How to Elope on 30A: Your Complete Guide to a Gulf Coast Elopement

Updated for 2026

Thinking about ditching the big wedding to elope on 30A with something more relaxed, romantic, and luxe? If you’re dreaming of white-sand beaches, turquoise water, and a day that’s all about you and your partner, then 30A is your place. This stretch of the Florida Gulf Coast is made up of charming beach towns like Seaside, Rosemary Beach, Alys Beach, and Seagrove, each offering their own flavor of beauty, luxury, and laid-back vibes, but the rules of each town can differ dramatically.

In this guide, we’re diving into everything you need to know about eloping on 30A, including:

• How to Legally Get Married on 30A
  • Who Can Legally Marry You?
  • Do You Need Witnesses?
  • Do We Have to Get Married at the Courthouse?
• How to Get Married on the Beach on 30A
• Location Permits + Vendor Restrictions for 30A Communities
• 30A Community Elopement Rules
  • Rosemary Beach
  • Walton County Public Beaches
  • Seaside
  • Alys Beach
  • Destin
• Where to Elope on 30A
  • Rosemary Beach
  • Alys Beach
  • Seaside
  • Seagrove
• 30A Elopement FAQ
  • Where do I get a marriage license for a 30A elopement?
  • Do I need a permit to elope on 30A?
  • Can I bring my dog?
  • Where can I elope on 30A?
• 30A Elopement Packages
• Meet Your 30A Elopement Photographer

How to Legally Get Married on 30A

Let’s talk legalities. To get married in 30A, you’ll need a Florida marriage license, which is super easy to get. There’s no waiting period for out-of-state couples, and it’s good anywhere in Florida.

Here’s what you need:

• Apply at any Clerk of Courts office in Florida, but the closest for 30A couples is Walton County Clerk of Courts in DeFuniak Springs or Santa Rosa Beach.
• Both partners must be present with valid IDs, know your social security numbers, and have any dates of past marriages.
• The license is valid immediately (unless you’re a Florida resident, then there’s a 3-day wait unless you complete a premarital course).
• Cost: $86 (or $61 with course completion for Florida residents).
• Once you have your marriage license, it’s valid for 60 days.
• After you’ve gotten married, you’ll need to return it within 10 days to the issuing Clerk of Court.

Who Can Legally Marry You?

You’ll need an ordained officiant, judge, or notary to legally marry you in Florida. That’s why I’m a Florida notary! As your 30A elopement photographer, I can legally marry my couples AND take photos while adventuring around the area together. One less thing to worry about.

Do You Need Witnesses?

Florida doesn’t require witnesses. But there’s space for two witnesses on your marriage license. You can either leave this blank, have two of your best friends (or random strangers) sign, or even leave a paw print from your pup.

Do We Have to Get Married at the Courthouse?

Not at all. While the Clerk of Court does offer a service to get legally married at the courthouse, you do not need to get married there. You can take your marriage license with you anywhere along 30A (or in the state) and get married as long as you have someone that is legally allowed to marry you perform the ceremony. Once they’ve signed it, you need to return the marriage license back to the original Clerk of Court within 10 days for it to be official.

Need help navigating the marriage paperwork? Reach out and I’ll walk you through it (and everything else), so your 30A elopement stays stress-free and fun.↓

How to Get Married on the Beach on 30A

One of the biggest draws to elope on 30A? The white sand beaches, emerald-green water, and dreamy sunsets. This combination makes this stretch of the Gulf Coast a perfect backdrop for your vows.

But not all beaches are the same on 30A! Here’s what you need to know to get married on the beach:

• Walton County requires permits for any ceremony on public beaches if you have more than a few people or any setup (think arches, chairs, etc.). Read through the county’s FAQ about permits and weddings. Check out this map of all the public and private beach access points along 30A.
• Some beaches are privately owned or HOA-controlled, especially in places like Rosemary Beach and Alys Beach and do not allow weddings on their beaches unless certain criteria are met.
  • Alys Beach no longer allows weddings on their property unless you’re an Alys Beach property owner.
  • Rosemary Beach allows beach weddings if a second venue is booked for a reception (not great for small elopements); however, you can obtain a photography permit for post-vows.

The next section covers each of the communities along 30A with their rules and requirements. But don’t stress. I know exactly which beaches work best for intimate ceremonies, when to go for privacy, and how to handle all the red tape. Reach out to learn how I can help you pick the best 30A beach for your ceremony, help with the permits, and make it all effortless.↓

Location Permits + Vendor Restrictions for 30A Communities

Here’s the truth: 30A is stunning, but it’s also highly regulated when it comes to weddings. With 15+ unique communities along 30A, each one as their own set of rules and regulations for elopements. Always double check rules and restrictions with the applicable communities before picking a ceremony location.

30A Community Elopement Rules

Rosemary Beach

You must stay on-property through their exclusive property management (Rosemary Beach Rentals) to have permission to photograph in the common areas. However, if you’re not guest of Rosemary Beach Rentals, you can still acquire a permit with a $500 fee. Outside vendors must be pre-approved or on their vendor list to be permitted to work on-site.

