8+ Unique Places to Elope in Florida (That Aren’t The Beach)

Looking for the best places to elope in Florida, but the beach just isn’t your vibe? This resource was made for couples like you! Most people think eloping in Florida means having a beach ceremony. But if the thought of windblown hair, sand in your shoes, and a crowded beach makes you cringe, then the locations within this guide might be exactly what you’re looking for! But also if the beach IS your vibe, then this resource on the top 10 beaches to elope in Florida might be more up your alley.

As an elopement photographer, I’ve captured dozens of elopements across the state of Florida. Everywhere from the Panhandle down to the Florida Keys. With all that travel experience and local expertise, finding unique places to elope in Florida is one of the best parts of the job. Whether you want to get married in a tropical oasis like Key West, at one of Florida’s cold water springs, on a rooftop overlooking downtown, or even cruising on a yacht, Florida has so many non-beach options that still feel like an epic escape.

But First, Why Not The Beach?

When couples think about an elopement in Florida, the beach is the first spot that comes to mind. But as a Florida native and elopement photographer, I can attest that the beach may not be for everyone. After capturing dozens of elopements on and off the sand, here’s a few reasons you might not have considered about eloping on the beach:

• Sand. The number one reason couples wouldn’t choose the beach for their elopement is because they don’t want sand on their feet before, during, or after their vows. Nothing will make you more uncomfortable than grains of sand in your shoes when you’re exploring post-vows.
• Not all beaches are the same. If you’re dreaming of long stretches of white sandy beaches and turquoise water, that’s not every beach in Florida. In fact, there are only certain places in Florida with this landscape. And if you have your heart set on a particular location within Florida, the beaches might not live up to your expectations.
• Wind and humidity. It can be pretty windy on the beach and it’s always humid in Florida. After spending hundreds of dollars on hair and makeup, the idea of ruining your hair immediately with wind and moisture might not be the best idea.
• Crowds. Beaches bring crowds. Since it’s one of the main reasons tourists come to Florida, there’s higher chances you’ll see tons of people around during your ceremony.

If Not the Beach, Then Why Elope in Florida?

Plain and simple: warm weather. Most of my couples come to Florida because they have one sentiment in mind: “I need sun”. Since the majority of my couples travel from the midwest or northeast, they want to escape the cold and dream of warm weather for their elopement day. Since Florida weather is best in late fall through early spring, it truly makes it an ideal time for couples wanting to get away from the snow.

In addition to the great weather, many couples want to see Florida wildlife: dolphins, manatees, turkeys, deer, and alligators! Winter and early spring months generally make these animals more active either seeking warmer water and/or land. While none of these animals are guaranteed to make an appearance, it’s always special when they do on your wedding day.

The Best Places to Elope in Florida

Yachts, Catamarans, and Boats

This one might seem beach adjacent, but even though some couples don’t want the beach, they still want ocean views. As a Florida native and elopement photographer, boat elopements have become my specialty (and for good reason). Eloping on a boat provides flexibility and privacy couples crave. Whether it’s a sailboat, yacht, or a charter boat, exchanging your vows on the water adds a touch of adventure and intimacy you can’t get anywhere else.

When it comes to eloping oceanside, you can go almost anywhere in the state that has a coastline. But not all coastal towns are the same. Below you’ll find my favorite coastal places to elope in Florida!

• St. Augustine
• Fort Pierce – T+J’s Elopement; A+K’s Elopement
• Stuart – T+H’s Elopement; J+G’s Elopement
• Jupiter – E+K’s Elopement
• Palm Beach
• Miami
• The Florida Keys & Key West – V+H’s Elopement
• Clearwater
• Rosemary Beach & the 30A Area

Want to learn more about how you can do this, too? I’ve created an entire guide on how to elope on a boat in Florida!

Botanical Gardens

My favorite part about garden elopements is the ability to have built in floral decor. Gardens offer gorgeous backdrops with colorful, tropical plans that it would be the perfect place to elope for any plant lover. And with Florida’s warm tropical climate, there’s so many botanical gardens to choose from!

But keep in mind that gardens still have their peak seasons. Depending on when you’re planning to elope, the garden may not be at full bloom. Check with garden staff (or the garden’s website) to see when they recommend visiting the gardens.

Below you’ll find my favorite garden places to elope in Florida sorted by region. Each location contains a link to the garden’s website and an example gallery if I’ve captured an elopement there.

North Florida Botanical Gardens

• Eden Garden State Park (Santa Rosa Beach)
• Washington Oaks State Park (Palm Coast) – S+C’s Elopement

South Florida Botanical Gardens

• McKee Botanical Garden (Vero Beach)
• Port Saint Lucie Botanical Gardens (Port Saint Lucie)
• Mounts Botanical Garden (Palm Beach)
• Bonnet House Museum and Gardens (Fort Lauderdale)
• Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens (Delray Beach)
• Pinecrest Gardens (Miami)
• Vizcaya Museum & Gardens (Miami) – E+K’s Engagement Session
• Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden (Coral Gables)

Central Florida Botanical Gardens

• Bok Tower Gardens (Lake Wales)
• Mead Botanical Gardens (Orlando) – C+A’s Elopement
• Harry P Leu Gardens (Orlando)

West Florida Botanical Gardens

• Sunken Gardens (St. Petersburg)
• The Ringling Museum & Ca’ d’Zan Mansion (Sarasota)

Florida Keys & Key West Botanical Gardens

• Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory (Key West) – T+B’s Elopement
• Key West Garden Club at West Martello Tower (Key West)
• Key West Tropical Forest & Botanical Garden (Key West) – A+J’s Elopement

Historic Sites & Locations

Historic locations might be one of my favorite places to elope in Florida. It could be because of the idea of intertwining your story with something that long predates you and your partner or the romanticism of the architecture. Either way, Florida has some seriously charming historic locations. It may surprise you that Florida has cobblestone and brick streets, castles, and old World architecture throughout the state.

