Your dream Florida elopement – the ultimate planning guide
UPDATED FOR 2024-2025
AT A GLANCE
Best time to elope in Florida
September to November, and May to June
Can foreigners get legally married?
Yes, it’s very easy for anyone to get married legally in Florida.
Cool piece of info
In Florida, bioluminescent dinoflagellates illuminate the waters, creating a mesmerizing blue-green glow. This natural spectacle transforms kayaking and paddleboarding into enchanting experiences, with trails of shimmering light following in their wake.
Many couples dream of eloping in Florida instead of going through the tremendous burdens of planning out a big, traditional wedding.
Since there are many details that go into planning a typical wedding, they are choosing an elopement as a way to avoid the hassles that are in place with a traditional wedding. As a photographer and planner specialized in elopements for introvert couples, I really love the potential of Florida for an elopement.
Many couples see an elopement as the only way to go when they want to start spending their time as husband and wife together right away, and maybe that’s the case for you too! So, let’s dive into this guide and see how you can transform your dream into a reality!
Let’s dive in…
How to elope in Florida – a quick checklist
- Choose the best time of the year to elope
- Choose your elopement location
- Choose the duration of your stay (I recommend anywhere between 3 to 7 days)
- Book your flights
- Book your accommodation
- Book your activities
- Get your wedding license
- Need help? Check out my Florida elopement packages
How to elope in Florida legally
You will need to apply for your marriage license. You will be able to do this online for a fee of approximately $85. Since you will also need to schedule the official that will legally bind yourselves marriage, this will need to be completed and paid for too. Once you have this, you can pick the place that you want to get married and there are plenty of great places for couples to elope while they are in Florida.
We’re ordained ministers!
When you book your elopement package with Zephyr & Luna, you’ll have by default a celebrant with you, as we’re all ordained ministers allowed to perform wedding ceremonies in Florida (and take incredible photos while doing it!)
Can foreigners elope in Florida?
Yes! Wherever you come from, and whatever your gender, religion or sexual orientation is, you can get legally married in Florida!
The best places to elope in Florida
Florida is an exciting and exceptional state known as the Sunshine State. There are many places that you will find that will give you a fantastic experience.
Here are some of the great ways you can have an adventure elopement in Florida:
Pick Any Beach
The majority of Florida has beaches and couples are able to say their vows right on the beach. You can make it as dressy as you want or as casual as it goes. Even nude beaches allow couples to get married in Florida. There is no end to the choices that you will have!
Key West
Mallory Square or other parts of the Keys are great areas to have say your vows and become legally married. Just by visiting the Keys, you will find a spot that you want to call your own.
Scuba Diving
Getting married while scuba diving is possible when you are in Florida. You will most likely need to go to the Keys for this and enjoy all the rest of it while you are there!
The Everglades
Some couples enjoy tieing the knot in the Everglades. You can do so out on the boats that are provided there, or directly in accesible nature paths.wn.
Did you know?
There is so much more in Florida than its beaches. When you choose to book your elopement with me, I will provide you with a personalized list of 4 to 5 extraordinary off-the-beaten-path locations that perfectly align with your preferences. Allow me to lead you to the hidden treasures of Florida, far from the usual tourist spots.
The best time for an elopement in Florida
WINTER
December and January are the coolest months in Florida, with temperatures as low as 10°C (49°F), but they can also go quite high. It is not rare to see a beautiful 24°C (77°F) in winter! Sunseekers start to go on the beach at the end of February. So if you’d like to elope to Florida while avoiding the crowds, winter is the best season for you as you will be able to hike freely and will avoid the tourists.
SPRING
Clearly the best season to elope in Florida! March is dry and sunny, but be careful with the spring break week, when hordes of students are on the beaches everywhere! April ans May both are amazing months to elope in Florida, as the days get longer and brighter, and the temperatures rise as well, making it enjoyable to dip in the ocean and exchange your vows on the beach.
SUMMER
Try to avoid the month of June as it is the rainiest month in Florida. July and august mark the peak touristic season in Florida, so if you’d like to avoid the corwds, try to avoid eloping in Florida during summer. The month of August is the hottest month of the year, and temperatures can sometimes be unbearable if you’re not used to it.
FALL
The heat starts to cool down a little bit in September, and the crowds start to disappear after Labor Day. October and November are amazing months for an elopement in Florida since they are still warm and dry (November is the dryest month of the year) while still offering plenty of light in crowdless places.
