The Full Comprehensive Florida Elopement Guide for 2027

If you’re thinking about planning a Florida elopement, then this guide was made for you! As a Florida elopement photographer, I’ve created this guide to help walk you through everything you need to know about planning an elopement in Florida. In addition to providing you with answers to common Florida elopement related questions, this resource was designed to help you brainstorm ways to make your elopement unique and fun.

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.

So welcome to your non-traditional, non-cookie cutter Florida elopement guide with absolutely everything you need to know about planning a UNIQUE day that’s totally true to you. 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.

So get ready to have all your burning elopement questions answered and be inspired along the way!

Disclaimer: this blog contains content derived from original human thought, experience, and expertise – not a robot or AI.

Can you elope in Florida?

Yes, absolutely! Eloping in Florida is extremely easy especially if you’re a non-resident. The next section on how to elope in Florida will walk you through what’s required of you legally before you can head to the alter.

How to elope in Florida?

First up, the marriage license. This is the one and only thing you need for making your elopement legal and why we should start here.

Florida Marriage License Requirements

You can apply and pick up your marriage license from any Clerk of Court in Florida, then get married in any location within Florida as long as you return the marriage license to the original Clerk of Court within 10 days of your elopement date.

Here are some things you’ll want to know before heading to the Clerk of Court:

• Some counties offer online applications to speed up the process, but you’ll still need to show up in person to finish the application and provide legal documentation.
  • Non-Florida residents: There’s no waiting period. You can apply for and pick up your marriage license and get married the same day.
  • Florida residents: There’s a 3-day waiting period from when you show up at the Clerk of Court unless you take a premarital course. Online applications do not start this waiting period.
• You’ll need your partner, state-issued identification, social security numbers, form of payment, and any past marriage dates or name changes.
• Marriage licenses are valid for 60 days from issue.
• Marriage licenses cost around $80 but can vary by county.
• Witnesses are not required, but there are two spots for them.
• Marriage licenses must be returned within 10 days of signing to the original Clerk of Court.

Step by Step Breakdown: How to get legally married in Florida

1. Find the nearest Clerk of Court to your elopement location.
2. If applicable, make an in-person appointment for your marriage license with the Clerk of Court.
3. If applicable, apply online to make your appointment more efficient. Some locations allow you to make appointments up to six months or more in advance.
4. On the day of your appointment, bring with you your state-issued identifications, social security numbers, form of payment, and any past marriage dates or name changes.
5. Once you have your marriage license in hand, you must use it within 60 days of issue.
6. Once your marriage license has been completed, you must return it to the same Clerk of Court within 10 days of your wedding date.
7. Once your marriage license has been processed, request a printed and formal digital marriage license for your name change or legal documents you’ll need to update.
8. And that’s it!

Who can legally marry you in Florida?

You’ll need an ordained officiant, judge, or notary to legally marry you in Florida. For your ceremony, you can hire an officiant, go to the courthouse to get married by the Clerk of Court (there’s usually a small fee), have a family or friend get ordained, or find an elopement photographer that can legally marry you (hi, that’s me!).

How many witnesses to get married in Florida?

None! Florida doesn’t require witnesses to get legally married. There’s space for two witnesses on your marriage license. You can either leave this blank, have two of your best friends (or random strangers) sign, or even leave a paw print from your pup.

Do you have to get married at the courthouse?

Not at all! In fact, many of my couples will pick up their marriage license at the Clerk of Court and bring it with them on their adventure. While the Clerk of Court does offer a service to get legally married at the courthouse for a small fee, you do not need to get married there. You can take your marriage license with you anywhere in the state and get married as long as you have someone that is legally allowed to marry you perform the ceremony. Once they’ve signed it, you just need to return the marriage license back to the original Clerk of Court within 10 days for it to be official.

What are the Florida elopement laws?

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:

• Marriage licenses can be obtained through the county’s Clerk of Court.
• If you’re a non-resident, there is no waiting period for your marriage license.
• If you’re a Florida resident, there is a three day waiting period from the time you apply in-person.
• In both cases, no witnesses are required, but there are two optional spots you can use for friends, family, or leave blank!

How long does it take to get married in Florida?

You can get married same day if you meet certain criteria! 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 is the best time to get married in Florida?

Short answer – the best time to get married in Florida is late November through April. 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. But these two seasons can impact your elopement plans in very different ways.

