

If you’re thinking about planning a Florida elopement, then this guide was made for you! While this guide will walk you through everything you need to know about planing an elopement in Florida, it was designed to help you brainstorm ways to make your elopement unique and fun. Gone are the days of quick beach ceremonies with no post-vow celebration and adventure. Let’s step into the modern definition of elopements: an epic day created just for the two of you doing celebrating however feels right.
Because most of my couples (and maybe you did, too) start out the same way: searching for Florida elopement guidance and ideas, ready to find something that aligns with their vision only to be let down. Couples are being met with cookie cutter elopement packages with no adventure or excitement. While those elopements are perfect for some couples, there are couples out there that still feel like there’s something to be desired. Maybe that’s you, too?
After helping dozens of couples plan unforgettable elopements across the state of Florida, I’ve found the real ways couples make their elopement day easy, unique, and fun…and I’m here to share it all with you!
Disclaimer: this blog contains content derived from original human thought, experience, and expertise – not a robot or AI.

Yes, absolutely! Eloping in Florida is extremely easy especially if you’re a non-resident. You’ll need to know what required of you legally before you can head to the alter.
While there are no elopement-specific laws in Florida, there are your basic marriage requirements and legalities. To get married in the state of Florida, you’ll need you, your partner, someone to make it official (ordained officiant, judge, or notary), and your marriage license. If you want the complete guide on how to elope in Florida filled with all the requirements, click the button below! But here’s a quick rundown:
Same day quickly. If you’re not a Florida resident, you can pick up your marriage license on the same day as your application. This is a huge benefit for out-of-towners. If you’re a Florida resident, you’ll need to wait three days, BUT you can take the online marital course to speed things up. If you take that course, you can bring the certificate to the Clerk of Court to get your marriage license the same day.
When people think about Florida elopements, their mind automatically goes to a quick ceremony on the beach. The beach is perfect for some couples, but there are tons more locations for couples that don’t enjoy the sand between their toes. I’ve created a complete guide for the best locations and ideas for Florida elopements that don’t include the beach. And if the beach IS your thing? I’ve got a complete guide for the best beaches!
Speaking of a quick ceremony on the beach…that’s seriously not enough time to celebrate your wedding! One of the common misconceptions about eloping is that it’s a quick ceremony and you’re done. But what if you continued that celebration long after you’ve signed your marriage license to have the time of your life!? Just imagine spending an entire day together, exploring a new city, and having the ultimate Florida adventure. That could look like:
And these are just a few of the incredible elopements I’ve had the honor of capturing. Each of my couples have the same thought when planning their elopement: “why should the fun stop right after the ceremony?!”
Florida is a melting pot of culture from the the tropical island vibes of the Florida Keys and Key West to the historic culture of St. Augustine to the urban experience of Tampa (and everything in between), there’s something for everyone! Before picking your elopement destination, make sure the city aligns with your elopement vision. This is where working with a local expert would be beneficial.
It’s hot and humid here most of the time. This means two things: your hair and makeup may need some extra help and you’ll probably sweat (or feel like you’re sweating). Keep these in mind when you’re deciding on hiring a hair and make up artist (they can help you create the wedding look of your dreams without it melting off) and selecting your wedding attire (you don’t want to be profusely sweating while saying your vows).
Florida has two unofficial seasons: wet and dry. The “dry season” runs through the winter and early spring months. The “wet season” runs through the summer and fall months. You can expect afternoon thunderstorms, tons of mosquitos and no-see-ums, and extremely hot temperatures. But ultimately, the summer and fall months bring hurricane season. Hurricane season runs from June 1st to November 30th with the most activity in late September through early November. Those things make these months the worst months for a Florida elopement. As a Florida native and elopement photographer, I highly recommend opting for the winter and early spring months for your elopement.
Same day quickly. If you’re not a Florida resident, you can pick up your marriage license on the same day as your application. This is a huge benefit for out-of-towners. If you’re a Florida resident, you’ll need to wait three days, BUT you can take the online marital course to speed things up. If you take that course, you can bring the certificate to the Clerk of Court to get your marriage license the same day.
If you’re planning to stay in Florida before your elopement make sure you’re slathering on the sunscreen! Nothing is worse than showing up on your wedding day with tan lines and a sunburn. And as always, please please please get a sunscreen that’s reef-safe to keep Florida coral reefs thriving!
When you get married at certain locations, you may need a permit. This permit allows you to take photos and/or reserve locations so other couples can’t get married on the same day. Unlike the crazy permitting process out west (think applying 6+ months in advance and setting timers for when permitting goes live), Florida is pretty chill when it comes to permits. Most beach locations don’t require it or if they do require a permit, there’s about a one month permitting timeline.
Florida is well-known for its year-round tropical climate, which makes it the perfect destination for out-of-state couples wanting to elope especially in the winter time. And while Florida doesn’t have the typical four seasons of spring, summer, fall, and winter like most states, it still has a wet and dry season. And because of these two seasons, you can experience Florida in many different ways!