Unique Things to Do When You Elope in Florida
Florida is not just about its famous attractions; it hides some extraordinary eco-friendly treasures off the beaten path. Here’s a list of five unique, animal-friendly activities to make your Florida adventure truly unforgettable:
Bioluminescent Kayaking
Paddle through the otherworldly waters of Florida’s bioluminescent lagoons, like Mosquito Lagoon or Merritt Island. As darkness falls, the water comes alive with a surreal blue glow created by bioluminescent microorganisms. It’s like kayaking through a galaxy of stars beneath you.
Exploring the Dry Tortugas
Venture to the remote Dry Tortugas National Park, accessible only by seaplane or ferry from Key West. Discover the historic Fort Jefferson, snorkel in crystal-clear waters, and witness the vibrant marine life while preserving the delicate ecosystem.
Sinkhole Diving
Dive into the depths of underwater sinkholes in North Florida, such as Devil’s Den or Blue Grotto. These natural wonders offer a surreal and tranquil diving experience amidst stunning geological formations and crystal-clear spring waters.
Cypress Swamp Boardwalk
Step into a mystical world at Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary near Naples. Wander along elevated boardwalks through ancient cypress forests, spotting wildlife, vibrant birdlife, and lush vegetation. It’s a serene and educational journey into the heart of Florida’s wilderness.
Mangrove Tunnel Kayaking
Explore the enchanting mangrove tunnels of the Florida Keys and Southwest Florida. Rent a kayak and paddle through the labyrinthine tunnels created by these saltwater-adapted trees. As you navigate the serene waterways, you’ll encounter an array of wildlife and experience the natural beauty of Florida’s coastal ecosystems up close. It’s a tranquil and mesmerizing adventure that offers a unique perspective of the state’s coastal wonders.
What to wear for your Florida elopement
You can elope in style and put of lot of thought into what you will wear, your bouquet and the decor of the site of your elopement.
Eloping in Florida doesn’t necessarily means laid back and casual. If you’d like to be elegant and beautiful on your wedding day, you can do as you want!
The Dress
Elopement dresses are a little bit different from classic wedding dresses as you will tend to hike a lot in them. Try to pick them flowy, lightweight and easy to put on, since you might need to put it on during the hike to the site of your vows exchange. Don’t forget the weather is very hot in Florida, so try to avoid huge, princess-like dresses with a lot of tulle, as you will be hot in them very very quickly!
The Shoes
Walking in the sand is not a piece of cake, so if you’re planning on eloping on a beach, maybe going barefeet might be the best idea. However, if you’re more into an adventure elopement and would like to hike to the site of your elopement, choosing comfortable hiking boots will be the best way to go. Don’t forget you’ll need to be very comfortable in your shoes as you will wear them all day long, and if you wear a long dress, they will be invisible anyways!
The Suit
Light linen suits are always a great option for men, as they are light enough to elope in Florida and not end up in sweat. Like the dress, you need to be comfortable in the suit you will choose, and able to walk in it, at least to the site of your elopement. If you choose something too tight or with many pieces, you might be hot and/or unconfortable and that will ruin your elopement experience.
Other things to consider
Mosquitoes and sun are two of the biggest annoying things when you elope in Florida. So don’t forget to pack a backpack with all the essentials for your hike: water, snacks, first aid kit, emergency battery charger, mosquito repellent, a blanket, sunscreen, and a pouch of water for your bouquet!
Typical food and dishes from Florida
You might want to integrate into your elopement day
Key Lime Pie
Indulge in the zesty and creamy delight of Florida’s iconic Key Lime Pie. This tangy dessert features a graham cracker crust, a tart filling made from Key limes, and a dollop of whipped cream. Sample it at local diners, bakeries, or beachside cafes for an authentic taste of Florida’s tropical sweetness.
Cuban Sandwich
Florida’s Cuban heritage shines through in its mouthwatering Cuban sandwich. This delectable creation features roasted pork, ham, Swiss cheese, pickles, and mustard, all pressed between Cuban bread until crispy and delicious. You’ll find some of the best Cuban sandwiches in Miami and Tampa.
Fresh Seafood
With its extensive coastline, Florida offers an abundance of fresh seafood. Don’t miss out on dishes like Grouper Sandwiches, Conch Fritters, and Stone Crab Claws. Visit waterfront restaurants and seafood shacks for the freshest catch of the day, and savor the taste of the ocean.
