How to Elope in Florida | 2025 Guide

So, you’re thinking about eloping in Florida? Ahhhhh!! Excellent choice. Whether you’re dreaming of a secluded beach at sunrise, a jungle-like state park dripping in greenery, or a spring-fed river that looks like something straight out of a fairy tale, Florida has some of the most underrated (and ridiculously gorgeous) elopement locations. And the best part? You don’t have to hike 10 miles uphill in the blazing sun to get to them.

But before you start picking out your perfect spot, let’s break down everything you need to know about how to elope in Florida—from legal requirements to the best locations, epic activity ideas, and tips to make your day as stress-free and amazing as possible.

 

Why Elope in Florida

Florida is made for adventurous, laid-back elopements. You get year-round warm weather, endless outdoor locations, and some of the most breathtaking scenery that doesn’t require a brutal trek to reach. Whether you’re picturing a toes-in-the-sand ceremony with the ocean as your backdrop, exchanging vows under towering oak trees draped in Spanish moss, or saying I do next to a crystal-clear spring, Florida delivers!

Beyond the views, eloping in Florida means simplicity and flexibility. If your chosen elopement location requires a permit, it’s simple to get, and there are plenty of cozy cabins, luxury resorts, and beachside Airbnbs that make it easy to turn your elopement into a full-blown getaway or mini honeymoon.

Plus, if you’re looking for a mix of adventure and relaxation, you can go snorkeling in the morning, say your vows at sunset, and end the night with drinks around a beach bonfire. Tell me that doesn’t sound like a dream?!

How to Get to Florida

Flying – If you are flying into Florida then our major airports are Orlando and Miami followed by Tampa and Jacksonville.

If you are aiming for an elopement on the Gulf coast then Orlando or Tampa is your best option. Tampa is about an hour away from the Gulf beaches and Orlando is a 2.5 hour drive to our west coast.

If you want to elope in central Florida (Orlando, Cocoa Beach, Palm Coast, Daytona) then Orlando is a great option with tons of flights coming and going every day.

South Florida and the Keys is best accessed by Miami which has tons of domestic and international flights coming in and out.

North Florida’s east coast can be accessed by flying into Jacksonville International Airport which has tons of flight options and is a super easy airport to navigate – my favorite!

If you are visiting the Florida panhandle (hello, Destin, Fort Walton Beach, and Rosemary Beach), the easiest airport to access is Pensacola International Airport.

 

Planning a road trip?

If hitting the open road is more your style, then the two main highways to keep in mind will be I-75 (west side of Florida) and I-95 (east side of Florida). I-75 gives you the best access to Tampa, Sarasota, and Fort Meyers, while I-95 gives super easy access to Jacksonville all the way down to Miami. Orlando is accessible from either highway!

 

A note about toll roads:

Throughout a lot of central Florida are toll roads. They are mostly unavoidable unless you want to add a ton of hours to your drive. The best way to pay for these tolls is to sign up for E-Pass or stop into a Publix (get a pub-sub while you’re at it!) and grab a SunPass. You can also do Toll-By-Plate (your plate is scanned as you drive through), but it tends to be more expensive than the other two options.

 

Best Time of Year to Elope in Florida

Unlike many areas of the U.S. Florida’s best wedding seasons are pretty much anytime other than summer and I will tell you why below.

• Spring – Springtime is great if you want warmer weather without all of the torrential rain that summertime brings. The days begin to get longer and the warmer temperatures are perfect for water activities like snorkeling, boating, and paddle boarding. The one downside to the spring season might be spring break week and the crowds it brings but with careful planning we can avoid that!
• Summer – Summer is certainly beautiful in Florida BUT also very hot and humid. If you definitely want to elope between June – August then I strongly recommend a sunrise elopement so you can not only beat the heat but also avoid our afternoon thunderstorms.
• Fall – In late October, and November is when we get the closest to having “fall” weather. While it can still be warm during the day, our early mornings and evenings become a more pleasant temperature. September is still very warm and mid-September through October is peak hurricane season. While hurricanes don’t always happen, it may be wise to get travel insurance. I also provide backup plans to my couples in the case of dangerous weather.
• Winter – December through March we get our coolest temps which is perfect if you don’t like the heat but still want a wedding in the tropics. Our days are shorter though, so incorporating an evening campfire on the beach, or a night out in St. Augustine (especially during The Night of Lights) are some fun ways to extend your day.

