How to Elope in Tampa

You’re probably here because you and your partner want an elopement filled with sun and adventure, and decided Tampa had both, but now you have no idea how to actually elope in Tampa. Am I right? That’s where I come in! I’ve created this guide to tell you the where’s, the when’s, and the how’s for eloping in Tampa! If you’re looking for the best information on Tampa elopements from a Florida native who has photographed dozens of Florida elopements, then you’re in the right place! Let’s dive on in!

In this How to Elope in Tampa blog, we will cover:

• Where to Elope in Tampa
• When to Elope in Tampa
• How to Elope in Tampa
• What To Do for Your Tampa Elopement
• What to Bring to Elope in Tampa
• Example Timelines 
• Tampa Elopement Packages

Where To Elope in Tampa

Picking where to elope can be the hardest part of your elopement planning process! Tampa has so many different districts with their very own vibe. Here’s a quick list of all the different districts in Tampa:

• Downtown Tampa
• Channel District/Islands
• Ybor City
• Soho / Hyde Park
• Westshore / Airport
• Seminole Heights
• North Tampa
• East Hillsborough
• South Shore

You can read more about each of the districts at Visit Tampa Bay.

If you’re looking for some history: Ybor City and Downtown Tampa
If you’re looking for beaches and sunset: South Shore
If you’re looking for urban, big city vibes: Downtown Tampa
If you’re looking for the best bar hopping: Soho
If you’re looking for the best breweries: Seminole Heights, Downtown Tampa, Ybor
If you’re looking for attractions: Channelside or Westshore

Whew – that was a lot! And there’s still so much more to discover. No matter which district you end up going to, keep in mind that there may be wedding and/or photography permits needed for each location. My biggest tip for finding your location? Work with a Tampa elopement photographer who can help you you navigate these permit waters and suggest locations that fit your vision!

Need help finding the perfect Tampa elopement location? Let’s plan something together!

When To Elope In Tampa

Tampa is pretty much tropical all year round! Don’t be fooled though. Tampa gets occasional cold fronts in the winter months that will drop into the 30s and 40s. It will normally pass in a few days though!

Generally, here’s what you can expect:

• Spring (March-May): Hot (mid 70s to mid 80s), humid, with higher rain chances towards May.
• Summer (June-August): Hotter (mid 80s to mid 90s), more humid, longer days (~8 PM sunset), and afternoon thunderstorms are like clockwork. If you want a summer elopement, opt for a sunrise ceremony!
• Fall (September-November): Less hot (mid 80s) with lower rain chances after October.
• Winter (December-January): Prime time with the weather! Cooler day time temperatures (low to mid 70s), rain chances are superrrrr low, the days are shorter (~5 PM sunset), the bugs aren’t out as much, and your evenings are cool.

Keep this in mind before setting a date! Florida’s hurricane season starts in June and goes all the way until November. If you plan to elope during this time, plan an early summer (June/July) as hurricane activity picks up later in the season between mid-August and mid-October. If you want to elope during this time, travel insurance is a must!

Outside of hurricane season, you want to choose a date that will avoid crowds! Plan your elopement during an off-season, non-holiday weekend, or during the week!

We can’t forget about our mortal enemies, the Florida mosquitos and no-see-ums. These biting insects are TERRIBLE in the hot summer months. If you want to avoid getting eaten alive, look to get married during the late fall/winter months (November through February).

Need help figuring out the best time to elope in Tampa? Let me help guide you!

How To Elope In Tampa

Florida is one of the easiest states to elope! There are two easy steps for making it legal in Florida! 

You’ll first need to apply for a marriage license at the Hillsborough County Clerk of Court. You can fill out your application ahead of time through their website. If you’re a non-Florida resident, you can pick up your marriage license the same day you plan to sign it! If you’re a Florida resident, there’s a 3-day waiting period. The cost of the license varies by county; however, they’re around $80.

To apply for a marriage license, you’ll need your driver’s license or state ID. Both people must be present. Florida does not require blood test or medical exams.

Once you have your marriage license, you can elope anywhere in Florida within 60 days. Check with the applicable Clerk of Court before making plans to ensure you have all your ducks in a row.

Now that you have your marriage license, you’ll need someone to make it official. This can be any ordained minister, priest, rabbi or other ordained clergy, judges of the state of Florida, or Public notaries of the state of Florida. Don’t want to hire an officiant? Find a Tampa elopement photographer who’s a Florida notary and can make it legal while you’re out adventuring. One less person to worry about!

Heads up – there are two spaces for witness signatures on the Florida marriage license. However, this is not a requirement of the state. Did you know that your dog can sign in this spot? Heart. Melted.

Need help figuring out what you need and when you need it for your marriage license? Let’s plan your elopement!

What To Do For Your Tampa Elopement

When it comes to Tampa elopements, there’s tons of opportunities for adventure! With a never ending supply of warm weather and sunshining days, adventuring outdoors comes easy in this state. While I have a running list of things to do for your Florida elopement, here are a few of my favorites for the Tampa area:

• Visit some breweries
• Head downtown for a night out
• Spend some time at Armature Works food hall
• Run through the fountains downtown
• Visit murals around the city
• Sunrise ceremony over the ocean followed by outfit change into swimsuits for fishing and shotgunning
• Rent a charter boat, pop champagne, then meet friends and family for brunch
• Island hop, mix cocktails, eat PubSubs, and jump in the water
• Cruise around, drink beers, and visit a boat access only bar

There’s endless opportunities to make your Tampa elopement exactly how you want it with YOUR kind of adventure!

Need help brainstorming ideas? Let’s create something epic together!

What To Bring To Elope in Tampa

Depending on the time of year and the weather, here’s a quick list of all the things to have handy for your Tampa elopement:

• Marriage License
• Pen
• Backpack
• Bug spray
• Sunscreen
• Umbrella
• Rain coat
• Snacks
• Water
• Towel (if we plan to get into the water)
• Change of clothes (if you tend to sweat)
• Some form of celebratory drinks for post I do’s!

Example Timelines

Your Tampa elopement can be as epic as you want, but how exactly does that look? Below are three options to give you an idea!

4-Hour Timeline

Hour 1: Getting ready, details, & first look
Hour 2-3: Ceremony & mini adventure
Hour 4: Portraits at golden hour

8-Hour Timeline

Hour 1: Getting ready, details, & first look
Hour 2-6: Ceremony & half day adventure
Hour 7: Portraits at golden hour
Hour 8: Dinner & drinks

12-Hour Timeline

Hour 1: Getting ready, details, & first look
Hour 2-5: Ceremony, lunch break, & adventure at first location
Hour 6-12: Adventure & portraits at second location

Tampa Elopement Photographer

If you’ve made it this far, it means you’re ready to elope in Tampa, but maybe you’re feeling a bit overwhelmed with all that’s involved? If that’s you and you would love for someone to help brainstorm ideas, plan out the logistics, give you recommendations, andddddddd capture epic photos, then I’m your girl!