How to Elope in Kelly Park Rock Springs

Updated for 2026

You want to elope in Kelly Park Rock Springs, but you might have a few questions about how to do just that. Whether you’re wanting a post vow kayaking adventure or laid back swim in crystal-clear water, Kelly Park Rock Springs in Apopka checks all the boxes.

And while there are hundreds of natural springs in Florida, this 355-acre park is perfect for eloping couples who want to keep things easy, nature-filled, and FUN. With some of the most scenic ceremony spots and the best adventures in the state (think tubing, kayaking, swimming and hiking), Kelly Park is the best spring for your Florida elopement.

As a Florida native and Kelly Park elopement photographer, I’m here to guide you through the process of eloping in Kelly Park Rock Springs! This guide includes everything from planning the perfect time to elope, to knowing where in the park to figuring out the legalities of eloping.

Jump to what you’re looking for…

• How to Elope in Kelly Park Rock Springs
• Do You Need A Permit to Elope at Kelly Park Rock Springs?
• Best Time to Elope in Kelly Park
• Where Can You Elope in Kelly Park Rock Springs?
• What to Do After You Elope in Kelly Park
• What Else To Know About Kelly Park Rock Springs
• Leave No Trace at Kelly Park Rock Springs
• FAQ: Eloping in Kelly Park Rock Springs
• Example Timeline for Kelly Park Rock Springs
• Kelly Rock Springs Elopement Photographer

How to Elope in Kelly Park Rock Springs

Planning your Kelly Park elopement is super simple and Florida is one of the easiest states to get legally married in! Here’s what you need to do to elope in Kelly Park Rock Springs:

Step 1: Get Your Marriage License

To elope in Kelly Park, you’ll need a valid Florida marriage license. Here’s how to get one:

• Apply at any Florida Clerk of Court, but Orange County is the closest to the park. You can apply online or in person (varies by Clerk of Court).
  • For Florida residents, there’s a 3-day waiting period (from the time you go to the Clerk of Court) unless you take a state-approved premarital course.
  • For non-Florida residents, there’s no waiting period. You can get married the same day you apply for your license.
• Both people must be present with a valid ID, social security numbers, and any past marriage dates (if applicable).
• Pay the marriage license fee (around $80).

Once you have your marriage license in hand, it is good for 60 days and valid anywhere in the state, including right inside Kelly Park Rock Springs.

Step 2: Choose Who Will Officiate

In Florida, your marriage can be officiated by any ordained clergy, judges, or public notaries. If you want to elope in Kelly Park, you’ll need to book an officiant to make it legal. Alternatively, you can find an elopement photographer that is either ordained or a Florida notary to make the process super easy.

✨ Psst…I’m a Florida notary. That means I can legally marry you and photograph your adventure, all in one. No need to bring an extra person!

Do You Need A Permit to Elope at Kelly Park Rock Springs?

Short answer – no. While this has been a gray area in the past with conflicting answers from park rangers and Orange County, there is no permit requirement for elopements of less than 10 people. This could change so it’s best to always check with the park. Practicing Leave No Trace principles will help ensure that the park remains accessible for future couples. Since there is no permit requirement, it is first come, first served. You cannot block off any areas of the park, which is why I recommend to eloping right at park open.

Best Time to Elope in Kelly Park

Kelly Park is open year-round, but not all seasons are created equal when it comes to comfort, crowds, and weather. As a Kelly Park Elopement Photographer, I highly recommend winter or spring, but here’s a complete breakdown by season:

Florida Elopement Weather by Season

• Spring: Warm but busy. Spring break crowds and weekend traffic mean you’ll want to elope early and/or on a weekday morning.
  
• Summer: It’s HOT (think mid-90s) and daily storms are likely, but if you want a water-centered day, this could be perfect. Keep in mind that the park reaches capacity early in the morning with lines forming at the entrance well before park open.
  
• Fall: Still warm (80s), fewer crowds, and the tail-end of hurricane season. Aim for October through early November for the best combo of sunshine and breathing room.
  
