How to 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.
