How to Elope in Florida – Locations, Permits, & Florida Elopement Packages
Close your eyes and picture it. You’ve got your new swimsuit on with a sun cover draped over your waist, your hair floats past your shoulders caught in the salty breeze, and you enter the ocean-side cabana ready for your first drink after touching down in the sunshine state. Can you imagine it? If you can, let’s talk about everything you need to know to make this dream your reality.
Alexa, play Margaritaville by Jimmy Buffett.
Why Elope in Florida?
Legal Simplicity
Couples don’t have to worry about residency requirements, long wait-times, or other common restrictions. Under the right circumstances, couples can get married the same day they purchase their marriage license. Read below under “how to elope in Florida” for more detailed information.
It’s the Perfect Vacation Spot
Florida is known for being a great place to take a break, and for good reason. There’s warm weather year-round, magazine-worthy beaches everywhere you look, a variety of world-famous amusement and water parks, and diverse nightlife. I often find that the majority of couples interested in eloping in Florida want to visit Orlando for Disney World and Universal Studios, the Florida Keys for relaxation, and places like the Everglades for ceremonies and photos.
The Cultural Diversity
You know that feeling on the first day of vacation where you lose track of time and forget the reality of life back home? It’s like time stops and the only things that exist are pleasure, relaxation, and luxury? Well, that’s what you get in Florida, where most visitors' biggest decisions are to hit the beach or the bar before lunch. As a melting pot (literally and figuratively) for cultures, visitors are quick to catch on to the “live-and-let-live” attitude of popular areas like Miami, Orlando, St. Petersburg, and Fort Lauderdale. Whether you want to have a traditional elopement in literal paradise or lean into more eccentric things like pirates and mermaids, Florida isn’t going to judge.
What is Florida Known For?
Miami
When you see depictions of Florida cities on TV, it’s usually Miami. Think Dexter, CSI, Scarface, and Baywatch. You’ll notice the romantic Cuban influence in the music, the food, and architecture that famously attracts celebrities and those with a particular taste for high-end coastal living.
Disney
Florida is practically synonymous with Disney, since Disney World in Orlando is the largest and most visited theme park in the entire world. Beyond the parks, Disney’s influence in Florida is similar to that of Bigfoot in the PNW - it’s everywhere; from themed hotels and restaurants to Disney swag at gas stations. It’s a cultural landmark where people of all ages come to celebrate special moments and relive childhood magic.
Alligators
People like to joke and say that if you see a puddle in Florida, there’s a good chance there’s a ‘gator in it. While funny, it’s also pretty true. With over 1.2 million alligators and roughly 2000 crocodiles, it’s common to find these heart-stopping lizards in rivers, lakes, swamps, reservoirs, ponds, pools, and yes, even semi-deep puddles. So, whether you love ‘em or hate ‘em, accept that Florida belongs to the ‘gators.
What Animals Are Unique to Florida?
While there are lots of cool animals home to Florida, three really stand out. First, there’s the Florida panther, a rare and endangered big cat that’s basically Florida’s version of a mountain lion. Then you’ve got manatees, the “sea cows” everyone knows and loves, and finally, there’s the Key deer, a tiny, tropical, dog-sized deer that only lives in the Florida Keys—and yes, it’s as cute as it sounds.
Florida Elopement Requirements at a Glance
Planning to elope in Florida? Here are the key legal requirements couples should know before their wedding day.
How to Elope in Florida
Learn about commitment ceremonies!
Obtain a Marriage License
Apply for a marriage license at any County Clerk's office in Florida with a valid ID with both parties present. Fees typically average at about $90, depending on the county, however, each county honors a $25 discount to couples who complete a premarital course and also waive the mandatory 3-day waiting period.
Find an Officiant:
Florida allows various officiants, including judges, religious leaders, and even friends or family members, to be deputized for a day and officiate your wedding physically or virtually. Additionally, while Florida doesn’t require any witnesses for your elopement, you may choose up to two people above the age of 18.
Don’t want to worry about finding an officiant? Ask me about my complimentary officiating services!
Choose Your Location(s):
Choose from famous places like Everglades National Park, Disney World, and Key West. Some spots may require ceremony permits, with fees ranging from $100 to over $1,500. Work with your photographer (me!) to find the most scenic and lesser-known spots.
