Planning a Florida elopement in 2022? Here are all the details you need to know!
Eloping is becoming more and more popular, and Florida is a great place to do it! The state has so much to offer, from stunning beaches and lush forests to charming small towns. Plus, the weather is usually pretty good year-round.
In this blog post, we’ll discuss everything you need to know about planning a Florida elopement filled with memorable moments to last a lifetime. We’ll cover costs, locations, legal requirements, and more.
So read on and start making your dream elopement plans in the Sunshine State.
How Do You Plan An Elopement In Florida In 2022?
If you are planning an elopement in Florida, there are several things you’ll need to tick off your list.
First you’ll need to decide on the perfect location. Think about whether you want your wedding day to take place at a park, beach, or even a luxury hotel.
Next, you’ll need to decide on the best time of year for your wedding date.
And finally, you will have to take care of the boring officious side of things to ensure you’re ceremony is actually legit.
But we’re here to help! We’ve laid things out for you in 5 simple steps.
Step #1: Budget – How Much Does It Cost To Elope In Florida?
When budgeting for an elopement in Florida, you will need to take into account the cost of the ceremony and reception, as well as travel and lodging expenses.
The average cost of an elopement in Florida ranges anywhere from $2,000 to $10,000, depending on the location and size of the event. If you’re working within a tight budget, here are some tips to keep costs down:
- Have a small wedding ceremony (a micro wedding) with fewer people: just the bride and groom and a few close friends or family members.
- When it comes to catering, you can either go all out and hire gourmet caterers, or you can have a snacky picnic-style reception.
- You can also save money by choosing a location that doesn’t require a lot of decorations or special amenities, like a beach or park.
- If you must have that dream venue, consider booking it during off-peak times to save on rental fees.
- You can put your inner wedding designer skills to the test and opt for DIY decorations, instead of hiring a professional.
- Finally, try to avoid peak wedding season if you can, this will save you money on all of the above. And you’ll have a much better chance of getting a table at fancy restaurants to celebrate.
Step #2: Best Time For A Florida Elopement
Florida is a great place to elope any time of year!
However, if you’re looking for the best weather, we suggest eloping in the fall or winter months. Despite being the coolest months, winters in Florida are the mildest you will find in the continental United States.
The shoulder seasons, spring and autumn, are also a great time of year to plan your elopement because the weather is comfortably warm and there are fewer tourists. Just make sure to avoid Spring Break, unless you’re down to party like college kids.
If you’re set on a summer elopement, we recommend getting married in the morning or evening to avoid the heat. Sunrise elopement, anyone?
And in those hot summer months, be sure to have plenty of refreshing drinks on hand for your guests!
Whether you’re looking for a secluded beach ceremony or a grand ballroom reception, Florida is a great elopement destination year-round. You’ll find everything you need to make your romantic getaway memorable.
Step #3: Where To Elope In Florida
Florida is a very diverse state with plenty of beautiful elopement locations and wedding venues to choose from. Whether you want to get married on the beach, in a botanical garden, or in a rustic setting, this beautiful state has something to offer everyone.
To help you narrow down your list, here are our top 3 favorite elopement destinations in Florida:
📍Destin, Florida
This beautiful, gulf coastal town is a great place to elope because it offers plenty of stunning settings for your big day and a wide variety of outdoor activities. There are many romantic spots in Destin and it is easy to find the a private place to relax together.
From pristine beaches and picturesque parks to charming restaurants and intimate inns, Destin has everything you need to make your Florida elopement perfect.
Plus, the town’s friendly locals will make you feel right at home during your stay.
If you’re looking for a romantic, stress-free destination to tie the knot, Destin is the perfect place to elope!
📍 St. Augustine
This romantic location is perfect for history lovers. Founded in 1565 by Spanish explorers, St. Augustine is the oldest continuously inhabited site in the United States.
Just a 45 minute drive south of Jacksonville, St. Augutine is a true gem. There are plenty of gorgeous parks and tropical gardens to choose from, as well as charming historic districts and waterfront areas.