Florida elopement packages and pricing
| Minotaur – 1 to 2 locations | Griffin – 3 to 4 locations | Dragon – 3 full days | Petrichor – 7 full days |
|---|---|---|---|
| USD 10.750 pay only 30% now | USD 11.850 pay only 30% now | USD 19.780 pay only 30% now | USD 29.850 pay only 30% now |
| 1 day total | 1 day total | 3 days total | 7 days total |
| Included Planning by a travel agent and elopement planner | Included Planning by a travel agent and elopement planner | Included Planning by a travel agent and elopement planner | Included Planning by a travel agent and elopement planner |
| 1 Day of guiding and photography | 1 Day of guiding and photography | 3 Days of guiding and photography | 3 Days of guiding and photography |
| X Accommodation | X Accommodation | Included Accommodation (2 nights) | Included Accommodation (6 nights) |
| X Meals | X Meals | Included Meals | Included Meals |
| Optional Other vendors (Officiant, flowers, hair & makeup) | Optional Other vendors (Officiant, flowers, hair & makeup) | Optional Other vendors (Officiant, flowers, hair & makeup) | Included Other vendors (Officiant, flowers, hair & makeup) |
| X Car rental, airport transfers | X Car rental, airport transfers | X Car rental, airport transfers | Included Car rental, airport transfers |
| Minotaur – 1 to 2 locations | Griffin – 3 to 4 locations | Dragon – 3 full days | Petrichor – 7 full days |
|---|---|---|---|
| USD 896 per month for 12 months | USD 988 per month for 12 months | USD 1.650 per month for 12 months | USD 2.490 per month for 12 months |
| 1 day total | 1 day total | 3 days total | 7 days total |
| Included Planning by a travel agent and elopement planner | Included Planning by a travel agent and elopement planner | Included Planning by a travel agent and elopement planner | Included Planning by a travel agent and elopement planner |
| 1 Day of guiding and photography | 1 Day of guiding and photography | 3 Days of guiding and photography | 3 Days of guiding and photography |
| X Accommodation | X Accommodation | Included Accommodation (2 nights) | Included Accommodation (6 nights) |
| X Meals | X Meals | Included Meals | Included Meals |
| Optional Other vendors (Officiant, flowers, hair & makeup) | Optional Other vendors (Officiant, flowers, hair & makeup) | Optional Other vendors (Officiant, flowers, hair & makeup) | Included Other vendors (Officiant, flowers, hair & makeup) |
| X Car rental, airport transfers | X Car rental, airport transfers | X Car rental, airport transfers | Included Car rental, airport transfers |
A small conclusion: Why elope in Florida?
Beautiful weather
Yes, Florida is widely known for its warm, nice weather all-year long. You can enjoy the beautiful beaches and the warmth of central Florida pretty much all the time, so this is a great gateway destination for an elopement. So if you don’t know where to elope, Florida is an amazing destination that will allow you to exchange your vows in a warm, beautiful nature.
Amazing history
Florida’s history is as amazing as its landscapes. The art, architecture and culture are a mix of Timucuan, Miccosukee, and Seminole, Cuban and Haitian refugees, European explorers and freed slaves. So you can imagine that visiting Florida is like going back to the past and discovering something new everyday.
Gorgeous nature
When we think about Florida, we mainly think about beaches. And yes, beaches are splendid and beautiful in Florida, and you can definitely elope on the beach in Florida. However, there is so much more than the beaches! You can hike in the Everglades, discover the Florida Keys, Sarasota’s Myakka River Park and Kissimmee Prairie Preserve State Park, which all boast with amazing fauna and tropical flora!
Let’s chat!
Are you eager to start planning your elopement in Florida? I’m here to help you envision, plan and immortalize this beautiful adventure! Contact me now for a free consultation!
Welcome to the Adventure of a Lifetime
Hey there, I’m Amber! I’m your elopement photographer and planner – your one-stop-shop for absolutely everything you need for a magical, incredible elopement day.
I offer all-inclusive elopement packages for couples who want to relax and let me handle absolutely everything, as well as options for couples who like a little bit of DIY! I’ll find the perfect place for you to exchange vows, recommend vendors, help you figure out travel and lodging, make a timeline, and more – personalizing each part of your elopement day to perfectly suit the two of you. And of course, I’ll be there to take the photos and document this once in a lifetime adventure.
You aren’t like every other couple, and your wedding day shouldn’t be either! I’ll help you craft a day that’s true to you, authentic, and real, allowing you to immerse yourselves in the experience as you say your “I dos.”