• Winter: Chef’s kiss. Cool mornings, golden light, no bugs, and wayyy fewer visitors. The best season to elope in Kelly Park, especially if you want more privacy.

Avoid Florida Hurricane Season

Hurricane season runs June through November, with peak activity mid-August to mid-October. I highly recommend that couples avoid this time all together to avoid any travel or planning complications from a storm. However if you’re still wanting to elope in Kelly Park during this time, invest in travel insurance and have a flexible plan in place.

Avoiding Bugs and Crowds

During spring and summer, the park is super busy! The park can reach capacity by 9 AM and the park will not allow anymore entries. If you want to make sure you get there in time, get to the park as soon as it opens (sometimes there can be a line prior to open). If you want to avoid crowds, plan your elopement early in the morning when the park opens and/or during an off-season or non-holiday weekend.

Mosquitos and no-see-ums are brutal in summer. If you don’t want to worry about bugs, opt for a winter elopement. Any other time of the year, bring bug spray with you!

Where Can You Elope in Kelly Park Rock Springs?

You can elope anywhere in Kelly Park as long as you aren’t bothering or interrupting other visitors. Keep in mind that you might have people around for your ceremony (or even other couples wanting to get married), but most people are polite and will give you space. For the location, you’ve got two main choices:

The Spring Head

This is the most iconic location in the park where that crystal-clear water flows through the Rock Springs Run. The views here are unreal, especially at sunrise when the light filters through the trees. Keep in mind that different times of the year, the weather, and the light will change the way the water looks. The spring behind the spring head is part of the tubing area so it’s possible you’ll have swimmers or tubers making their way behind you.

From left to right (all at park opening): January, March, April, and May

The Deck Area / Entry Ramp

Want to do a first look or quiet moment before your ceremony? This boardwalk-style entry point to the spring makes a perfect tucked-away spot for that. It’s usually quieter and offers both shade and great photo light.

What to Do After You Elope in Kelly Park

You’ve just eloped in Kelly Park – now what? This location is great for adding some fun Florida adventures to your day. Here are some ways to turn your Kelly Park elopement into a full-on experience!

Things To Do in Kelly Park Rock Springs

• Tubing the spring run: The 3/4 mile float takes about 30 mins, but don’t forget your float and pump! Floats have to be less than 5 feet in any direction. Floats larger than 5 feet will not be permitted to tube.
• Swimming or wading: Cool off together post-ceremony in the swimming area near the parking lot. Keep in mind that the water is cold (around 68 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit) all year long.
• Hiking: There’s 7 miles of scenic trails throughout the park to explore and see Florida wildlife and foliage.
• Picnic brunch: Picnic at a shaded picnic table would be perfect after your vows for a toast, cutting cake, or having a charcuterie.

Things To Do Outside the Park

• Kings Landing: Rent kayaks or canoes and paddle the Emerald Cut, one of Florida’s most iconic spots. This is a must for couples who want adventure as part of their Florida elopement. There you can hang out, swim, and enjoy the water like this couple did for their spring elopement.
• Henry’s Depot (Sanford): About 30 minutes away, there’s a food hall with good food, tasty cocktails, and great vibes for a celebratory lunch.
• Head back to your Airbnb: Chill, make breakfast together, change, or jump in the pool in your wedding clothes.

What Else To Know About Kelly Park Rock Springs

Here’s a quick list of facts to know if you want to elope in Kelly Park Rock Springs.

• The park is open 8 AM til 8 PM in the summer and 8 AM til 6 PM in the winter. Everything closes one hour prior to park closing.
• There is an admission fee based on the number of passengers in your vehicle.
• There’s a campground for larger parties at Camp Joy; however, this is located a little ways from the spring with an alternative entrance.
• Camping is permitted but vendors wouldn’t be able to come in and out before/after hours.
• If an alligator is spotted, swimming cannot resume until the trapper has captured the alligator.

Contact the park with any park related questions at (407) 254-1906 (Kelly Park Hotline) or (407)-254-1902 (Entrance Station). You can also make camping reservations online through the Orange County Parks & Recreation website.