Walton County Public Beaches

Walton county beaches include regional access points like Miramar Beach, Dune Allen Beach, Blue Mountain Beach, Grayton Beach, Seagrove Beach, and Inlet Beach). Walton County requires event permits for beach weddings depending on the size of the part. For 1 to 30 people, the fee is $150 with fees increasing with more guests. Additionally, any professional photographers photographing on beaches must have a Walton County Beach Vendor Permit that’s renewed annually.

Seaside

Seaside elopements can happen at public beach accesses with a permit or in areas near rental homes with beach access, but require a booking through Seaside. Seaside requires pre-approval for photography.

Alys Beach

Alys Beach only allows weddings if you’re an Alys Beach property owner or Alys Beach Vacation Rental Guest with an pre-approved photographer. Photography is not permitted in front of privately owned homes within Alys Beach. Click the link to read more about their photography policies. You’ll need to go through the Alys Beach concierge for the list and permission.

Destin

Destin only requires beach weddings of more than 20 people to have an event permit. Beach wedding permits are only available for The Shore at Crystal Beach Park and June White Decker Beach Park. Park Event Permits are not available for beach access points. For details, call the City of Destin Parks and Recreation Department at (850) 837-4242. Additionally, Destin is within Okaloosa County and any professional photographers must have an Okaloosa County Beach Vendor Permit that’s renewed annually.

Good news? I’ve can help navigate all the permits, rules, and logistics. I’ll make sure everything from the permit to your bouquet to your champagne toast is cleared and compliant ↓

Where to Elope on 30A

Rosemary Beach

If you want to elope on 30A, this is the ultimate location if you’re looking for luxury, European vibes, and dramatic architecture. Rosemary is known for its cobblestone streets, gas lanterns, and creamy stucco buildings. While you can’t get married exclusively on the beach without booking a second venue through the Rosemary Beach property managers (though there’s public access beaches nearby), you’ll be able to take post-vow photographs on the beach as long as you meet the requirements.

Alys Beach

Alys Beach is filled with whitewashed buildings, palm-lined courtyards, and total Santorini energy without leaving the U.S. Keep in mind that weddings are not allowed here unless you’re a property owner of Alys Beach. Only common areas with town council pre-approval are permitted to have photographs taken if you’re taking in one of their vacation rentals.

Seaside

The most iconic 30A beach town. If you’ve ever watched The Truman Show, you’ve seen Seaside. Classic beach cottages, pastel buildings, and charming beachfront spots make Seaside elopements timeless and fun. This is a great location for a more laid back celebration. Keep in mind that pre-approval for photography is required.

Seagrove

More local, less touristy. Seagrove offers a peaceful stretch of beach with gorgeous natural surroundings. Great for a simple, heartfelt ceremony with few (or no) onlookers.

Want more location ideas? Read through my guide on 30A elopement location! Still unsure where to go? Let’s chat! I’ll help you pick the perfect 30A elopement location based on your style, vibe, and guest list ↓

30A Elopement FAQ

Where do I get a marriage license for a 30A elopement?

You’ll head to the Walton County Clerk of Court. There’s one in DeFuniak Springs or Santa Rosa Beach, and no appointment is necessary.

Do I need a permit to elope on 30A?

If you’re getting married on a public beach with any setup or more than just the two of you and your photographer, yes. Private areas like Rosemary Beach and Alys Beach have their own systems, and I can guide you through all of it.

Can I bring my dog?

It depends! There are no dedicated dog-friendly beaches in this vicinity; however, there’s a dog-friendly beach in Panama City Beach about 30 minutes away. In my experience, I’ve found that some places are more dog-friendly than others. Read through this guide on dog-friendly attractions on 30A.

Where can I elope on 30A?

You can easily elope on almost any public access beach in South Walton County! However, you’re unable to elope on Rosemary Beach or Alys Beach without meeting certain criteria (that aren’t in favor of eloping couples). Want more location ideas? Read through my guide on 30A elopement location!

Still overwhelmed by the process? Let me show you how easy this can be through my elopement experience ↓

30A Elopement Packages

You deserve a day that feels effortless and fun. My 30A elopement experience is built to be easy, intentional, and 100% tailored to your vibe. That’s why every package includes:

• Photography coverage from getting ready to your sunset swim
• Planning guidance (permit assistance, locations guidance, timeline planning, etc.)
• Vendor recommendations (officiant, florals, boat rentals, etc.)
• Detailed elopement guide that has everything you need to plan your elopement seamlessly
• Packing list, activity suggestions, and backup plans

Whether you want to hike to a dune lake, swim in the Gulf, boat to a secret island, or sip champagne on a balcony overlooking Rosemary Beach, I’m here to help you make it happen and capture every moment.

Meet Your 30A Elopement Photographer

If you’re dreaming of a luxe 30A elopement designed with you in mind, I’d love to help you plan and capture the entire adventure. From choosing the perfect location to helping you find the best cocktail bars, 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 panhandle elopement of your dreams!