In this section, I’ll break down each season to give you a little insight into the weather your elopement date might have. But as a Florida native and elopement photographer, the best time to get married in Florida is between late November and early April for the best all around weather. This timeframe gives you mild temperatures, better weather, fewer bugs, and no risk of hurricanes.

What’s the weather like between November and April?

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! Mosquitos and no-see-ums tend to go dormant during this time especially once the temps are under 50 degrees F. Fewer mosquitos and no-see-ums mean a much better elopement day.

Things to Consider During Peak Season

Tourist Season: There’s a reason that this time of year is the most desired! With the cooler temps, many people visit Florida to take advantage of the weather. This is also what Floridian’s refer to as “snow bird” season where seasonal residents make their annual trip down to the sunshine state. This means more people and higher travel prices. 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.

Permit and Vendor Availability: Since this is a popular time for weddings in general, you’ll need to secure any necessary location/wedding permits and book your vendors early. Reach out to your vendors at least 6 months in advance. Less than six months out? No worries! You can still reach out, but some of your top picks might be booked already. Be flexible with your date (consider a weekday for ultimate flexibility), and you might get lucky! Here’s a resource on how to plan a last-minute elopement!

Local Events & Festivals: Since the weather is better, Florida hosts several events and festivals during this time of the year. While these can be part of your elopement experience, they also mean more people and higher travel costs. Before picking a date, check the local event calendar to avoid any surprises.

Weather By Season

And if you are thinking about a Florida elopement outside of peak season, here’s what the weather can look like:

Spring (March through May): Spring brings warmer weather, winds, and some showers. March tends to be the windiest month throughout the state. This time of year is good for elopements near water. Keep in mind that March is spring break season so prices tend to be more expensive and there’s lot more people around.

Summer (June through August): Summer is HOT, humid, and buggy, which makes summer by far the least comfortable time to elope especially if you’re not used to hot weather. The winds also die down during this time making the heat feel even more unbearable. Afternoon storms are like clockwork, which makes planning afternoon elopements more difficult. If you’re eloping in the summer, consider sunrise since the rain chances are much lower and adding a water activity to cool off during the day. This is also the start of hurricane season…continue planning with caution.

Fall (September through November): While the fall tends to be romanticized for weddings, it is still pretty hot and humid during this time with increased late season hurricane activity. Temperatures tend to cool closer to late November.

Winter (December through February): Winter is cooler and brings fewer bugs, minimal rain chances, and earlier sunsets. There will be some winds during this time. From a weather point of view, this is the most ideal time for an elopement especially if you want to be outside all day. Winter does bring the beginning of what us Floridians call Snow Bird Season with lots of seasonal residents and tourists making their way down to avoid the colder weather.

Hurricane Season

Hurricane season runs from June 1st through November 30th with peak hurricane activity from mid-August to early November. If you’re planning to elope during these months, I highly recommend getting travel or wedding insurance and having a backup plan! Even if you don’t have a hurricane, you’re almost always guaranteed afternoon thunderstorms. If you want to avoid hurricanes (and bad weather), opt for an elopement date between late November and early April.

Avoiding Bugs

While bugs are typically around all year long, Florida mosquitos and no-see-ums are most brutal in the summer. If you want to avoid bugs, plan for a late fall/winter elopement between late November and February. But if your elopement falls into bug season, consider that these bugs are worst at dawn and dusk. No-see-ums prefer sandy, coastal locations, whereas and mosquitos are everywhere. You can keep the no-see-ums at bay using Skin So Soft and mosquitos at bay with any bug spray.

Avoiding Crowds

Florida is a popular tourist destination all year long, but there are some rules you can follow to have the least amount of people around. To avoid the most amount of people, follow these tips:

• Opt for off-season months (typically after Easter through Thanksgiving). Season can vary by location. For example, Key West has an off-season that follows this rule, but the Panhandle (30A area) has an off-season during the winter time since it’s so much colder up there.
• Elope on a weekday. Even if you’re planning to elope during the tourist season, eloping in Florida during the week can mean that there’s way less people around since most people come out on the weekend. There’s also way more vendor availability since you’re not competing with bigger weddings.
• Start at Sunrise. Again, even if you plan to elope during tourist season, sunrise generally draws way less people. It’s too early for most people so if you’re an early riser, this is the perfect time for you to elope!
• Avoid Major Festivals and Holidays. Long holiday weekends and huge festivals draw thousands of tourists to the sunshine state…and that brings with it lots of people around for your elopement. Always double check the elopement location to make sure there’s nothing major going on that weekend that will bring large crowds. You’ll also avoid paying more for travel!!

