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.

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.

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.

  • 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

  • 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:

  • 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?

Read about what you should do to budget for your elopement!

  • $90 — marriage license

    $500 — 3 night airbnb stay

    $3000 — photographer

    $300 — bouquet + boutonniere

    $500 — wedding dress

    $200 — suit rental

    $200 — restaurant dinner + drinks

    free – national forest ceremony venue

    free — DIY hair + makeup

    Total: $4,790

  • marriage license — $90

    3 night luxury airbnb stay — $2000

    photographer — $9000

    bouquet, boutonniere, florals for ceremony and dinner — $1000

    wedding dress — $3000

    suit purchase — $1000

    private chef — $800

    5-6” custom cake — $350

    hair + makeup — $300

    Rainbow Springs permit fee — $107

    Total: $17,647

 

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

  • 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

  • On Day 1:

    9 - 11 am: Breakfast Together, Enjoying Coffee with a View at your Airbnb

    11am - 2pm: Hair & Makeup/Getting Ready Together

    2 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:

  • California

  • Hawaii

  • South Carolina

  • Arizona

  • Texas

  • Puerto Rico

  • U.S. Virgin Islands

  • Guam

  • American Samoa

  • Northern Mariana Islands

Florida Elopement Packages

All elopement packages include: 

  • All Travel Fees (prices don’t change per location!)

  • Customized Location Options

  • Permit Assistance

  • Personalized Vendor Options

  • Activity Suggestions Unique to You

  • An Elopement Timeline

Every elopement gallery includes high-resolution digital images with printing rights and a private online gallery to view, print, download, and share with your family and friends to relive the day with you - forever!

4 Hour ~ $3000

This package is perfect for couples who want a simple elopement experience. It includes getting ready, a short hike to the ceremony location, and couples portraits.

8 Hour ~ $5000

This package is perfect for couples who want to spend a day of adventure together, such as a long hike, off-roading, or visiting multiple locations. It's great for capturing the complete story of

your elopement day. Typically, couples who are eloping and want to document their day for their friends and family who couldn't attend will choose this package. It's also ideal for couples bringing their friends and family along and would like to have their reception captured. Your reception could be as simple as having pizza with your loved ones or as elaborate as a private chef serving a three-course meal during a welcome dinner.

12 Hour ~ $7000

This package is perfect for couples wanting complete elopement coverage. It offers the ultimate storytelling experience, from waking up and having coffee with your partner to roasting marshmallows on a fire after sunset.  This is an ideal option for couples looking to document their entire day with their guests included. Couples eloping alone also select this package to document every detail for their loved ones at home. 

Multi-Day ~ $9000

Perfect for couples wanting a multi-day experience with a lot of adventure. This package is best if you want to elope in one epic location and experience another the following day. An example of this would be eloping in Fort Zachary Taylor State Historic Park with a sunset cruise on a catamaran to end your evening. The next day enjoy a seaplane adventure to Dry Tortugas National Park where you’d spend the day exploring Fort Jefferson, soaking in the sun, and snorkeling through the crystal blue waters of the Gulf. 

Which Elopement Package is Right for Me?

4-Hour Elopement Package:

This package is right for you if:

  • You want a short and intimate ceremony.

  • You prefer minimal planning and coordination.

  • You prefer natural decor and scenic backdrops.

  • You prefer to stay closer to your accommodations.

8-Hour Elopement Package:

This package is right for you if:

  • You want to explore multiple locations and activities.

  • You want to have a full day but not too much stress in planning.

  • You want to include a larger group of friends and family.

  • You want to incorporate multiple outfit changes or additional decor.

12-Hour Elopement Package:

This package is right for you if:

  • You want to document everything without feeling scheduled or rushed.

  • You want to include extended friends and family or have a formal reception.

  • You prefer to include elaborate decor.

  • You prefer the freedom to switch between activities and locations with ease.

Multi-Day Elopement Package:

This package is right for you if:

  • You want to combine elopement with a romantic getaway.

  • You prefer to explore multiple locations.

  • You want to include extended friends and family or have a formal reception.

Current Specials for Florida Bookings

There are no specials for Florida at this time. Subscribe to stay updated on elopement and photography specials.

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.

Are We a Match?

I get it, choosing a photographer can be overwhelming.  Who has the right style, personality, etiquette, and professionalism to make your wedding day perfect?

 

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