When is the Best Time to Elope in Florida?
Please click each photo to view the applicable credited sources.
Spring (March to May)
Spring consists of 60°F mornings and 80°F afternoons with low humidity on average. It's peak tourist season, especially in Orlando and Miami, with popular places like Disney and beaches starting to get busy. Couples have a good chance of seeing wildlife migrations like birds, sea turtles, and manatees. Be prepared for higher rates and busy crowds if you consider visiting during spring time.
Summer (June to August)
Think hot, humid summertime weather with 75°F mornings and 90-95°F afternoons. Tourism usually peaks during this time. Consider higher rates, humidity, and storm risks when planning to visit during the summer.
Fall (September to November)
Fall brings back better temps of 65°F mornings and 80°F afternoons. Crowds start to thin out and prices generally start lowering. Couples could be lucky to see migratory hawks, monarch butterflies, and sea turtles.
Winter (December to February)
Winter is comfortable ranging from 50°F in the mornings to 75°F in the afternoons. Tourism usually rises again, especially in Orlando and Miami. Couples should expect lower humidity and minimal hurricane risk.
Hurricane Season:
Hurricane season runs from June 1 to November 30, with the highest risk from August to October. Tropical storms can cause strong winds, heavy rain, flooding, and power outages. Coastal areas are most vulnerable, but all of Florida can be affected, so it’s important to monitor forecasts, have emergency plans, and consider insurance coverage when visiting or planning your elopement.
Read this official resource to stay prepared when visiting Florida.
Where to Elope in Florida
Read about whether you should elope in a State or a National Park!
National Parks
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Big Cypress National Preserve
Biscayne National Park
Canaveral National Seashore
Castillo de San Marcos National Monument
De Soto National Memorial
Dry Tortugas National Park
Everglades National Park
Fort Caroline National Memorial
Fort Matanzas National Monument
Gulf Islands National Seashore
Timucuan Ecological & Historic Preserve
State Parks
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St. Teresa Tract of Bald Point State Park
William J. "Billy Joe" Rish Recreation Area
Atlantic Ridge Preserve State Park
Marjory Stoneman Douglas House
Yellow River Marsh Preserve State Park
Ybor City Museum State Park
Yulee Sugar Mill Ruins Historic State Park
Yellow Bluff Fort Historic State Park
Washington Oaks Gardens State Park
Windley Key Fossil Reef Geological State Park
Withlacoochee State Trail
Weeki Wachee Springs State Park
Withlacoochee Bay Trail
Werner-Boyce Salt Springs State Park
Wekiwa Springs State Park
Wes Skiles Peacock Springs State Park
Tomoka State Park
Torreya State Park
Three Rivers State Park
Troy Spring State Park
Topsail Hill Preserve State Park
Waccasassa Bay Preserve State Park
Tarkiln Bayou Preserve State Park
Terra Ceia Preserve State Park
The Barnacle Historic State Park
Tallahassee-St. Marks Historic Railroad State Trail
Stump Pass Beach State Park
Suwannee River State Park
Suwannee River Wilderness Trail
T.H. Stone Memorial St. Joseph Peninsula State Park
St. Marks River Preserve State Park
Skyway Fishing Pier State Park
St. Sebastian River Preserve State Park
Stephen Foster Folk Culture Center State Park
St. Lucie Inlet Preserve State Park
St. Andrews State Park
Santos Trailhead & Campground
Shangri-La Trailhead & Campground
San Marcos de Apalache Historic State Park
San Pedro Underwater Archaeological Preserve State Park
Silver Springs State Park
Seabranch Preserve State Park
Savannas Preserve State Park
Sebastian Inlet State Park
San Felasco Hammock Preserve State Park
River Rise Preserve State Park
Rodman Recreation Area
Rodman Campground
Ross Prairie Trailhead & Campground
Rainbow Springs State Park
Ravine Gardens State Park
Rock Springs Run State Reserve
Perdido Key State Park
Price's Scrub State Park
Orman House Historic State Park
Palatka to St. Augustine State Trail
Palatka-to-Lake Butler State Trail
Pumpkin Hill Creek Preserve State Park
Oscar Scherer State Park
Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park
Paynes Creek Historic State Park
Ponce de Leon Springs State Park
Okeechobee Battlefield Historic State Park
O'Leno State Park
Olustee Battlefield Historic State Park
Ochlockonee River State Park
North Peninsula State Park