What is the best time of day to elope?

As a Florida elopement photographer, I break up time of day by two events: sunrise and sunset. Both options have their pros and cons with equally great lighting, but picking the best time of day for you will depend on a few things. Before deciding on your ceremony time, consider if you’ll be most energized in the morning or at night, when you’ll take portraits, where you’ll be getting married, how you want to celebrate after your ceremony, etc.

Sunrise is a great option if you are a morning person, want more privacy, want to avoid afternoon thunderstorms in the summer, want to roll right into portraits while your hair and make up are still fresh, and you don’t mind waking up around 3 or 4 AM to start getting ready. The drawback of this time is that it’s harder to find hair and make up artists willing to work that early and some post-ceremony adventures might not be open yet (think brunch, cocktail bars, local attractions, etc.). In my experience as an elopement photographer, sunrise has always been great for boat and beach elopements.

Sunset is a great option if you are not a morning person (or you are a night owl), want to enjoy a slow morning together, have more time to get ready and enjoy the day before your ceremony, and have more options for post-ceremony celebrations. The drawback of this time of day is there are generally more people around. In my experience as an elopement photographer, sunset is great for city elopements where you want to explore different attractions.

What is the best day of the week to elope?

Eloping on a weekday (Monday through Thursday) will always my recommendation if you’re trying to avoid crowds and have your pick of the best vendors and locations. Friday through Sunday will have that weekend energy, but draws larger crowds and you’ll be competing with big weddings for sought after vendors. If you want the best of both worlds, Thursday is a great option!

Where to elope in Florida?

There’s so many different landscapes and locations within Florida from beaches, to historic sites, to party cities, to natural springs. With that, 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 put together some top locations to have your Florida elopement!

And remember: some locations may require permits for weddings or photography regardless of guest count. This is where working with a local elopement photographer comes in handy since we can help with navigating these logistics.

Can you elope on a Florida beach?

Yes! You can absolutely elope on the beach in Florida. With hundreds of miles of coastline, Florida has endless location options. 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!

Are there any locations that aren’t on the beach?

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!

Can you have a Florida elopement or micro wedding at an AirBnB?

This will depend on the host. I strongly recommend reaching out directly to the host before making any reservations. Even if you’re only having a few guests, anything over the guest count on your accommodation could be grounds for a reservation cancellation. It’s always better to check ahead of time before finding out the hard way. Be upfront and honest with your vision and you may be surprised what hosts are willing to do!

Things to know before planning a Florida elopement

1. You’re not limited to a ceremony on the beach

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!

2. Your celebration can be MORE than just the ceremony

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:

• A Key West yachting adventure with pizza and cocktails downtown
• An intimate ceremony in the gardens followed by exploring downtown St. Augustine
• A backcountry hiking experience for the outdoorsmen and women
• A fun castle adventure of mini golf and jumping in the pool
• A day of parents remembering why they fell in love (and their first date)
• A spicy, urban adventure along Duval Street
• A day filled with brunch, cake, and bourbon
• A date-night inspired evening

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?!”

3. Every part of Florida has a different vibe

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.

4. It’s hot and humid

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).

5. Summer and fall are the worst months

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.

6. You can get married quickly.

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.

7. Don’t skip the sunscreen.

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!

8. Permitting is pretty chill.

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.

What do you do after your elopement to celebrate?

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.

Creating a Fun & Unique Florida Elopement

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!

1. Include Your Personalities & Interests

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:

• How do we love to start the day together?
• What types of things do we enjoy when we are at home?
• What do we like to do when on vacation?
• How do you like to celebrate special occasions?

