How to Elope in Kelly Park Rock Springs | 2026 Edition

Maybe you’ve visited Kelly Park Rock Springs in the past or you fell in love with it through social media, but one thing remains the same: you had no idea you could elope here. But now that you’ve found this resource, you’re super stoked to learn more!

As a Florida native and elopement photographer whose helped couples plan Kelly Park elopements, I’ve come to realize that eloping here is SO easy with the right guidance. Whether you’re wanting a post ceremony kayaking adventure or laid back swim in your wedding attire, Kelly Park Rock Springs in Apopka brings all the best elements of Florida nature into your wedding day with none of the planning stress.

This resource will guide you through everything from why you should elope here, to planning the perfect time to elope, to knowing where in the park to have your ceremony, to figuring out the legalities of eloping.

Ready to dive in?!

Jump to what you’re looking for…

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

Why You Should Elope at Kelly Park Rock Springs

And while there are hundreds of natural springs in Florida, this 355-acre park is perfect for eloping couples who a simple yet adventurous elopement experience in the Florida outdoors. 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 elopement.

After having traveled to many of the springs within the state of Florida, Kelly Park Rock Springs ranks my number 1 for elopements. When it comes to your ceremony, most spring locations only offer metal platforms, or the spring is inaccessible, or the access locations don’t capture the true essence of the spring. BUT Kelly Park has two amazing, easily accessible locations for an intimate ceremony that are unmatched to any other springs.

In addition to the unique ceremony locations, Kelly Park is right down the road from King’s Landing. This kayak, canoe, and paddle boarding rental company is one of the easiest ways to visit the Emerald Cut, a truly unique and breathtaking hidden oasis. Adding in a kayaking or canoeing adventure to this spot would make your elopement into something adventurous!

How to Elope at Kelly Park Rock Springs

Planning to get married at Kelly Park elopement is super simple and Florida makes it even easier to get legally married! First, you’ll need a Florida marriage license. For a full breakdown of Florida marriage requirements, read through the How to Elope in Florida resource.

But to elope in Kelly Park specifically, here’s what you need to know:

• Apply at any Florida Clerk of Court, but Orange County is the closest to the park. You can apply online or in person.
• Online applications vary by county, but Orange County allows you to pre-apply online. Keep in mind the waiting periods for picking up your license. There’s none for non-Florida residents and 3-days for Florida residents.
• You can only get married by regularly ordained ministers, Florida notaries public (hi, that’s me!), and Florida judicial officers.
• You do not need witnesses in the State of Florida. However, there are two spots for them to sign if you want! You can leave these blank, have friends or family sign, or have two hikers sign in passing!

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.

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 and you cannot block off any areas of the park. If you’re planning to invite any more than 10 guests, Kelly Park will not be an ideal location for your elopement.

Best Time to Elope at Kelly Park Rock Springs

Kelly Park is open year-round excluding major holidays, but not all seasons are created equal. As a Florida native and elopement Photographer, I highly recommend planning to elope during late November through the end of winter. Once warm weather hits, people will be flocking to the springs!

For a full guide on the seasons in Florida, read through the guide on the best time to get married in Florida.

Times to Avoid

Springs are generally crazy busy during two times: when it’s hot and when there’s a long weekend/holiday. Avoiding hot weather months (like those in spring and summer) and holiday weekends (think spring break, Memorial Day, 4th of July, Labor Day, etc.) will be key to enjoying the spring with the least amount of people.

It’s also important to consider that while this might be the best time to enjoy the cold waters of Kelly Park, it’s also 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.

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

If You’re Planning A Spring/Summer Elopement

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. In other words, you could totally miss out on your chance to elope here if you’re not planning ahead.

Here are the best ways to plan for a spring or summer elopement at Kelly Park Rock Springs:

• Limit the number of guests you invite (the more guests, the more logistics/planning involved)
• Opt for a morning ceremony and get in line for the park at least one hour before the park opens.
• Plan your elopement during the week (less people heading to the spring on a Tuesday)

While these are general guidelines, they aren’t perfect. You should always plan for a back up location or ideas just in case.

Where Can You Elope inside Kelly Park Rock Springs?

You can elope anywhere in Kelly Park as long as you aren’t bothering or interrupting other visitors. This is a space for EVERYONE so you’re not going to be able to reserve or block any area of the park. Keep in mind that you might have people around for your ceremony (or even other couples wanting to get married or families being photographed), but most people are polite and will give you space.

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. It’s best to be patient and have a plan for photos if this happens (i.e., will you stop and wait? Or will you embrace the chaos?)

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 at Kelly Park Rock Springs

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! Keep in mind that because of Kelly Park’s rural location there’s limited activities and accommodations. Plan ahead to ensure you have the best 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. 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 (pictured above and below), one of Florida’s most unique secluded spots. This is a must for couples who want adventure as part of their 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 You Should 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 and the park gets PACKED in the summer months. Get here early!
• There is an admission fee based on the number of passengers in your vehicle.
• Dogs are (sadly) not allowed in the park.
• Camping is permitted inside the park, but your vendors wouldn’t be able to come in and out before/after hours.
• There’s a campground for larger parties at Camp Joy; however, this is located a little ways from the spring with an alternative entrance.
• 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 wood 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 so there are other park goers wanting to enjoy the natural beauty and serenity. 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.

Kelly Park Rock Springs Elopement Photographer

Eloping in Kelly Park Rock Springs would be the perfect Florida elopement for couple seeking some adventure! As an 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 aligns with who you are as a couple; 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.