Leave No Trace at Kelly Park Rock Springs

One of the best things about wanting to elope in Kelly Park is how raw and untouched it feels and keeping it that way is a big deal. Whether you’re hiking, tubing, or exchanging vows at the spring head, following Leave No Trace (LNT) principles helps protect the park for future couples and local wildlife.

Here’s how to keep your Kelly Park elopement eco-friendly and ranger-approved:

Pack In, Pack Out

Whatever you bring into the park – snacks, flowers, cans, towels, décor – take it all with you when you leave. This helps protect the wildlife and keeps the area clean for the next couple or park visitors.

No Confetti, Rice, or Flower Petals

Even biodegradable confetti or real flower petals can harm the spring ecosystem and harm wildlife. Instead, celebrate with a sparkling cider pop, jump into the water, or celebratory cocktails at Henry’s Depot.

Stay on Trails

If you’re hiking or exploring any of the park’s 7 miles of trails, please stay on marked paths to protect native plants and prevent erosion.

Be Mindful with Florals

Choose locally-sourced, pesticide-free bouquets or faux options that won’t shed into the spring. Avoid invasive species or anything that could damage the ecosystem.

Keep It Low-Key

This is a public park, not a private venue. Keep the noise low and make sure your elopement doesn’t disturb other visitors enjoying the spring.

FAQ: Eloping in Kelly Park Rock Springs

Do I need a permit to elope in Kelly Park?

There’s no formal wedding permit process, but elopements that don’t disturb others are generally allowed. With that said, it’s easier for elopements with less than 10 guests to take place here. The park rangers want to make sure everyone is having a great time so they will ask you to leave if they find a larger wedding to be bothersome for other spring goers.

Can we reserve the spring head for our ceremony?

The spring head location is first come, first served. You might find others exploring it, another wedding or photo shoot happening. It’s important to be respectful of the space and give everyone some space and time to enjoy the outdoors. With that said, eloping on a weekday and/or once the park opens will help minimize this risk.

Can I bring décor or florals?

Small bouquets or handheld décor? Totally fine. Big setups, arches, and chairs? Not allowed. It’s important to follow Leave No Trace (LNT) principles for things you’re planning to bring.

What about music or a speaker?

Low-volume, portable speakers are fine. But keep it respectful. This is a public nature space and park rangers will ask you to leave if it’s too loud.

Can we bring our dog to the elopement?

Unfortunately, pets are not allowed at Kelly Park. Bummer, I know, but this is strictly enforced.

Can we bring champagne or beers?

Unfortunately, alcohol is not allowed at Kelly Park. But a non-alcoholic champagne or sparkling apple cider? Totally allowed.

Can we invite guests?

Yes, but stick to under 10 people as the area around the spring head is not large enough to accommodate much more.

Example Timeline for Kelly Park Rock Springs

If you’re wondering how your Kelly Park Rock Springs elopement could look, here’s an example timeline:

6:00 – 7:30 AM Getting ready at AirBnB 
7:30 – 8:00 AM Travel to Kelly Rock
8:00 – 8:30 AM Change & first look on deck
8:30 – 9:00 AM Ceremony at spring head
9:00 – 10:00 AM Portraits & celebratory donuts at spring 
10:00 – 10:30 AM Change into swim suits
10:30 – 10:45 AM Travel to Kings Landing
11:00 – 1:00 PM Kayak to Emerald Cut
1:00 – 2:00 PM Head back & change
2:00 – 3:00 PM Travel to Henry’s Depot
3:00 – 5:00 PM Lunch and drinks at Henry’s Depot

Kelly Rock Springs Elopement Photographer

Eloping in Kelly Park Rock Springs would be the perfect Florida elopement for couple seeking some adventure! As a Florida elopement photographer serving Kelly Park Rock Springs, I’ll focus on understanding your elopement vision; finding activities, and adventures that align with your vision; helping you plan and curate a day that’s 100% percent you; and helping you figure out the logistics of your elopement! These moments are once in a lifetime, and having a local expert on your side to bring your elopement vision to life is SO worth it.