Oleta River State Park
Natural Bridge Battlefield Historic State Park
Nature Coast State Trail
Manatee Springs State Park
Myakka River State Park
Mound Key Archaeological State Park
Mike Roess Gold Head Branch State Park
Marjorie Harris Carr Cross Florida Greenway
Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings Historic State Park
Landbridge Trailhead
Madira Bickel Mound State Archaeological Site
Long Key State Park
Lignumvitae Key Botanical State Park
Lower Wekiva River Preserve State Park
Letchworth-Love Mounds Archaeological State Park
Lovers Key State Park
Little Manatee River State Park
Little Talbot Island State Park
Madison Blue Spring State Park
Lafayette Blue Springs State Park
Lake Jackson Mounds Archaeological State Park
Lake Talquin State Park
Lake Manatee State Park
Lake Kissimmee State Park
Lake June-in-Winter Scrub Preserve State Park
Koreshan State Park
Kissimmee Prairie Preserve State Park
Lake Griffin State Park
Lake Louisa State Park
Judah P. Benjamin Confederate Memorial at Gamble Plantation Historic State Park
Kenwood Recreation Area
John Gorrie Museum State Park
John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park
John D. MacArthur Beach State Park
Jonathan Dickinson State Park
Inglis Lock Recreation Area
Inglis Bypass Recreation Area
Inglis Dam & Island Recreation Area
Henderson Beach State Park
Indian Key Historic State Park
Indian River Lagoon Preserve State Park
Historic Santos Recreation Area
Hontoon Island State Park
Hillsborough River State Park
Hugh Taylor Birch State Park
Honeymoon Island State Park
Ichetucknee Springs State Park
Highlands Hammock State Park
Fort George Island Cultural State Park
Fort Foster State Historic Site
General James A. Van Fleet State Trail
Haw Creek Preserve State Park
Fort Pierce Inlet State Park
Gainesville-Hawthorne State Trail
Ruth B. Kirby Gilchrist Blue Springs State Park
Gasparilla Island State Park
Fort Mose Historic State Park
Fred Gannon Rocky Bayou State Park
Gamble Rogers Memorial State Recreation Area at Flagler Beach
Grayton Beach State Park
Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park
George Crady Bridge Fishing Pier State Park
Florida Keys Overseas Heritage Trail
Forest Capital Museum State Park
Fernandina Plaza Historic State Park
Eureka West Recreation Area
Fort Cooper State Park
Fanning Springs State Park
Estero Bay Preserve State Park
Falling Waters State Park
Fort Clinch State Park
Fakahatchee Strand Preserve State Park
Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park
Felburn Park
Faver-Dykes State Park
Florida Caverns State Park
Dagny Johnson Key Largo Hammock Botanical State Park
Devil's Millhopper Geological State Park
Dudley Farm Historic State Park
Dunnellon Trail
Dunns Creek State Park
Eden Gardens State Park
Don Pedro Island State Park
Dade Battlefield Historic State Park
Dr. Von D. Mizell-Eula Johnson State Park
Egmont Key State Park
Edward Ball Wakulla Springs State Park
Deer Lake State Park
Dr. Julian G. Bruce St. George Island State Park
Econfina River State Park
Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park
De Leon Springs State Park
Buckman Lock - St. Johns Loop North & South
Cockroach Bay Preserve State Park
Bulow Creek State Park
Bulow Plantation Ruins Historic State Park
Constitution Convention Museum State Park
Crystal River Archaeological State Park
Cedar Key Museum State Park
Charlotte Harbor Preserve State Park
Caladesi Island State Park
Colt Creek State Park
Curry Hammock State Park
Cayo Costa State Park
Camp Helen State Park
Cedar Key Scrub State Reserve
Collier-Seminole State Park
Crystal River Preserve State Park
Allen David Broussard Catfish Creek Preserve State Park
Wingate Creek State Park
Bald Point State Park
Avalon State Park
Big Talbot Island State Park
Alfred B. Maclay Gardens State Park
Baseline Road Trailhead
South Fork State Park
Blackwater Heritage State Trail
Blue Spring State Park
Blackwater River State Park
Big Shoals State Park
Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park
Bahia Honda State Park
Big Lagoon State Park
Anclote Key Preserve State Park
Anastasia State Park
Amelia Island State Park
Addison Blockhouse Historic State Park
Alafia River State Park
USDA Forest Service:
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Apalachicola National Forest
Osceola National Forest
Ocala National Forest
Florida National Scenic Trail
Bureau of Land Management:
The Bureau of Land Management does not manage any land in Florida.
