swimming.
• Sun Protection: Sunscreen (preferably reef-safe), hats, and sunglasses are a must. The sun is intense, and there’s limited shade on the island, so make sure you’re protected.
• Plenty of Water and Snacks: While the ferry provides lunch, it’s a good idea to bring extra water and snacks to keep you fueled throughout the day. There is no where to buy food or drinks on the Dry Tortugas
• Towels and bathing suits: if you plan to snorkel or swim during your trip.
• $15.00 National Park Entrance Fee

Don’t forget an elopement photographer that will capture every bit of the adventure 😉 Check out the Key West elopement experience and I’ll make sure you have everything you need for a seamless elopement!

What to Expect on Your Elopement Day

Eloping in the Dry Tortugas means disconnecting from the outside world—literally. Because of that, there’s a few things to keep in mind for your elopement day:

• No Cell Service: There’s absolutely no cell phone signal on the island. Make sure all planning and confirmations are sorted ahead of time since you won’t be able to check anything once you’re on the island.
• Basic Amenities: There are restrooms and some shade near the fort, but don’t expect any luxuries. The park is remote, and you’ll need to bring everything you need for the day.
• Leave No Trace: This is a protected national park, so be mindful of leaving the area as pristine as you found it. Pack out everything you bring in. This includes not bring back shells, coral or any artifacts from the fort.

Want to feel completely ready for your elopement? I’ll help you plan out all the details, so when the day arrives, you can just relax and enjoy every moment. Check out my Key West elopement experiences.

Ready to Elope in the Dry Tortugas? Here’s What to Do Next

Planning a Dry Tortugas elopement is all about embracing the adventure and keeping things stress-free. Here’s your next step:

1. Book your transportation: Whether you’re taking the ferry, a seaplane, or a private boat, secure your transportation as soon as possible.
2. Get your permits: Apply for your Special Use Permit and make sure you’ve got your Florida marriage license sorted.
3. Hire your elopement photographer: This should probably be your first step 😉 Reach out to me to help plan your day and capture every epic moment of your adventure!

Excited to get started? I can’t wait to hear your vision and help you plan an unforgettable Dry Tortugas elopement! Reach out to me today to lock in your date, get your permits, and start creating your dream elopement day together.

Dry Tortugas Elopement Photographer – at your service