Take those answers and include them into your elopement vision. Here are a few ideas on how you can do that:

• Grab coffee at a cute local coffee shop
• Stop at a brewery or dive bar
• Watch the sunset and have some cocktails
• Recreate your first date
• Try a new or trendy restaurant or foodie place
• Incorporate a once-in-a-lifetime experience

2. Plan a Florida Elopement Adventure

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:

• Taking a seaplane to the Dry Tortugas
• Hiring a charter boat to take you sport fishing
• Booking a wildlife boat tour
• Kayaking or canoeing at King’s Landing
• Horseback riding on the beach
• Island hopping
• Renting a yacht for a few of your friends and family to celebrate with you
• Duval bar crawl
• Exploring Florida backcountry
• Renting mopeds in Key West
• Paddleboarding
• Booze cruising on a boat & hanging out at a sandbar
• Going to a theme park in Orlando
• Renting a catamaran and swimming in the ocean
• Snorkeling in the Florida Keys
• Camping on the beach

3. Add in Some Activities

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:

• Having a luxury picnic on the beach
• Mixing your favorite cocktails together
• Stopping at a cocktail bar for celebratory drinks
• Making s’mores by the campfire
• Exploring at a butterfly garden
• Being touristy by going to local landmarks or exhibits
• Bottling bourbon at a distillery
• Go to a wine tasting
• Grabbing pizza together at a local dive
• Swimming at the beach
• Rent a vintage car
• Going to an arcade to play games
• Playing mini golf
• Stopping at a food hall
• Jumping in a fountain at the end of the day
• Jumping in the pool at your AirBnB

4. Book a Luxe Accommodation

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!

5. Include a Food Stop

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:

• Picnic on the beach
• Personal chef at their Airbnb
• Dinner at a fancy restaurant
• Street cart hot dogs
• Food truck tacos
• Picking up pizza and eating in the back of your car
• Getting sushi from a trendy place
• Hitting up a food hall and going to as many places as you can handle
• Grabbing dessert at a dessert bar

6. Bring Your Dog

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!

7. Add Small Meaningful Moments

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:

• Writing/reading love letters to each other
• Buying a special bottle of champagne or whiskey to drink
• Reading letters from your family
• FaceTiming with your family after you’ve gotten married
• Adding a unity ceremony
• Stapling a dollar bill to the bar wall with your wedding date
• Elope at a location that has meaning for you (like this groom’s family boat)
• Bringing a polaroid with you to capture little moments throughout the day
• Collecting momentos from each of your stops
• Getting a tattoo together
• Including your kids into some part of your elopement day

8. Hire a Florida Elopement Photographer

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 an elopement photographer means:

• You’ll have a local expert to help guide you so you don’t have to figure it all out by yourself
• They’ll help you come up with ideas for how your day can flow
• You’ll have support with permits, locations, and timelines
• They’ll help you find the best locations and vendors to achieve your vision

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.

What do you recommend we do and/or don’t do while planning our Florida elopement?

The Do’s

• Give Yourself Planning Time: Even though elopements are easier to plan than weddings, it’s still wise to plan ahead to ensure everything you need is in place (such as necessary documents, travel arrangements, and any permits) and you have your pick of vendors (vendors get booked well in advance especially if they still cater to weddings). Give yourself at least 6 months to start planning, but the more time, the better.
• Hire Elopement-Specific Vendors: When you’re planning your dream kitchen renovation, you’re most likely not going to hire a jack of all trades. You’ll want to hire an expert that understands your vision and the entire process. That’s why hiring elopement-specific vendors (like a elopement photographer) is so important to ensure your wedding day is seamless and stress-free. These moments are once in a lifetime, and having local elopement experts on your side to bring your vision to life is SO worth it.
• Opt for a Weekday: When you’re thinking about the date for eloping in Florida, consider a weekday! Weekdays are perfect for less crowds and better vendor availability since most vendors are booked on weekends for larger weddings. Need some more convincing? Here’s my guide on the 5+ reasons for eloping on a weekday!
• Get the Legalities Right: Research the legal requirements for marriage licenses in Florida. Ensure you have a valid Florida marriage license and give yourself plenty of time to obtain a license – especially if you’re a Florida resident. Check the specific Clerk of Court requirements, and factor this into your timeline. If you want some more guidance, check out my resource on how to elope in Florida!
• Create an Experience: Elopements don’t stop at the vows. Many of my clients continue the adventure of the day by creating an all day elopement experience (some have called it their most epic date night yet). Write your own vows, include intentional details that reflect your personalities, and incorporate activities into your day for a truly once-in-a-lifetime experience. Want some inspo? Here’s my list of 50+ activities and some examples of fun activities:
• 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. If you’re thinking about getting married on the beach, swap heels for sandals or go barefoot. If you’re exploring a city, opt for more comfortable shoes to walk in.
• Inform Close Friends and Family First: 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. Whether that’s FaceTiming your family right after or sending them an announcement card, make sure you’ve got a plan for telling your closest friends and family that doesn’t involve a social media post.
• 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. Want some ideas that don’t include the beach? Here’s my list of locations that don’t involve the beach!
• Plan for Weather: Florida’s weather can be unpredictable especially in the summer months with torrential downpours and thunderstorms throughout the afternoon and evening. Have a backup plan if you’re eloping outdoors (or during hurricane season), and consider the best time of year for eloping in Florida to avoid finicky weather. Here’s a resource to learn more about the best time to elope in Florida.
• Incorporate Water Activities: If you’re eloping in Florida 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 to swim in the water, it almost feels like a MUST for eloping in Florida. It’s an absolutely iconic end to (or part of) a perfect day. Just see for yourself! ↓