Unique Stays
Click to learn more about each property.
Each photo is credited to AirBnb
Popular Venues in Florida
Bella Collina - Montverde
Sunset Key Cottages - Key West
Powel Crosley Estate - Sarasota
Cheeca Lodge - Islamorada
Oyster Bay Boutique Hotel - Pensacola
The Colony Palm Beach - Palm Beach
The Boca Raton - Boca Raton
Studio 131 - Largo
Most Popular Elopement Locations in Florida
Big Pine Key - Bahia Honda State Park
Washington Oaks Gardens State Park - St. Augustine
Fort Zachary Taylor State Park - Key West
Pelican Cove - Islamorada
Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park - Key Biscayne
South Pointe Park Beach - Miami
Matheson Hammock Park - Coral Gables
Where to Visit for Unique Photos in Florida
Have the freedom to choose an elopement location and a variety of smaller, lesser-known areas that make for fun experiences and memorable photos. These are only a few examples but I’d be happy to share more with you!
If you want to prioritize finding the best photographer for you, read how to find the best one.
Devil’s Millhopper Geological State Park
Alfred B. Maclay Gardens State Park
Blowing Rocks Preserve
Sunken Gardens
The Ancient Spanish Monastery
Please respect all natural areas and leave it better than you found it. Vandalism will result in the closing and protection of such unique areas.
How Much Does it Cost to Elope in Florida?
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$90 — marriage license
$500 — 3 night airbnb stay
$4200 — photographer
$300 — bouquet + boutonniere
$500 — wedding dress
$200 — suit rental
$200 — restaurant dinner + drinks
free – national forest ceremony venue
free — DIY hair + makeup
Total: $5,990
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marriage license — $90
4 night luxury airbnb stay — $2000
photographer — $10800
bouquet, boutonniere, florals for ceremony and dinner — $1000
wedding dress — $3000
suit purchase — $1000
private chef — $800
5-6” custom cake — $350
Onsite hair + makeup — $800
Rainbow Springs permit fee — $107
Total: $19,947
Florida Elopement Checklist
An all in-one, comprehensive guide on how to elope. From an iceberg in Alaska to a boat deck in the Florida Keys, this guide will give you all the steps on how to plan your perfect elopement day.
Unique Things to Do in Florida
Whether you want to celebrate or combine a fun honeymoon with your elopement experience, there are a variety of unique things to do around the state that will add to your fun.
Read about the best places to honeymoon in the US.
Meet Manatees at the Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge
Couples can learn about and swim near manatees in a supervised area in Kings Bay's last undeveloped spring habitat. If you’re a fan of natural wildlife, I highly recommend visiting this area.
Please note that manatees are a threatened species and, therefore, are protected by state and federal law. It’s incredibly important to follow the same guidelines you would around other wildlife.
Look, Don’t Touch
Don’t Feed or Give Water
Keep Your Distance
Avoid Noise and Splashing
Passive Observation
Avoid SCUBA gear or devices that create bubbles.
Give Them Space
For more information about encountering manatees, read the FWC’s official resource.
Birdwatch and Listen to the Bok Towers
A luscious bird sanctuary with a unique neo-gothic 205-foot tower that houses one of the world’s finest (and heaviest) instruments. The 60-bell carillon is played every day at 1pm and 3pm. Here is a video of what it sounds like.
Go Scuba Diving in the Devil’s Den
A collapsed subterranean river hidden inside a 120 foot-wide cave that stays at a consistent 72 degrees year-round. Open to scuba divers and snorkelers only.
