How Much Does It Cost to Elope in Florida?

You’re ready to elope in Florida, but first things first, how much does it cost to elope in Florida? Eloping is an exciting, low stress alternative to a traditional wedding, and Florida’s epic landscapes make it an ideal location for couples wanting tropical vibes and adventure. As a Florida elopement photographer and Florida native, I’m here to help you navigate it all! This blog breaks down major expenses and things to consider, whether you’re planning a minimalist, budget-friendly elopement or an adventure-packed, all-inclusive experience.

Cost of a Florida Elopement vs. Traditional Wedding

One of the biggest reasons couples choose to elope is the significant cost difference between an elopement and a traditional wedding. Traditional weddings come with a long list of expenses: venue rentals, catering for tons of guests, single-use décor, entertainment, and more. According to Fidelity, the average cost of a traditional wedding in the U.S. is around $33,000. Butttttt according to The Wedding Report, the average cost of a wedding in Florida with 100-150 guests is between $50K to $60K. Ouch – that’s A LOT of bread.

In contrast, elopements tend to be much more financially responsible. With a typically smaller guest count (or none at all), you can eliminate many of the major costs like large venues, catering, and extensive décor. Florida elopement costs usually range from $100 to $10,000+, depending on the experience you want to have from just signing papers at the courthouse to an epic adventure. One of my couples had an all-day private catamaran experience in Key West and spent around $13K (you can peep their day and the cost break down here). Even if you opt for an adventure-packed, all-inclusive elopement with photography, adventure activities, and luxury accommodations, it doesn’t come close to the cost of a traditional wedding.

Factors That Affect Florida Elopement Costs

Before we dig into the numbers, let’s talk about the different elements that can affect the total cost of your Florida elopement. Here are some things to keep in mind when estimating your budget:

✨ Marriage License (~$80): This is the very first thing (and truly the only thing) you’ll need to get married in Florida. Marriage licenses can be purchased from the local Clerk of Court. Read more about how to elope in Florida.

✨ Location Permits and/or Fees ($50-$4000+): Florida offers everything from beachside ceremonies to forested state parks and urban cityscapes. Some spots require permits or have venue fees even if you’re only eloping just the two of you.

✨ Officiant ($150-500): You’ll need an officiant to make your marriage official. Some couples opt for a family member who is ordained, but hiring a professional officiant generally costs between $150 and $500. If you want to get married at the courthouse, you can get your marriage license and get married from an employee there all at one time! Psst…this Florida elopement photographer is a notary 😉

✨ Elopement Photography ($1500-$12,000+): I might be a little bias, but this is a must for capturing the magic of your day! Elopement photography packages vary depending on coverage and the type of experience you want to have on your elopement day. Higher end packages (like these) offer 5-start experiences with experts that act as planning guides that makes it well worth the cost.

✨ Travel and Accommodation ($200-$1500+ per night): Florida’s geography varies—are you envisioning a beach sunset on the Gulf Coast or an urban escape in Miami? Depending on your destination and time of year, the accommodation and travel costs can fluctuate dramatically. Places like Key West can have extreme fluctuations leaving you with a hotel for an entire weekend for $500 during the off-season or spending $1800 for two nights in a motel at peak season.

✨ Elopement Activities ($50-$3000+): Many couples dream of incorporating experiences like boating, hiking, or snorkeling into their day. These activities will impact the total cost depending on the extent of the adventure. You can include anything from mini golf to renting a private yacht.

✨ Floral Arrangements ($200-$1000+): Minimalist elopements may only include a simple bouquet (or forego it all together), but if you’re planning for more elaborate arrangements or floral installations, you can expect to spend more on flowers. Read through the elopement floral guide for more on elopement florals!

✨ Hair and Make Up Artist ($150-$400): Even for a minimalist Florida elopement, many couples want to feel their best by hiring a professional hair and makeup artist. This service ensures you’re camera-ready without the stress of doing it yourself, allowing you to focus on enjoying your day.