What Happens If There Is A Hurricane?

Fortunately, hurricanes are tracked as soon as they form in the ocean, which is sometimes up to 2 weeks before they come anywhere near Florida. If you are planning a visit during the high point of hurricane season (September – October), I recommend investing in wedding and/or travel insurance for any hotels and reservations you have booked. Always communicate with your vendors and hosts to see if they have any backup locations (indoors at your rental house, for example) or if it is possible to move your elopement to another date.

Often, if a hurricane is coming near one part of Florida, we can still plan around it and choose another part that won’t be affected. Backup plans are always built into my elopement timelines for couples who choose to come during hurricane season.

Sunrise vs Sunset

If you want that epic beach sunset then definitely choose a location on the gulf coast! While you certainly can get sunset colors on the east coast, it just isn’t the same. If you are up for a sunrise elopement then Florida’s east coast can be extra magical, or, you can also catch a moonrise on an east coast beach if you’re lucky!

 

Best Florida Elopement Locations

Although Florida is known for its amazing beaches (which I absolutely love), there are so many other options to consider when choosing a location for your elopement. You can even get married off the coast of Florida if you don’t want a landlocked elopement! These are some of my favorite Florida elopement locations!

Sarasota

Sarasota is home to some of Florida’s most ridiculously pretty beaches. While Siesta Key is famous for its soft, white sand, Lido Key and Longboat Key offer a more private, laid-back experience. Think quiet, soft sand, and sunsets…

But Sarasota isn’t just about beaches! If you want something a little different, check out Ted Sperling Park, where you can paddleboard or kayak to your elopement spot. How freaking cool is that?

On a Sailboat in Southwest Florida

Imagine saying your vows with nothing but the ocean surrounding you, the salty breeze in your hair, and the sound of waves lapping against the boat. Amazing, right? If you want the ultimate private and romantic elopement, chartering a sailboat off the coast of Southwest Florida is chef’s kiss perfection.

Sailboats leave from places like Fort Myers, Naples, and Sarasota, and you can choose a sunset cruise or a mid-day adventure where you anchor at a secluded sandbar. And not needing to worry about tourists accidentally photobombing your vows is definitely an added bonus!

Take a look at this Florida sailboat elopement for inspo!

Downtown Tampa

Florida is so much more than beaches! If beaches aren’t your thing or you’re looking for something more unique, Tampa has a perfect mix of city energy and waterfront views. The Tampa Riverwalk is lined with spots for an intimate ceremony, and you can celebrate after with rooftop cocktails or a private dinner in one of the city’s trendy restaurants. If you’d like to do something really fun, consider renting a private trolley or hop on a water taxi for a post-ceremony adventure around the city!

St. Pete Beach

This is where gorgeous Gulf sunsets meet a chill, artsy beach town vibe. St. Pete Beach is perfect for couples who want a relaxed and beachy elopement. Check out Upham Beach for a quiet ceremony, or go all out with a sunset vow exchange in front of the iconic pink palace, aka the Don CeSar Hotel.

After your ceremony, grab a beachfront cocktail at one of St. Pete’s cozy tiki bars and toast to your new adventure together!

Pass-a-Grille

Just south of St. Pete Beach, Pass-a-Grille feels like a secret slice of old Florida. It’s quiet, charming, and so freaking scenic. You’ll find quaint streets, soft sand, and a peaceful beach perfect for a private elopement. After your ceremony, grab drinks at The Hurricane Rooftop and soak in the sunset views.