Get Up-Close with Wolves at the Seacrest Wolf Preserve
A non-profit, 400-acre preserve founded by a couple in 1999. Today, brides and grooms-to-be can visit for a Saturday wolf and animal tour or get even closer with VIP wolf encounters.
Get in a Cage in the Monkey Jungle
A 30-acre wildlife park established back in 1933 for the exhibition and study of various endangered monkeys living in a semi-natural habitat. Couples will walk through caged enclosures and get up-close to over 300 primates of 30 species.
Florida Elopement Timeline Examples
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7 - 9 am: Breakfast Together/with Family, Enjoying Coffee
9 - 11 am: Hair & Makeup/Getting Ready Together
11:15 am: Depart to Homosassa Springs State Park
10 minute commute to Homosassa Springs State Park
11:25 am: Arrive at Homosassa Springs State Park
11:45 am: Climb on board for a private boat ride around the Springs
12 - 12:30 pm: Ceremony on board
12:30 - 12:45 pm: Photos with family on board
1 pm: Return back to Homosassa Springs State Park from boat ride
1:15 - 2 pm: Picnic lunch by the spring with family
2:15 - 3 pm: Check out the underwater observatory in Homosassa Springs State Park
3:15 - 4 pm: Take portraits along the trails of Homosassa Springs State Park
4:15 pm: Return to Airbnb in Homosassa for private dinner
10 minute commute back to Airbnb
5 - 7 pm: Enjoy a 3-course dinner prepared by a private chef
7:30 pm: Cake and Champagne to end the evening
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On Day 1:
9 - 11 am: Breakfast Together, Enjoying Coffee with a View at your Airbnb
11am - 2:30 pm: Hair & Makeup/Getting Ready Together
2:45 pm: Depart to Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park
10 minute commute to Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park
3 pm: Arrive at Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park
3:30 - 4 pm: Ceremony on the beach
4 - 4:30 pm: Portraits around the Fort
5 pm: Depart Fort Zachary and head over to Kermit’s Key Lime Pie Shop
10 minute commute
5:15 pm: Enjoy Key Lime Pie on a stick and check-in with Fury for your sunset cruise
6 - 8 pm: Enjoy music, drinks, and appetizers on the catamaran with one of Key West’s famous sunsets
8:15 pm: Depart the dock and drive over to Blue Heaven for dinner
6 minute commute
On Day 2:
7:30 am: Check-in with Key West Seaplane Adventures for your charter to Dry Tortugas National Park
15 minute commute from Airbnb
8:40 am - 3 pm: Arrive at Dry Tortugas National Park; Explore Fort Jefferson and set-up at South Swim Beach to snorkel around the beach
3 pm: Return to Seaplane Beach to board your seaplane and prepare for your flight back to Key West
Previous Client Galleries in Florida
Previous Client Experiences in Florida
Singing in the Rain
We had planned for an intimate setting in the forest, but on the day of our photoshoot, the weather took a turn. I was prepared to shoot in any weather or move to a similar area, but my couple insisted on exploring the unexpected experience this location had given us—and boy, was I happy about it. The rain saturated the earthy tones already present and, paired with a quick-thinking umbrella, made the entire scene feel like something out of a forbidden love story.
Bushwackers and Smashburgers
My couple had one request for their photo location—and that was making it meaningful. I chose a local spot the family had frequently visited for years after long days on the water together, highlighted by (quite possibly the best) Bushwackers and smash burgers. (For those who may not know, a Bushwacker is an alcoholic milkshake.)
Is Eloping in Florida Right for Me? (Quiz)
Not the perfect fit? Try these similar states instead:
South Carolina
Puerto Rico
U.S. Virgin Islands
Guam
American Samoa
Northern Mariana Islands
Florida Elopement Packages
Your elopement experience is fully customized from the very beginning. All Florida elopement packages include:
All travel within Florida (your investment does not change based on location)
Personalized location recommendations based on season, accessibility, and your vision
Permit research and guidance (when required)
Curated vendor recommendations (florals, hair + makeup, private chefs, etc.)
Activity ideas unique to your relationship and interests
A handcrafted elopement timeline designed for a relaxed, intentional experience
Every elopement gallery includes high-resolution digital images with printing rights, delivered through a private online gallery where you can view, download, print, and share your images with loved ones — so you can relive your experience for years to come.