As a Florida native whose lived in the Sunshine state for over 30 years, I highly recommend eloping late November through April with the winter months being peak season. This timeframe gives you mild temperatures, better weather, fewer bugs, and no risk of hurricanes.
Florida’s weather from November through April is arguably the most pleasant you’ll find all year. Temperatures range from the mid-60s to low 80s Fahrenheit with less humidity (your wedding day hair will thank you), and lower rain chances offer a comfortable climate for an outdoor ceremony at the beach or on the boat. If you don’t want to sweat through your wedding outfits or battle unexpected rain and thunderstorms, then you’ll want to elope during this time.
On top of having ideal weather, this timeframe also means fewer bugs! In Florida, mosquitos and no-see-ums will bring down even the highest vibes of the wedding day. These insects tend to go dormant during this time especially once the temps are under 50 degrees F. Fewer mosquitos and no-see-ums equal a much better elopement day.
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If you want to take advantage of the weather, but still want some intimacy on your wedding day, consider eloping on a weekday to avoid crowds.
Since Florida has great weather all year round, being outside is one of the perks of eloping in the sunshine state! I’ve compiled a complete list of all the best activities for your Florida elopement in the below guide. Everything is organized by the type of experience you want to have from water adventures to foodie exploration!
There’s so many different landscapes and locations within Florida from beaches, to historic landscapes, to party cities, to calm natural springs. There’s a location to fit every couple’s elopement vision. As an elopement photographer that has captured elopements all over the state, I’ve compiled all of them into these guides based on what you’re envisioning!
Here are a few questions to help narrow down where to elope in Florida based on your vibe:
Once you know the answers, choosing where to elope in Florida gets a whole lot easier. Scroll through the locations below to see which one feels like you.
Couples that want the island experience with the option adventure Florida-style. The Florida Keys is home to so many different adventures there’s something for everyone! Each island has it’s own unique charm that creates the Florida Keys vibe. If you want to have more adventures and less of a party crowd, stay on islands outside of Key West. If you want to enjoy some adventures, but keep it a little more fast paced, Key West is the place. No matter which island you end up on, you’re going to enjoy being on island time.
Couples who want an intimate coastal elopement away from the crowds. Florida’s Treasure Coast (think Vero Beach, Stuart, Fort Pierce) is one of the most underrated and chill places to elope in Florida. This stretch of coastline is full of small towns, quiet beaches, and hidden spots that feel like your own private slice of paradise. Whether you’re into waterfront vows, brewery hangs, or oak-lined parks, you’ll find something special here.
Saint Augustine is perfect for couples that LOVE history, but still enjoy the buzz of a bigger city. It’s the perfect mix of Florida history and modern day fun! There’s something for everyone here – shopping, bar hopping, breweries, distilleries, good eats, and plenty of museums. My favorite thing about Saint Augustine elopements is the versatility in what can be done in one day. You can elope on the beach, head to Saint George Street for some exploring, walk up one of the oldest lighthouses, bottle bourbon at the distillery, or head to Ice Plant for celebratory drinks. There’s so much to do here that you cannot get bored!
Couples that love foodie experiences (food halls, dining experiences, craft beer, and cocktail lounges) with an urban flare. If you want a city with amazing local craft beer, super close and convenient airport, and beaches right around the corner, Tampa is your city! Tampa has everything from big city nightlife, college feels, and a booming craft beer scene. It’s everything you could want for a downtown elopement.
Couples who want a quiet, photogenic, and upscale elopement location that feels more like a European vacation than a spring break hotspot. If you’re looking for a charming, European-inspired beach town that feels straight out of a magazine, Rosemary Beach (and the 30A area) is it. Tucked along Florida’s Panhandle on scenic 30A, it’s known for its whitewashed architecture, cobblestone streets, and quiet, upscale coastal vibe. You’ll find pristine beaches, cozy courtyards, and stunning walkways that make the whole place feel like a hidden escape. It’s one of the most romantic and aesthetic places to elope in Florida — especially if you’re into clean lines, neutral tones, and boutique everything.
Couples who want a wild and romantic adventure elopement — minimal crowds, natural beauty, and the freedom to explore. If you’re dreaming of an elopement that feels like a total escape into nature — Kelly Park Rock Springs might just be the one. This spot is tucked away in Apopka (just outside of Orlando), and it’s home to one of the most beautiful crystal-clear springs in the state. Think: jungle vibes, emerald water, and total privacy if you time it right. You can say your vows by the water, hop in a kayak or tube for a post-ceremony float, and even hike through lush trails.
Yes! You can absolutely elope on the beach in Florida. With hundreds of miles of coastline, you have endless location possibilities for your beach elopement. Read through the list of top beaches for your elopement! Keep in mind that some beaches might require permits for weddings or photography regardless of guest count.
Best beaches to elope or have a micro wedding!?
Of course! There’s tons of spots that don’t involve sand. I’ve complied a list of unique elopement locations that don’t involve the beach!
Location Permits
We can’t talk about eloping without bringing up the elephant in the room: permits. Permits tend to get overlooked and with every city, county, park, and location being different, it’s hard to keep track. Before deciding on a location, it’s best to check with the location’s management for permit requirements. Working with elopement specific vendors can help bridge the knowledge gap when it comes to permitting. Which brings me to my next point…

