Top 10 Beaches in Florida to Elope
If the beaches are calling your name, then I’m here to give you my top 10 beaches in Florida to elope! If you’ve ever dream of epic sunsets (or sunrises), crashing waves, and salty air as being elements in your Florida elopement, then I got you covered! Florida, with its year-round sunshine and stunning coastline, is a dream destination for elopements. This resource is going to give you the top 10 beaches that are perfect for Florida elopements (and aren’t overrated). So let’s rip it, sister! 🤙🏻
Clearwater Beach, Clearwater (West Coast)
Clearwater Beach is perfect for a mix of epic sunsets and nightlife! The beaches are super well kept with soft sand and long stretches to the water. Since this is a popular tourist destination, there’s not much privacy and parking is hard to come by. If you want more privacy, Sand Key Beach is a great option that’s right down the road from the popular beaches! There is a wedding permit fee required for Sand Key Beach.
Website: Clearwater Beach
Permits: If you’re elopement or micro-wedding will have lesss than 25 guests and does not require any setup (chairs, tent, etc.), there is no permit requirement. Check with the city’s website for how to obtain a permit if you don’t meet those criteria. No additional photography permits are required.
Siesta Key Beach, Sarasota (West Coast)
Similar to Clearwater Beach, Siesta Key is a top beach destination for epic sunsets! You can’t go wrong with having an elopement here. With crystal clear water and long stretches of beach, this is a great location for couples that want the sunsets, the beach, and a slightly smaller crowd than Clearwater.
Website: Siesta Key Beach
Permits: If you want a certain location on the beach, there’s a $75 permit fee. This ensures you have a spot on the day of your wedding especially if you’re planning on having guests. No additional permits are required for photography.
South Beach, Miami Beach (South Florida)
South Beach is where it’s at for all the nightlife and culture! If you want an amazing sunrise (or sunset) elopement, followed by an epic city adventure, South Beach is just the place for you! South Beach has tons of beachgoers year round so make sure you’re okay with little to no privacy for your elopement with this location.
Website: South Beach
Permits: Permits are typically required for special events that require set up or city assistance. Check with the City of Miami Beach for specific regulations. No additional photography permits are required for private use.
Sebastian Inlet State Park, Sebastian (East Coast)
Sebastian Inlet State Park is perfect for early-rising couples who are seeking a low-key, intimate elopement beach ceremony. SISP is one of the best-kept secrets of the East Coast, which makes it great for privacy. It is close enough to big cities and offers an array of adventurous activities such as paddle boarding, boating, surfing, and so much more!
Website: Sebastian Inlet State Park
Permits: For elopements with no setup, there is no wedding or photography permit required.
Fort Lauderdale Beach, Fort Lauderdale (South Florida)
Like South Beach, Fort Lauderdale Beach is where it’s at for all the nightlife and city adventures! If you want an amazing sunrise (or sunset) elopement, followed by an epic city adventure down Las Olas, Fort Lauderdale Beach is just the place for you! Fort Lauderdale Beach is busy year round so make sure you’re okay with little to no privacy for your elopement.
Website: Fort Lauderdale Beach
Permits: Fort Lauderdale Beach has no wedding permit requirement, but it’s first come first served. Other beaches in the area might have a permit requirement. No additional photography permits are required for private use.
Fort Pierce Inlet State Park, Fort Pierce (East Coast)
Fort Pierce Inlet State Park is perfect for couples who are seeking a low-key, intimate elopement beach ceremony with epic sunrise and sunset views. Fort Pierce is one of the best-kept secrets of the East Coast which makes it great for avoiding tons of tourists and living like the locals. Psst…it’s also one of Florida’s best fishing spots!
Website: Fort Pierce Inlet State Park
Permits: For elopements with no setup, there is no wedding or photography permit required.
Anastasia State Park, St. Augustine (North Florida)
Anastasia State Park is IT for couples that want a white sand beach ceremony in a historic town! The beach has long stretches of beach with not a ton of tourists. This is great for a semi-private location in a city with tons to do! There are also hardened pathways which make it great for accessibility.
Website: Anastasia State Park
Permits: There is a $100 wedding permit and $50 photography permit for this location.
St. Pete Beach, St. Petersburg (West Coast)
Saint Pete Beach is perfect for sunset-chasing couples looking for a low key big-city vibe! The beaches are super well kept with soft sand and long stretches to the water. Since this is a popular tourist destination, there’s not much privacy and parking is hard to come by.
Website: St. Pete Beach
Permits: Generally, permits are not needed for small ceremonies or personal photography.
Bahia Honda State Park Beach, Big Pine Key (Florida Keys)
When you think about tropical, the Florida Keys is first to mind. Against popular belief, there aren’t a ton of amazing beaches on the islands; however, Bahia Honda State Park Stands out for its historical charm and epic sunrise and sunset views.
Website: Bahia Honda State Park
Photography permits: Check the Florida State Parks website for information on photography permits and any restrictions specific to Bahia Honda State Park.
House of Refuge, Stuart, Florida (East Coast)
Technically this beach is called Ross Witham Beach, but to the locals, it’s the House of Refuge. With tons of history and iconic California-like rock formations, this beach is popular. This location is on a tiny barrier island so you can get sunrise and sunset images. Keep in mind that depending on the current, tides, and sand build-up, the rock formations might not be visible or accessible as shown below.
Website: House of Refuge Museum
Permits: Generally, permits are not needed for small ceremonies or personal photography. If you want to use the House of Refuge Museum, there is a fee.
Elopement plans can change, so it’s essential to verify the most up-to-date information and any permitting requirements. Information provided within this resource was based on information available at the time of creation. Always, always, always check with local authorities prior to making any plans! This ensures your special day on these beautiful Florida beaches goes off without a hitch!
Whether you’re leaning towards the white sand beaches of Clearwater, or the vibrant nighlife of South Beach, or the serene seclusion of Bahia Honda, Florida offers tons of possibilities for your Florida beach elopement! Looking for more help in planning and capturing your Florida beach elopement? Allow me to introduce myself!
Hey there! I’m Anna, your Florida elopement photographer, planner + Florida native! I’m based in Florida, where the water is always close and the vibes are chill and tropical. Florida is so much more than long stretches of sandy beaches, and I l o v e showing rad folks like you just what makes this place special. In fact, I geek out over discovering what makes every place special when I’m planning elopements. From choosing the perfect location to figuring out those pesky permits to ensuring every detail aligns with your vision, I’ve got you covered. There’s a lot to consider ahead of your elopement and I’m here to guide you through those dos and don’ts. Tell me what you want your day to feel like, and I’ll take the wheel. I legit can’t wait to start researching and planning to create exactly what you want.
