How Much Does It Cost to Elope in Florida in 2026?

[Updated for 2026]

You’re ready to elope in Florida, but before you book your flight you’re asking “how much does it cost to elope in Florida?” Eloping seems like an exciting, low stress alternative to a traditional wedding, but the cost of a Florida elopement varies greatly depending on what you want included in your day. As a Florida elopement photographer and Florida native, I’m here to help shed some light on the cost of eloping in the sunshine state.

This resource breaks down major expenses and things to consider for your elopement planning, whether you’re wanting a minimalist, budget-friendly elopement or an adventure-packed, all-inclusive experience.

Overview

• Cost of a Florida Elopement vs. Traditional Wedding
• Factors That Affect Florida Elopement Costs
• “Wait – Florida elopements are still expensive!”
• Example Budgets
• Let’s Talk Hiring an Florida Elopement Photographer
• Final Thoughts on Florida Elopement Costs
• Ready to Hire Your Florida Elopement Photographer?

Cost of a Florida Elopement vs. Traditional Wedding

One of the biggest reasons couples choose to elope is because it seems more cost effective and the idea of dropping a down payment on a one night celebration feels insane. Traditional weddings come with a long list of expenses: venue rentals, catering for 100+ guests, single-use décor, florals, DJ/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 moniesss.

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.

For example, 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 elopement complete with photography, activities, and luxury accommodations, it doesn’t come close to the cost of a traditional wedding.

One of the largest expenses for Florida elopements is elopement photography, but for good reason. Between timeline planning, expert guidance and resources, planning assistance, and so much more, elopement photographers help ensure your day will run smoothly and be completely stress-free.

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 officially married in Florida. Marriage licenses can be purchased from the local Clerk of Court. Read more about getting a Florida marriage license and the legal requirements here: how to elope in Florida.

Elopement Photography ($3000-$12,000+): I might be a little bias, but this is a must for capturing the magic of your day and ensuring a seamless all-day experience! Elopement photographers can help with everything from navigating location permits, recommending top vendors and locations, providing travel guidance, helping with activity ideation and logistics, legally marry you, and so much more. But elopement photography packages can vary greatly depending on coverage and the type of experience you want to have before, during, and after your elopement day. Higher end packages (like these) offer 5-start experiences with local experts that act as planning guides that makes it well worth the cost.

Location Permits, Reservations, and/or Fees ($50-$4000+): Florida offers everything from beachside ceremony spots to venue rentals for elopements. Some locations require permits or have venue fees even if you’re only eloping just the two of you. It’s important to check with site officials, local, state, or federal agencies before planning to elope at any location.

Officiant ($150-500): You might need an officiant to make your marriage official. Some couples opt for a family member who is ordained or getting legal at the courthouse, but if you want something more sentimental and custom hiring a professional officiant costs between $150 and $500. If you want to get married at the courthouse, you can get your marriage license and get legally married from an employee there all at one time! Psst…did you know that this Florida elopement photographer is a notary and can legally marry you anywhere in the state?

Travel and Accommodation ($200-$1500+ per night): 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. It’s best to check out travel pricing before setting a date for your elopement.

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 to taking a seaplane to the Dry Tortugas, but the price will vary greatly.

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 at your ceremony, you can expect to spend more on flowers. Read through the elopement floral guide for more on elopement florals!

Hair and Make Up Artist ($250-$500+): Even for a minimalist Florida elopement, many couples want to feel their best by hiring a professional hair and makeup artist – and I highly recommend this service if you’re having professional photos taken! This service ensures you’re camera-ready without the stress of doing it yourself, allowing you to focus on enjoying your day.

Wedding Attire & Alterations ($100-$5000+): You might go for a flowy, beach-friendly dress, a sleek, tailored suit that fits the outdoor vibe of your Florida elopement, or a luxe designer dress to really bring the energy to your day. Either way 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 around here, we believe 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. More guests generally means more money even when you’re intention is simplicity.

“Wait – Florida elopements are still 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 a Florida elopement is still the perfect choice over a traditional wedding:

Elopements focus on the experience

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 (like the 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 and more intimacy

Eloping is usually far less stressful than planning a traditional wedding. While there still are logistics and planning to sort through, 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 most of the pressure and focus on creating a day that reflects your personalities and relationship giving you more of an intimate, relaxed experience especially if you plan to work with an elopement expert.

Adventure over material things

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…that just add to overconsumption. Whether it’s an epic adventure to the Dry Tortugas or bold exploration around downtown, 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 little, expensive details that don’t matter to you or your partner.

Ultimate flexibility

With a traditional wedding, you’re often locked into a minute by minute schedule and venue limitations. Eloping offers total flexibility. Whether you want to change ceremony locations, switch up your timeline, bring your best friends, or incorporate a last-minute adventure, you totally can! Your elopement is entirely in your hands, which is half the fun. You can see how flexibility plays a huge role in elopements through Tasha and Bryan’s Key West elopement!

Control over your money

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, hair and make up for your entire bridal party, or feeding a long list of guests), eloping allows you to put your money towards what truly matters to you like an incredible experience, epic photography, or a dream honeymoon.

Example Budgets

Example 1: Minimalist Elopement

For couples who want an intimate and simple day, a minimalist elopement is the way to go. You can still have a stunning and meaningful experience without all the extras like hiring an officiant, florals, hair and make up, ceremony rentals, etc. Here’s a breakdown of a minimalist Florida elopement:

Location: St. Augustine Beach

• Marriage License: $80
• Permit Fee: $50
• Photography: $5600
• Travel and Accommodation: $700 for two nights in a boutique hotel or Airbnb
• Cake: $100
• Activities: $250
• Food & Drinks: $200
• Wedding Attire: $300

Total Estimated Cost: $7,280

This minimalist option allows you to focus on the essentials while still keeping it beautiful.

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, this example is for you. 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: $100
• Officiant: $400
• Photography: $8,000
• Travel and Accommodation: $2,000 for a 3-night stay at a boutique B&B
• Activities: $2,000 for a 4-hour yacht rentals
• Bouquet and Floral Arrangements: $500
• Hair and Makeup: $300
• Wedding Attire: $2,000

Total Estimated Cost: $15,380

This budget covers a full day of adventure with tons of activities, experiences, and storytelling coverage.

For both budgets, the largest expenses is elopement photography, but with good reason. Between timeline planning, expert guidance and resources, planning assistance, and so much more, elopement photographers help ensure your day will run smoothly and be completely stress-free.

Let’s Talk Hiring an Florida Elopement Photographer

When you start planning your elopement, the costs can seem overwhelming. You’re not sure what’s average, what’s worth including, or what you truly need. And while it’s tempting to go with the lowest price for the most coverage (ask me how I know), it’s important that you spend time researching your photographer.

As an expert in the industry, hiring a Florida elopement photographer is one of the best investments you can make for your elopement. Between timeline planning, expert guidance and resources, planning assistance, and so much more, elopement photographers help ensure your day will run smoothly and be completely stress-free. I’ve created a guide on how to find the right elopement photographer for you and your vision.

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.

Final Thoughts on Florida Elopement Costs

Whether you’re planning a minimalist elopement or an epic adventure, the cost to elope in Florida varies greatly based 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 an adventure in a national park, your elopement should be uniquely yours.

Ready to Hire Your Florida Elopement Photographer?

If you’re dreaming of an unforgettable Florida elopement, I’d love to help you create and capture the adventure of a lifetime. From helping you find the perfect location to documenting every moment, I’m here to make your day stress-free and epic!