✨ Wedding Attire ($100-$5000+): You might go for a flowy, beach-friendly dress or a sleek, tailored suit that fits the outdoor vibe of your Florida elopement. The cost of wedding attire can vary widely depending on your preferences, but peep these elopement dress boutiques to start! Keep in mind that there may be additional alternation fees!

✨ Guests (Varies): One of the great things about eloping is the flexibility it offers, including how you handle your guest list. A true elopement is only for the couple, but an elopement can include up to 10 guests! Once you go over 10, it starts to be more like an intimate wedding, which can drive up the cost of everything above.

“Wait – Florida elopements are still be expensive!”

An all-out elopement experience can run a high price tag, but the truth is, while eloping can be a budget-friendly option, it’s not just about saving money. There are several key reasons couples choose to elope (and spend a pretty penny on it). Here’s why eloping is still the perfect choice:

Elopements focus on the experience, not the formalities

Traditional weddings often come with rigid minute-by-minute timelines, formalities (ugh, do you have to say hello to every single person on your 200+ guest list), old school traditions you might not want to do (hello – cringy garter toss), and social obligations that can feel overwhelming (like inviting your third cousin twice removed you’ve never met).

With a Florida elopement, your day revolves around you and your love story—whether you want to hike to a spring, exchange vows at sunrise, or sail into the sunset. Elopements give you the freedom to craft a day that’s deeply personal, focused entirely on your connection and what brings you happiness and excitement.

Less stress, more intimacy

Eloping is usually far less stressful than planning a traditional wedding. You won’t have to deal with extensive guest lists, seating charts, or trying to please everyone..ew, David. Instead, elopements allow you to strip away the pressure and focus on creating a day that reflects your personalities and relationship, giving you a more intimate, relaxed experience especially if you plan to work with an elopement expert.

Adventure and memories over material details

Eloping gives you the opportunity to invest in unforgettable, once-in-a-lifetime experiences rather than spending your budget on things like wedding favors, centerpieces, invitations, or venue décor. Whether it’s an epic adventure or a quiet escape, you’ll be creating memories that will last a lifetime. The cost of an elopement often goes towards experiences—like a private boat ride, exploring a big city, or kayaking at a Florida spring —rather than formalities or traditions that may not matter to you.

Ultimate flexibility

With a traditional wedding, you’re often locked into a specific schedule and venue limitations. Eloping offers unmatched flexibility—want to change locations, switch up your timeline, or incorporate a last-minute adventure? Go for it! Your elopement is entirely in your hands, which can be priceless in itself. That’s exactly the perk that Tasha and Bryan took advantage of during their Key West elopement!

Choose Where Your Money Goes

When you elope, you have total control over your budget. While a traditional wedding often requires spending in areas you may not care about (like renting a large venue or feeding a long list of guests), eloping allows you to put your money towards what truly matters to you—whether that’s an incredible experience, photography, or a dream honeymoon. The value comes from the freedom to invest in what’s meaningful to you as a couple.

Example 1: Minimalist Elopement

For couples who want an intimate, no-fuss day focused on their love, a minimalist elopement is the way to go. You can still have a stunning and meaningful experience without breaking the bank. Here’s a breakdown of a simple, budget-friendly Florida elopement:

Location: St. Augustine Beach

• Marriage License: $80
• Permit Fee: $50
• Officiant: $200
• Photography: $5000 (4 hours of coverage and planning assistance)
• Travel and Accommodation: $600 for two nights in a boutique hotel or Airbnb
• Bouquet: $150 (simple floral arrangement)
• Activities: $200
• Hair & Make Up Artist: $200
• Wedding Attire: $300

Total Estimated Cost: $6,780

This minimalist option allows you to focus on the essentials, keeping it simple yet beautiful. St. Augustine’s beaches are a romantic spot for an intimate ceremony, with historic landmarks nearby if you want to explore after the vows. With photography, officiant, and no decor, this budget ensures you get a magical day without the extra fluff of a wedding.

