Best Places to Elope in Florida: Beautiful Destinations for Your Intimate Wedding

Florida offers a variety of beautiful locations to exchange your vows. Whether you’re a Florida native or planning a destination elopement, you’re sure to find a spot that speaks to your heart.

When it comes to choosing the best place to elope in Florida, there are several factors to consider. Do you prefer a beach setting or a more secluded garden? Are you looking for a place with stunning views or one that’s rich in history? From the tropical paradise of Miami to the charming city of St. Augustine, there’s something for every couple looking to say “I do” in the Sunshine State.

Why Choose Florida for Your Elopement?

One of the biggest reasons to choose Florida for your elopement is the natural beauty that surrounds you. From the white sand beaches to the lush greenery, Florida is a state that is teeming with natural beauty. You can choose to exchange vows on a stunning beach with the sound of the waves in the background or in a beautiful garden surrounded by blooming flowers.

Florida is also known for its unique attractions that can make your elopement even more memorable. You can choose to exchange vows at a theme park, on a boat, or even underwater. If you’re looking for something truly unique, Florida has got you covered.

Lastly, Florida is a state that offers endless opportunities for adventure. Whether you want to go hiking, kayaking, or simply relax on the beach, Florida has something for everyone. You can make your elopement a true adventure by exploring all that the state has to offer.

Legal Considerations for Eloping in Florida

If you’re planning to elope in Florida, there are a few legal considerations you need to keep in mind to ensure that your wedding day is legally recognized. Here are some important things to know before you tie the knot in the Sunshine State.

First and foremost, you’ll need to obtain a marriage license from any county courthouse in Florida. Both you and your partner must be present and provide a valid photo ID, such as a driver’s license or passport. Additionally, you’ll need to provide your Social Security numbers or proof of non-US citizenship if you don’t have a Social Security number.

It’s also important to note that there is a three-day waiting period after obtaining your marriage license before you can get married. However, this waiting period can be waived if you complete a premarital course approved by the Florida Department of Children and Families.

Top Elopement Destinations in Florida

Here are some of the top elopement destinations in Florida:

Smathers Beach

Located in Key West, Smathers Beach is a popular destination for beach elopements. With its palm trees, turquoise waters, and white sand beaches, this beach offers a stunning backdrop for your special day.

Key West Tropical Forest & Botanical Garden

If you’re looking for a natural and intimate setting, Key West Tropical Forest & Botanical Garden is the perfect choice. The Butterfly Garden is an intimate and natural setting where you can share your vows amongst butterflies.

Bahia Honda State Park

Bahia Honda State Park is a popular destination for elopements. With its crystal clear waters and white sand beaches, this park offers a stunning backdrop for your special day.

Rainbow Springs State Park

Rainbow Springs State Park is a hidden gem in Florida. With its lush greenery and crystal clear waters, this park offers a unique and beautiful setting for your elopement.

Boyd Hill Nature Preserve

Boyd Hill Nature Preserve is a beautiful and serene location for your elopement. With its natural beauty and peaceful surroundings, this preserve offers a unique and intimate setting for your special day.

Sunken Gardens

Sunken Gardens is a beautiful botanical garden located in St. Petersburg. With its lush greenery and colorful flowers, this garden offers a stunning backdrop for your elopement.

Harry P. Leu Gardens

Harry P. Leu Gardens is a beautiful and serene location for your elopement. With its natural beauty and peaceful surroundings, this garden offers a unique and intimate setting for your special day.

Playalinda Beach

Playalinda Beach is a secluded and romantic location for your elopement. With its white sand beaches and turquoise waters, this beach offers a stunning backdrop for your special day.

St. Augustine

St. Augustine is a historic and romantic city in Florida. With its charming streets and beautiful architecture, this city offers a unique and beautiful setting for your elopement.

Washington Oaks Gardens State Park

Washington Oaks Gardens State Park is a beautiful and serene location for your elopement. With its natural beauty and peaceful surroundings, this park offers a unique and intimate setting for your special day.

