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

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.

Whether you’re planning a spontaneous Gulf Coast elopement or craving a customized, all-inclusive 30A elopement experience, here’s exactly how to make it happen.

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

• How to Legally Get Married on 30A
• How to Get Married on the Beach on 30A
• Location Permits + Vendor Restrictions: What You Need to Know
• Where to Elope on 30A: Rosemary Beach, Alys Beach, Seaside, or Seagrove
• 30A Elopement FAQ
• 30A Elopement Packages
• Meet Your 30A Elopement Expert

Let’s get started!

How to Legally Get Married on 30A

Let’s talk logistics. To legally get married in 30A, you’ll need a Florida marriage license, which is surprisingly 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 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.

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 beaches. They’re straight out of the movies. Powdery white sand, emerald-green water, and dreamy pastel sunsets make 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.

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. Whether you want to elope near Rosemary Beach at sunrise or say your vows at a quiet Seagrove beach access, we’ll find the perfect spot.

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: What You Need to Know

Here’s the truth: 30A is stunning, but it’s also highly regulated when it comes to weddings. There are a few things to keep in mind to make sure your elopement stays dreamy (and drama-free):

Rosemary Beach + Alys Beach Elopement Rules

• Rosemary Beach and Alys Beach are both master-planned communities with very strict rules about weddings and photography. It’s important to abide by all their rules if you don’t want to get kicked out on your wedding day.
• You must stay on-property through their exclusive property management (Rosemary Beach Rentals or Alys Beach Vacation Rentals) to have permission to photograph in the common areas. Always double check rules and restrictions with the applicable property management company before booking a rental.
• Outside vendors must be pre-approved or on their vendor list to be permitted to work on-site.

Seaside & Seagrove

• Seaside elopements can happen at public beach accesses with a permit or in areas near rental homes with beach access. Seaside requires pre-approval for photography.
• Seagrove is a bit more flexible and offers several low-key, under-the-radar spots perfect for private ceremonies.

Good news? I’ve can help navigate all the permits 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, Alys Beach, Seaside, or Seagrove

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.

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 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). But if you want to have the gulf coast as your backdrop, I’ll help you find a place that feels right.

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 like you. My 30A elopement experience is built to be easy, intentional, and 100% tailored to your vibe. That’s why every package includes:

• Full elopement planning (permit assistance, locations guidance, timeline planning, etc.)
• Vendor recommendations (officiant, florals, boat rentals, etc.)
• Photography coverage from getting ready to your sunset swim
• Detailed elopement guide tailored to summer in Florida
• Packing list, activity suggestions, and backup plans designed with summer in mind

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 make it happen.

Ready for a stress-free, fully planned summer elopement? See what’s included in my 30A elopement packages ↓

Meet Your 30A Elopement Expert

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!