The Don’t‘s

• 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. This includes having all the necessary documents and information for your marriage license ready, location reservations or permits secured, photography permits booked, etc. Nothing ruins a wedding day plan more than a legal hurdle that was missed or being asked to leave your ceremony location because you didn’t have the proper permission ahead of time.
• Rush the Process: Give yourself enough time to enjoy the day and have it captured with an elopement photographer. Rushing through the day to adhere to your photography coverage can lead to overlooked details and added stress. One of my biggest regrets when eloping was going with the shortest package based on cost alone. This resulted in feeling like I had to fit my entire experience into a box and left no room for really enjoying they day with my new husband. Need some help picking how many hours you need? Check out my guide for choosing!
• Hire Any Old Photographer: As a bride who hired a photographer based solely style and price (and not on expertise or guidance), I was left figuring out my own timeline and preparation and it added way more stress on to me than what was necessary. If I could go back, I would hire a photographer that specialized in elopements to help me with all the logistics, timeline, planning, and preparation for the day…especially if I wasn’t from the area.
• Ignore Hurricane Season: Summer is popular in Florida with many couples having time off, but be aware of hurricane season, which runs June through November. After capturing dozens of summer and hurricane season elopements, I can tell you it’s the least ideal time for elopements. Between the high temperature and humidity, spontaneous thunderstorms, and a hurricane potentially ruining your travel and elopement plans, I urge couples to pick a date outside of hurricane season. If your date isn’t flexible, then I highly recommend travel insurance or having a backup plan if eloping during this time. I’ve seen way too many couples feel the pressure of a hurricane ruining their elopement plans.
• Ignore Popular Times: It’s tempting to elope during a long holiday weekend, but these are popular times for tourists to visit aas well. That means popular Florida locations can get crowded fast especially during peak tourist seasons such as spring break, summer, any holiday weekend like Memorial Day or Labor Day, and in between Christmas and New Years. With increased popularity, increased prices for accommodations normally follow.
• Skip Sun & Bug Protection: Sunburns and mosquitos bites can ruin your wedding day experience (not to mention making the photos more complicated). Before and during your elopement, ensure you’re lathering up with reef-safe sunscreen like Sun Bum (or check reef-safe guidelines for your own products) to prevent any sunburns and unwanted tan lines. Always wear bug repellent especially during dawn/dusk or night time to keep mosquito bites at bay and use Skin-So-Soft body oil to avoid no-see-um bites.
• Rush or Forego Professional Hair and Makeup: Florida’s humidity can affect hair and makeup really badly. Couples who rush or forgo professional hair and makeup usually end up regretting the decision as their hair falls flat or their make up doesn’t come out how they wanted. Unless you’re confident in your hair and make up skills, I highly recommend hiring a professional hair and make up artist to give your beauty the best shot at lasting throughout the day. Not only that, but give your hair and make up artist plenty of time to work their magic. Rushing the process is a recipe for HMU disaster.
• Choose Fashion over Comfort: Listen, I totally understand wanting to be cute and fashion forward on your elopement day, but Florida’s temperatures can quickly turn your layered wedding dress or three piece suit into a stifling mess. More often than not, uncomfortable clothing or shoes causes couples to change their plans completely because they’re so hot or in pain. It’s important to choose attire that’s comfortable and suitable for the weather condit

Meet Your Florida Elopement Photographer