Example 2: Full Day Adventure-Packed Elopement

For couples who crave adventure and want their elopement to feel like a once-in-a-lifetime experience, Florida offers endless possibilities. Whether it’s renting a yacht for a booze-cruise in Key West, a sportfishing charter in Stuart, or kayaking through King’s Landing, you can customize your day with activities that reflect your adventurous spirit. Here’s a breakdown of an adventure-packed elopement in Florida:

Location: Key West Adventure Elopement

• Marriage License: $80
• Permit Fee: $300
• Officiant: $400
• Photography: $9,000 (10+ hours of coverage and planning assistance)
• Travel and Accommodation: $2,000 for a 3-night stay at a boutique B&B
• Activities: $2,000 for a 4-hour yacht rental
• Bouquet and Floral Arrangements: $1000 for a custom bouquet and a floral installation
• Hair and Makeup: $300
• Wedding Attire: $2,000

Total Estimated Cost: $17,080

This budget covers a full day of adventure—from exploring the unique beauty of the Florida Keys to exchanging vows on the bow of a yacht. The larger investment in photography allows for extensive coverage and hands-on planning experience to make sure your elopement vision comes to life.

Let’s Talk About The Florida Elopement Photographer

While it’s tempting to save money by hiring a budget photographer – or asking a friend to snap a few pictures – hiring a Florida elopement photographer is one of the best investments you can make for your elopement, but I may be a little bias.

Hiring a photographer is about more than just finding someone to show up and shoot your elopement. It’s about finding someone that will help create an experience that reflects your elopement vision, and that takes the stress of finding the perfect spot, navigating permits, and crafting timelines out of your hands.

Here’s Why Hiring an Elopement Photographer Makes All the Difference

Planning Assistance From vendor recommendations to securing permits, elopement photographers take care of the logistical side so you can focus on what matters – enjoying your engagement and your elopement. Need help finding the perfect spot? Done. Curious about the best places to eat or stay nearby? They’ve got you. Think of elopement photographers as your all-in-one guide, photographer, and planner.

You Get More Than Just Photos Sure, they’re there to capture stunning images of your elopement, but their role goes beyond that. They’re there to plan and create a fully personalized day. Whether it’s helping you map out the most scenic spots, finding hidden gems, or designing an elopement that’s 100% you, they’re involved from start to finish.

Adventure-Ready Experience If your elopement includes outdoor activities, you need someone who can handle unpredictable terrain and weather. Elopement photographers are here for the wild hikes, boat rides, and unexpected moments, making sure to get epic shots no matter what adventure you’re on.

Why Budget-Friendly Photographer Doesn’t Cut It

When you choose a budget photographer, you might be saving some money upfront, but you lose out on the experience and expertise that come with hiring someone who specializes in elopements. A lower-cost photographer may not have the know-how to guide you through a spontaneous day or capture all the fleeting moments that make your elopement truly unique.

Elopement photography is about more than just showing up with a camera—it’s about curating a day that reflects your love and vision, then documenting it in a way that will give you the feels 50 years from now.

Final Thoughts on Florida Elopement Costs

Whether you’re planning a minimalist elopement or an epic adventure, the cost to elope in Florida varies and depends on your vision. Florida offers such a wide variety of locations and experiences that every couple can create an elopement that fits their style and budget.

Ultimately, the most important investment you can make is in creating an experience that reflects your love and values. Whether that means a simple ceremony on the beach or a thrilling adventure in a state park, your elopement should be uniquely yours.

Ready to Start Planning Your Florida Elopement?

If you’re dreaming of an unforgettable Florida elopement, I’d love to help you plan and capture the adventure of a lifetime. From choosing the perfect location to documenting every moment, I’m here to make your day stress-free and epic! Reach out today to learn more about my Florida elopement experience and let’s start planning the Florida elopement of your dreams!