Elopement experiences begin at $4,200 for 4 hours of coverage. From there, each experience is shaped around your location, priorities, and how you want your day to unfold — whether that means a single intentional setting or a more layered, travel-forward experience. Coverage length and structure are guided collaboratively, with recommendations based on what will best support a relaxed, experience-first wedding day.
Which Elopement Package is Right for Me?
Multi-Day Elopement Experience
This experience is ideal for couples who want their elopement to feel like a once-in-a-lifetime journey rather than a single moment.
This experience is right for you if:
You want to combine your elopement with a getaway or honeymoon
You’re drawn to multiple Florida landscapes and don’t want to choose just one
You value slow mornings, golden evenings, and complete storytelling
You want space for both adventure and restoration
Full-Day Elopement Experience (Up to 12 Hours)
This experience offers the most flexibility and creative freedom within a single day.
This experience is right for you if:
You want to document your entire day from start to finish
You’re planning multiple locations, activities, or longer hikes
You want time for getting ready, your ceremony, portraits, and a celebration
You prefer a relaxed flow rather than a tightly scheduled timeline
Half-Day Elopement Experience (Up to 6 Hours)
This experience is best suited for couples who want something intimate, meaningful, and beautifully simple.
This experience is right for you if:
You want a short, intimate ceremony
You prefer minimal transitions and a calm pace
You plan to stay close to your accommodations
You envision one primary location with little to no driving
Intimate Local Coverage (Up to 4 Hours)
This option is ideal for couples who want to keep things beautifully simple and close to home.
This coverage is right for you if:
You want a short, intimate ceremony
You’re eloping with no guests or a very small group
You prefer minimal planning and coordination
You want to stay close to your accommodations
You’re planning a local Florida elopement without extended travel
A Quick Note on Availability
This coverage option is only available for local Alabama and Florida elopements and is offered on a limited basis each year.
For couples planning elopements outside this radius, or who want a more immersive experience, the Half-Day, Full-Day, or Multi-Day Elopement Experiences will be the best fit.
Florida Elopement FAQs
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Yes. You can legally elope in Florida by obtaining a marriage license and having an authorized officiant perform the ceremony.
Florida is a popular elopement destination thanks to its beaches, state parks, tropical scenery, and year-round warm weather.
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No. Florida does not require witnesses for a legal marriage ceremony.
However, couples may still choose to have witnesses present for personal or ceremonial reasons, and some officiants may include witnesses on the marriage certificate.
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Yes. Florida requires an authorized officiant to perform the marriage ceremony.
This can include a religious officiant, judge, notary public, or clerk of the court.
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Yes, but only for Florida residents.
Florida residents typically have a three-day waiting period after obtaining a marriage license, although the waiting period can be waived by completing a premarital preparation course.
Non-residents can usually marry immediately after receiving their license. -
Couples must apply for a marriage license through a Florida county clerk’s office.
Both partners typically provide valid identification and pay the required license fee before the marriage license is issued.
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You may need a permit depending on the beach or park where you plan to elope.
Many public beaches, state parks, and protected coastal areas require permits for wedding ceremonies, especially if you plan to set up chairs, arches, or decorations.
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The cost to elope in Florida varies depending on location and vendors, but many couples spend between $3,000 and $12,000.
Typical expenses include photography, travel, lodging, permits, and small celebration details.
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Some of the best places to elope in Florida include state parks, beaches, and coastal preserves.
Locations across the state offer white sand beaches, coastal dunes, tropical gardens, and scenic waterfront views.
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The best time to elope in Florida is typically between November and April.
During these months, couples often enjoy cooler temperatures, lower humidity, and more comfortable weather for outdoor ceremonies.
Current Specials for Florida Bookings
Let’s Elope in Florida
Do you think Florida might be the place for you? My suitcase is packed with not just my camera—but Florida permits, itinerary schedules, special access badges, and more! Whether you’re 100% or dancing the line, I’d be happy to discuss your vision and ideas with no expectation of booking to help you feel confident and stress-free during one of the most exciting parts of your life.
Get More Elopement Tips
Bethany Wolf
Guided Public-Lands Elopement Photographer
✔ permits & logistics handled
✔ timeline design
✔ location guidance
✔ travel included nationwide