St. Augustine is a small town, so it’s easy to get around and there are plenty of places to stay. It’s the perfect destination for a winter wedding or honeymoon.
📍 Crystal River
Crystal River is located in Citrus County, a rural area of Florida that offers beautiful surroundings for intimate wedding ceremonies. The area is known for its crystal-clear freshwater springs and rivers – hence the name.
The river itself is a lovely backdrop for photos, and there are plenty of outdoor and water activities available if you want to make a weekend out of your Florida elopement, such as fishing, kayaking, and canoeing… and SWIMMING WITH THE MANATEES!
➡️ Note: Manatees are protected marine mammals native to Florida. You can admire them, but you cannot touch them. We recommend taking a guided tour to swim with the manatees in their natural habitat.
Can you elope on the beach in Florida?
Great news! You can definitely elope on the beach in Florida. In fact, beach weddings are one of the most popular ways to tie the knot in this part of the country.
That said, some beaches may require permits to hold a ceremony. So, once you’ve decided on your favorite beach to exchange your wedding vows, just make sure to check with the local Parks and Recreation Department.
Here are 3 of the most beautiful spots for Florida beach elopements:
✔️ Bowman’s Beach, Sanibel Island
Located on Sanibel Island, which is known for its beautiful beaches and wildlife, Bowman’s Beach is a great option for an elopement ceremony because it’s private and quiet.
This gorgeous Gulf of Mexico beach provides a stunning backdrop for photos and it’s the perfect location to have an intimate ceremony, with just the two of you.
✔️ Siesta Beach, Sarasota
This is a great location for an elopement ceremony because Siesta Beach is a private beach that is rarely crowded. It’s the perfect secluded spot to exchange your vows.
With its white sand and turquoise waters, Siesta Beach is an ideal place to escape the hustle and bustle of the city for an intimate elopement.
✔️ Bahia Honda State Park, Big Pine
Located in the Florida Keys, Bahia Honda State Park is a great location for an elopement ceremony because it’s a beautiful natural setting with a relaxed, romantic atmosphere.
The park offers a variety of secluded locations for couples to exchange vows, including a pristine beach, lush gardens, and a picturesque bridge.
Step #4: How To Legally Elope In Florida
Eloping in Florida is pretty simple. Once you’ve decided on your location, you just need to obtain a marriage license. You can apply for a Florida marriage license at any county clerk’s office in the state. The total fee is $93.50.
Your marriage license will be valid for 60 days, so you can get married anytime within that period. And you do not need to have a ceremony or invite anyone; you can simply get married in front of a witness.
If you would like to have a ceremony, however, you can do that too. You will just need to do a little homework and find a local officiant to help you tie the knot.
We recommend interviewing a few different wedding officiants, then pick the one who completely understands your vision for your dream ceremony.
Lastly, there are no residency requirements, so you can get married anywhere in the state of Florida.
Step #5: Booking Your Florida Elopement Photographer + Videographer
When looking for professional photographers or videographer for your elopement, be sure to consider the style of photography/videography that you prefer. Do you want candid shots of the two of you or more formal portraits?
If you’re not sure, look at the photographer’s portfolio to get an idea of their style before booking your Florida elopement package.
We believe that elopements are all about celebrating your love in a unique and personal way, so if you need help finding a talented local vendor for your special day, you can reach us at: [email protected]
👉 We highly recommend Nick Adams Photography, he’ll make sure your memories are captured perfectly.
Conclusion: Florida Elopement 2022
Florida is the perfect destination for an elopement in 2022 because it’s a state that offers a little bit of everything. There are world-renowned theme parks like Walt Disney World and Universal Studios, miles of sandy beaches, and luxurious resorts.
And with its miles of sandy beaches, lush tropical forests, and world-class resorts, the Sunshine State is home to some of the most picturesque spots in the country, making it the perfect place to say “I do.”