Below you’ll find my favorite historic places to elope in Florida sorted by region. Each location contains a link to the location’s website and an example gallery if I’ve captured an elopement there.

North Florida Historic Locations

• Castle Otttis (St. Augustine) – K+E’s Elopement
• Castillo De San Marcos (St. Augustine) – R+G’s Elopement
• St. Augustine’s Historic District (St. Augustine) – R+G’s Elopement
• St. Augustine Lighthouse (St. Augustine) – R+G’s Elopement
• Lightner Museum (St. Augustine) – S+M’s Elopement

South Florida Historic Locations

• Jupiter Lighthouse (Jupiter)
• Vizcaya Museum & Gardens (Miami) – E+K’s Engagement Session

Central Florida Historic Locations

• Bok Tower Gardens (Lake Wales)

West Florida Historic Locations

• Le Meridien Tampa (Tampa) – K+T’s Elopement
• Ybor City (Tampa) – K+K’s Elopement
• The Ringling Museum & Ca’ d’Zan Mansion (Sarasota)

Florida Keys & Key West Historic Locations

• Dry Tortugas (Key West) – read the full elopement guide!
• Fort Zachary Taylor State Park (Key West)

Natural Springs

Florida has over 1,000 natural springs with crystal-clear waters and gorgeee scenery, which make them perfect place to elope in Florida. And if you want to include some adventures, these locations offer kayaking, canoeing, paddle boarding, tubing, and/or swimming.

While there are an abundance of natural springs, there are only a couple that make for a good place to elope in Florida based on where the spring is located, how easy it is to get there, and the best photo spots. Each location contains a link to the spring’s website and an example gallery if I’ve captured an elopement there.

• Kelly Park Rock Springs (Apopka) – B+K’s Elopement
• Blue Springs State Park (Orange City) – Perfect for a winter elopement if you want to see manatees; however, this spot doesn’t have a super scenic option for your vows.
• Ichetucknee Springs State Park (Fort White)

Breweries & Distilleries

When it comes to places to elope in Florida, nothing starts the party quite like eloping at a brewery or distillery. Many breweries and distilleries offer stylish taprooms or outdoor spaces that can be transformed into an intimate wedding setting. And even if the location doesn’t offer the option for a ceremony, you can always make it a stop during your elopement day!

Below you’ll find my favorite breweries and distilleries to elope in Florida. Each location contains a link to the location’s website and an example gallery if I’ve captured an elopement there.

• St. Augustine Distillery (St. Augustine) – S+M’s Elopement
• Coppertail Brewing Company (Tampa) – K+T’s Elopement
• Cigar City Brewing (Tampa)
• Sailfish Brewing Co. (Fort Pierce)
• 21st Amendment Distillery (Vero Beach)
• Walking Tree Brewery (Vero Beach)
• Hop Life Brewing Company (Port Saint Lucie) – S+R’s Engagement Session
• Hemingway’s Social Club at Papa Pillar’s (Key West)

Urban and City Locations

Eloping in the city means you have all the best drinks, food, and luxe accommodations at your finger tips. For couples who want those swanky date night vibes, metropolitan areas are an iconic place to elope in Florida. If you’re into street art, flash photography, good cocktails and food experiences, and the overall urban atmosphere, one of these Florida cities is bound to be the perfect match.

• St. Augustine – perfect for modern adventures meets historic architecture
• Palm Beach – this is upscale luxury meets the beach
• Tampa – skyscrapers, murals, and tons of districts with their own unique vibes
• Orlando – similar to Tampa, but more centrally located with access to the best theme parks in the country
• Miami – upbeat with tonsss of latin flare and food
• Key West – tropical meets urban and the party never stops

Wedding Venues

With the rise in popularity of elopements and intimate weddings, many wedding venues offer elopement options! Typically venues will rent out their locations during the week for elopements. This allows you to have a gorgeous backdrop at a popular venue without inviting 100+ people to your wedding! #winwin

Here’s my complete list of the best elopement venues in Florida!

National & State Parks

Florida may not be known for national and state parks, but there are a few that are worth mentioning for your elopement! Immerse yourselves in Florida’s national and state parks with views that only Florida is known for. These places provide the perfect backdrop for nature and adventure loving couples. These are a few of my favorite:

• Bahia Honda State Park – Big Pine Key, FL
• Dry Tortugas National Park (bucket list location!!)
• Castillo De San Marcos National Park
• Everglades National Park
• Ichetucknee Springs State Park – Fort White, FL
• Washington Oaks Garden State Park
• Kelly Park Rock Springs
• Ocala National Forest
• Fort Pierce Inlet State Park
• House of Refuge
• Weeki Wachee State Park – Spring Hill, FL

Ready to Explore More Places to Elope in Florida?

If you’re just starting to plan your elopement and are already feeling super overwhelmed and stressed out, I’m here to help. As an elopement photographer, part of my elopement experience is guiding couples throughout the elopement planning process by recommending the best locations for their vision, offering vendor recommendations, providing planning guidance, and all guides and checklists to make this as stress-free as possible!