Bok Tower Gardens 

If you want a garden elopement that looks straight out of a storybook, Bok Tower Gardens is it. The 205-foot Singing Tower adds a fairytale touch to the already magical setting of lush gardens, giant oaks, and winding pathways. It’s private, peaceful, and drop-dead gorgeous.

Lake Louisa

Just outside Orlando, Lake Louisa State Park is a hidden gem that’s perfect for couples who love nature but want something different from the typical Florida beach setting.  Think rolling hills (yes, Florida does have hills!), quiet lakes, and golden fields that light up beautifully at sunset. You can even rent a cozy cabin or glamp in a safari tent for a full weekend adventure.

Winter Park

Winter Park is a charming, historic town with brick-paved streets, hidden courtyards, and gorgeous lakes. You can elope in Kraft Azalea Gardens, with its towering cypress trees and lake views, or Rollins College, where ivy-covered walls and European-inspired architecture make for dreamy photos.

Want something extra special? A private boat elopement on the Winter Park chain of lakes is 100% swoon-worthy.

Downtown Orlando

Orlando isn’t just for theme parks, although you could definitely visit them while you’re here! Downtown Orlando has stunning lakefront spots like Lake Eola, where you can say your vows on a swan boat. There are also chic rooftop venues if you want a modern city skyline backdrop, plus tons of cool speakeasies and restaurants for a fun post-elopement celebration.

 

Kelly Park/Rock Springs

If the idea of eloping next to a natural, turquoise-blue spring sounds like a dream—Rock Springs at Kelly Park has to be on your list. Imagine saying your vows under a canopy of trees, then floating down the river in a tube, just soaking it all in.

Palm Coast 

Again, Florida isn’t just white sand and beaches! Palm Coast’s Marineland Beach has incredible coquina rock formations that make for a jaw-dropping, one-of-a-kind elopement backdrop. Just a short drive away, Washington Oaks Gardens State Park has massive oak trees, blooming gardens, and a fairytale-like feel. A perfect mix of beach and woodsy vibes!

St. Augustine

St. Augustine is the oldest city in the U.S. The city’s cobblestone streets, Spanish architecture, and ancient forts create an incredible backdrop for an unforgettable day. It’s also only a short drive away from the beaches, so you can still dip your toes in the sand at the end of the day if that’s what you’d like to do!

Panama City Beach

Panama City Beach is so underrated. If you want sugar-white sand and emerald water but without the crazy crowds of Miami or Destin, Panama City Beach is a fantastic choice. Plus, the sunsets here are amazing!

Florida Keys

If you’re dreaming of a tropical elopement without leaving the U.S., the Florida Keys are where it’s at. Think turquoise water, swaying palm trees, and a relaxed, island-time vibe that makes you forget the rest of the world exists. You can elope on a secluded sandbar, in a tropical garden, or at one of the many dreamy beaches.

Want to really make it an adventure? Plan a snorkeling trip or take a seaplane to Dry Tortugas for the most epic wedding day ever.

Rosemary Beach

Rosemary Beach on the Gulf Coast looks straight out of Europe. It’s got cobblestone streets, white-washed buildings, and a seriously romantic atmosphere. If you want a classy, elegant beach elopement that feels totally unique, this is your spot.

Atlantic Beach

Atlantic Beach (near Jacksonville) is an ideal spot if you want wide, uncrowded beaches and gorgeous sand dunes. The nearby town has a relaxed, local vibe, making it perfect for couples who want a peaceful, stress-free day.

Big Talbot Island

Big Talbot Island is straight-up dreamy. It’s famous for its driftwood-covered beaches, where massive weathered trees create this artistic, otherworldly landscape!

Keep in mind that certain areas may require a permit for eloping in Florida, and some do not. Having an elopement photographer who can help you navigate local requirements will take a lot of stress and confusion off of your day!

Want to include your family? Check out this blog post!

