Elope In Florida

If palm tree-lined streets and long walks on the beach are your idea of paradise, then the Sunshine State is the elopement destination for you. From big city Miami to charming St. Augustine, Florida elopement destinations are as varied as your relationship is unique. Wondering where to hold a small wedding in Florida? Unsure of how to get your Florida marriage license? Or looking for some of the best Florida elopement packages out there? This guide will cover all your questions when it comes to crafting a dream Florida elopement.

What are the best places to elope in Florida?

Florida is a big state, so whether you’re looking for a short and simple beach elopement or want to host an intimate, small wedding ceremony, there’s plenty to choose from. All of our favorite elopement locations in Florida offer beach venues, so deciding where to go depends more on your vibe as a couple and what you’re looking for from your experience.

If you love culture, nightlife, and glamor, then fast-paced, vibrant Miami is for you. Art deco buildings dot Miami Beach, open-air artwork fills the city, and restaurants serve up world-class food. In Miami, you can choose to say “I do” on the extraordinary 1920s era Deering Estate, in the Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden, or on the beach at Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park.

If you’re drawn to Orlando for its theme parks and entertainment, then you may be surprised to learn it’s only an hour away from serene beaches! With NASA’s Space Center and more than 100 lakes spread throughout the surrounding area, there is something for everyone. For elopements, there’s the 50-acre Harry P. Leu Gardens dotted with 200-year-old oak trees, or the Mayan Courtyard, where art, history, and nature combine. You can’t go wrong with a sunset ceremony amongst the Greek columns of Kraft Azalea Park or an undeveloped stretch of shoreline on Playalinda Beach. This is an especially great elopement destination if you have kids in tow.

St. Augustine is ideal for couples who love small-town charm, history, and nature. Tranquil, shaded gardens are dispersed among centuries-old architecture, while cobbled streets share space with miles of unspoiled coast. A sunrise elopement on St. John’s Beach or an intimate wedding in Washington Oaks Gardens State Park are absolutely magical, while the Peña-Peck House Garden and Villa Zorayda Museum are unique venues unlike anything else out there.

If your temperament is more laid back and you’re hankering for an island getaway, then Key West is the Florida wedding destination for you. We love the Florida Keys for the tropical gardens and beaches, breathtaking sunrises and sunsets, and countless options for outdoor adventures. Whether you choose to elope on Smathers Beach, in the Key West Tropical Forest & Botanical Garden, at Bahia Honda State Park, or in the Key West Butterfly & Nature Conservancy, your wedding day is going to be unforgettable.

What time of year should you elope in Florida?

Thanks to consistently warm temperatures and sunny skies, there’s really not a bad time to get married in Florida! December and January tend to be the coolest months, but they also see fewer crowds. The spring months are ideal for eloping, especially April and May as the days get longer and the weather warms—Spring Break in March can get a bit crazy. June is actually the rainiest month in Florida, while July and August mark peak tourist season (the crowds tend to disperse after Labor Day). Note that hurricane season in Florida begins in June and lasts about five months, so there’s always the chance of a storm rolling through in that timeframe.

We recommend the hours around sunrise or before sunset for your Florida elopement. Sunrise on the beaches, most of which face east, are especially magical and have the added bonus of having fewer people around. Intimate weddings during the day increase the likelihood of others being around, unless you book a private venue. If you do go for a midday elopement, it’s worth ensuring your venue has ample shade.

What do your small wedding packages in Florida contain?

Our most affordable elopement package is “Seed,” which includes advice on ceremony location, a personalized wedding script, and an officiant to enact your ceremony. The next level up is “Sprout,” which has everything from the “Seed” package plus an hour of photography and a digital transfer of 75+ edited images. Add a nosegay bouquet and boutonniere of your choosing to that package and you get “Bloom.” Our top-tier “Oasis” package builds on that to include a day of helper, additional photography, hair and makeup for one person, and videography.

How much does it cost to elope in Florida?

If you’ve got your heart set on eloping in a warm climate near the beach, then Florida is a great, affordable option. With flights and accommodation significantly less than somewhere like Hawai’i, Florida offers a combined wedding, honeymoon, and vacation all rolled into one experience. Of course, if you want to stay at the Walt Disney World Resort or charter a couple of days on a catamaran in the Florida Keys, your costs are going to go up.

The elopement packages we offer range from $400 for a “Seed” ceremony to $1600 for “Bloom.” Our “Oasis” packages range from $2,500 (Miami) to $3225 (Orlando).

What do you need to get married in Florida?

To get your Florida marriage license you’ll need a driver’s license, state ID card, or valid passport, as well as your social security number if you’re a U.S. citizen (you don’t need the actual card). If you were previously married, you’ll also need to know the exact date your previous marriage was terminated (if it was due to death within the last six months, you’ll also need a copy of the death certificate). Once you have all your documents in order, couples are required to show up in person at the County Clerk’s office to verify information and obtain a license.

A Florida marriage license is good for any county in Florida, although once the marriage is solemnized, the license does have to be returned to the county that issued it. The cost of a Florida marriage license is $93.50 (for Florida residents, completing a marriage preparation course will earn you a $32.50 discount). Your license is good for 60 days and must be solemnized by an ordained or licensed clergy, notary public, or justice of the peace.

Can you get married the same day in Florida?

For couples from out of state, there is no waiting period in Florida and you can get married the same day you receive your license. For Florida residents, there’s a three-day delay. Couples can get the three-day waiting period waived (and earn a discount on their license) by completing a marriage preparation course.

Do you need witnesses to elope in Florida?

Florida doesn’t require witnesses, making it ideal for elopements!