Now that you’ve got all the information and resources for your elopement, the rest of the guide will focus on creating that dream Florida elopement. This is the part that gets skipped by most couples thinking of eloping in Florida. More often than not, couples don’t have a starting point for how to create a Florida elopement that’s truly unique and exciting, but I’m going to break it all down for you!
Sounds obvious, but most couples skip this part or they think it doesn’t fit the mold of a wedding day. As your brainstorming your elopement day, think about what you two actually love to do together and find ways to include that into your day. Start by asking yourselves the following questions:
Take those answers and include them into your elopement vision. Here are a few ideas on how you can do that:




The real way to create a totally unique and unforgettable Florida elopement? Add in some adventure! This could look like taking a seaplane to the Dry Tortugas, kayaking through natural springs, or cruising on a yacht with your friends and family. And an adventure can look like anything since it’s all about just experiencing something new and exciting together.
Need some adventure ideas? Here’s just a few:






While this seems like the other two, this one is a little different. This is for my low key couples that want a fun and unique Florida elopement, but don’t want to go on a full blown adventure (or want the party to continue on after the adventure). As an elopement photographer, I consider an activity to be something that takes between 1 and 2 hours (whereas an adventure would be 2 to 8 hours).
My couples receive a full guide of different activities they can included based on their elopement location. But here’s a few example ideas to get you started:








Your Florida elopement is about the entire experience…not just the ceremony. That includes your accommodations. As a self proclaimed boujee traveler, I loveee finding luxury accommodations. For me, it sets the mood for the entire trip. When it comes to your Florida elopement, booking a fancy hotel, resort, or AirBnB can really up the ante for your entire experience. After all, this is a once-in-a-lifetime experience for the two of you. Full send, am I right?
Another reason for a booking a fancy place is the design and lighting. If you’re considering getting ready photos with your photographer, a well-designed and well-lighted accommodation can make these photos pop. When you’re searching for accommodations, opt for a space that has large windows for tons of natural light and neutral tones (white, tan, grays, etc.) in the decor. Unique design elements add interest to these photos as well!






The fastest way to make a Florida elopement feel personal? Food. Whether you want to grab pizza from a local shop, eat hotdogs from a street cart, or finding a trendy food hall, what matters is choosing a food experience that feels like a treat.
Here are some ways my couples have included food into their elopement days:








Ugh, if there’s one thing about our elopement that I regret, it’s not bringing our dog, Pepper! Bringing your dog is such an intentional decision that really makes your elopement feel special. There’s nothing like a good portrait in your wedding attire with your doggo(s). While bringing your dog can seem logistically complicated, there are ways to make it seamless. Finding dog-friendly adventures, activities, and AirBnBs is easier than you think and I’ve created this guide to show you how!

Including small, special moments throughout the day can increase the excitement of your elopement! A special moment is a simple addition to your day that brings joy, happiness, and excitement. Special moments can be anything you want it be. Generally these moments only take a few minutes out of your day, but have a huge impact for your overall experience.
Here are some of my favorite special moments adds:




When it comes to creating your elopement day, an elopement photographer will be your best friend. Generally speaking, elopement photographers are great local resources for any of the planning overwhelm you’re facing. They’re there to help with logistics, recommendations, questions, etc. to ease the entire process. I’ve already said this one, but it truly needs repeating. Your elopement deserves someone just as dedicated to your vision as you are. While there are tons of photographers out there who are capable of capturing your elopement, the experience just isn’t there. An elopement-specific photographer is an expert in your elopement experience.
Hiring a Florida elopement photographer means:
This isn’t just a photo shoot. It’s the start of your next chapter and having someone who knows how to make it stress-free and magical? That’s the move.

Hey there! I’m Anna, an elopement photographer, good vibe specialist, and local adventure guide all rolled into one!
Florida is so much more than long stretches of sandy beaches, and your elopement deserves so much more than a cookie cutter experience. I l o v e showing couples like you just what makes this place special and how we can make your Florida elopement unique and fun.
Ready to get started?


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