How to Legally Elope in Florida

Need to know how to make your elopement in Florida legal? I know how and I am here to spill all of the tea. 

Where to Get Your Marriage License in Florida

You can pick up your marriage license at any Clerk of Court office. Out of state residents can be issued one immediately, in-state residents have a waiting period of 3 days unless you do a premarital prep course.

In addition to both partners being present when applying for a marriage license, you will need:

• An official ID
• Social Security Numbers
• Passports or naturalization or immigration numbers (for international visitors)
• For those who were previously married you will need the date of divorce, annulment, or previous spouse’s death

When eloping in Florida, who can officiate the wedding?

According to Florida law, “All regularly ordained ministers of the gospel or elders in communion with some church, or other ordained clergy, and all judicial officers, including retired judicial officers, clerks of the circuit courts, and notaries public of this state may solemnize the rights of matrimonial contract, under the regulations prescribed by law.”

Once you have your elopement ceremony and your license is signed you will need to mail back your license to the court offices within 10 days. Once they receive it they will certify it and send it back to you.

Activities For Your Elopement

Your elopement day doesn’t need to be confined to a courthouse. Adding in activities to your elopement day is what makes an elopement special. You’re here for experiences and creating epic new memories together, which is why you’ve chosen to elope!

Here are a few ideas for things you can do during your elopement:

• Go on a sunset dinner & drinks cruise
• Explore the Florida springs and waterways on paddle boards or kayaks
• Go to a local bar
• Relax on a sailboat or yacht
• Have a beach picnic and bonfire with pizza and s’mores
• Collect shells on the beach
• Rent a glamping campsite
• Grab ice cream
• Hire a private chef for dinner at your rental house

Read this blog post of 60 Ideas For Your Florida Elopement for even more ideas!

 

 

8 Hour Florida Elopement Timeline

12p – Meet for getting ready photos

2p – First look

3p – Ceremony in botanical garden

3:30p – Bride and groom photos and explore gardens

4:30p – Head to marina

5:30p – Board ship for sunset cruise

6:30 – 8p Dinner, Relax onboard ship, sunset photos

Florida Elopement Vendors

One of the best things about eloping is that you don’t need a massive vendor team to make your day incredible. However, choosing the right team can make all the difference in crafting a stress-free, unforgettable experience.

I recommend you start by booking your Florida elopement photographer first. Unlike a traditional wedding, where a planner often takes the lead on logistics, an experienced elopement photographer does so much more than capture your day. I don’t just show up with a camera! I help you plan your perfect adventure from start to finish. From location scouting to timeline creation, day-of coordination, and personalized recommendations, I’m here to make sure your elopement is seamless and stress-free.

I always recommend working with professionals who specialize in elopements—they understand the unique flow of the day and know how to adapt to outdoor settings, unpredictable weather, and non-traditional timelines. Here are a few key vendors to consider:

HMUA Beauty By Ashley Taylor, GAD Artistry

Florals: Honeycomb Floral Co, In Bloom Florist, Ava Elise Events

Luxury Picnic: Palm Branch Picnics, Luxe Picnics by Les, Sun Served

Officiants: Ceremonies By Chrissy, The Ginger Officiant

My Florida Elopement Packages

If eloping in Florida sounds like THE perfect plan for you, let’s make it happen! My Florida Elopement Packages include unlimited planning assistance, location recommendations, permit guidance, vendor referrals, and even complimentary officiant services —so you can focus on the fun and forget about the stress. You’ll also get a fully customized elopement timeline, sneak peeks within 24 hours, and an online gallery with all your high-resolution images. No additional travel fees, no hidden costs—just a freaking amazing adventure that you’ll remember forever.

Ready to start planning? Let’s chat and craft your dream day in Florida!

 

More Florida Elopement Resources

Driftwood Beach Elopement

Florida Springs Elopement and Kayak Adventure

Orlando Leu Gardens Micro Wedding

Downtown Tampa Elopement