Bok Tower Gardens

Bok Tower Gardens is a beautiful and serene location for your elopement. With its natural beauty and peaceful surroundings, this garden offers a unique and intimate setting for your special day.

Vizcaya Museum and Gardens

Vizcaya Museum and Gardens is a stunning location for your elopement. With its beautiful gardens and historic architecture, this museum offers a unique and beautiful setting for your special day.

Garden and Estate Elegance

Garden and Estate Elegance is a beautiful and serene location for your elopement. With its natural beauty and peaceful surroundings, this garden offers a unique and intimate setting for your special day.

Dry Tortugas National Park

Dry Tortugas National Park is a remote and romantic location for your elopement. With its crystal clear waters and white sand beaches, this park offers a stunning backdrop for your special day.

Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park

Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park is a beautiful and historic location for your elopement. With its stunning views and historic architecture, this park offers a unique and beautiful setting for your special day.

Lovers Key State Park

Lovers Key State Park is a secluded and romantic location for your elopement. With its white sand beaches and turquoise waters, this park offers a stunning backdrop for your special day.

Casa Monica Resort & Spa

Casa Monica Resort & Spa is a luxurious and romantic location for your elopement. With its beautiful architecture and stunning views, this resort offers a unique and beautiful setting for your special day.

Seaside

Seaside is a charming and romantic town in Florida. With its beautiful beaches and charming streets, this town offers a unique and beautiful setting for your elopement.

Gasparilla Island

Gasparilla Island is a secluded and romantic location for your elopement. With its white sand beaches and turquoise waters, this island offers a stunning backdrop for your special day.

Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens

Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens is a beautiful and serene location for your elopement. With its natural beauty and peaceful surroundings, this garden offers a unique and intimate setting for your special day.

Planning Your Florida Elopement

Here are some tips to help you plan the perfect elopement in Florida.

Choosing the Perfect Date

Choosing the right date for your elopement is crucial. Florida is known for its warm temperatures and sunny skies, so it’s no surprise that many couples choose to elope here year-round. However, keep in mind that the summer months can be hot and humid, so you may want to consider a spring or fall wedding instead. March, May, June, July, August, December, January, and April are all great months to tie the knot in Florida.

Elopement Packages and Services

Many resorts, hotels, and wedding planners offer elopement packages and services that can help take the stress out of planning your big day. All-inclusive packages can include everything from the ceremony and reception to the flowers, music, and even the cake. Some popular Florida elopement packages include the “Intimate Wedding Package” at the Don CeSar in St. Petersburg and the “Elopement Package” at the Postcard Inn in Islamorada.

Photo Opportunities and Memories

Florida is home to some of the most beautiful beaches, gardens, and parks in the country, making it the perfect backdrop for your elopement photos. Hiring a Florida elopement photographer is a great way to capture all of the special moments from your big day. Some popular photo opportunities in Florida include the beaches of Sanibel Island, the gardens at the Vizcaya Museum and Gardens in Miami, and the historic streets of St. Augustine.

Local Insights for a Smooth Elopement

If you’re planning to elope in Florida, there are a few things you should keep in mind to ensure a smooth and stress-free experience. Here are some local insights that can help you plan your elopement:

Weather Considerations

Florida is known for its warm weather, but it’s important to keep in mind that the state also experiences hurricane season. The season typically runs from June to November, so if you’re planning to elope during this time, it’s important to keep an eye on the weather forecast and have a backup plan in case of inclement weather.

Getting Help from Local Experts

Planning an elopement can be overwhelming, but there are plenty of local experts who can help you make your special day a success. Officiants can help you with the legal aspects of your elopement, while wedding planners can help you with everything from finding a venue to arranging flowers and decorations.

If you’re in need of witnesses for your elopement, your officiant may be able to provide them for you. Alternatively, you can ask friends or family members who are local to the area to serve as witnesses.