7 things you must know before eloping in Florida
When you think of eloping in Florida, the image of a sunset exchanging of vows on a sandy beach is often the first thing that comes to mind. Dreaming of feeling the sand between your toes as you stand hand-in-hand with your beloved? Oh-so-romantic. Creating lists of all the technical hoops, legalities, and logistics of planning a Florida elopement? Not-so-romantic.
No matter where you’re traveling from to elope in Florida—whether you’re a local to the Sunshine State or a traveler from abroad—it can be overwhelming to conduct research on getting married in another location. We’re here to share a Floridian wedding professional’s advice for planning your destination elopement right here in sunny Florida. Grab your sunglasses and get reading!
Before you board a plane for the Sunshine State to say “I do”, you’ll want to know these 7 important things about eloping in Florida!
7 THINGS YOU MUST KNOW BEFORE ELOPING IN FLORIDA
Know the legalities
Before you start planning your Florida elopement, it’s essential to understand the legal requirements for getting married in Florida. The requirements will differ county to county, so first begin by searching for the county clerk’s website in the county in which your desired wedding location will be taking place. We’re based in Orange County, the governing body of the metro Orlando area, so the following advice is related to elopements in Orange County, Florida:
First things first, obtain your marriage license. In Orange County (and likely other counties in Florida), you can either fill out an online eMarriage Application from the county clerk’s website, or you can print the Marriage License Application to bring with you in person. Ensure you have all the necessary documentation listed on the clerk’s website before you go in, because yes, you will need to go to the county clerk’s office in person.
There is typically a mandatory 3-day waiting period unless you can provide proof of completing a premarital course in the form of either a letter or a certificate. Be sure to check if your chosen course provider is one that is approved by the county. Keep in mind: this 3-day waiting period only starts after you purchase your marriage license in person at the clerk’s office!
Your marriage license is valid for 60 days from the date you obtain it from the county clerk, so you’ll want to make sure you plan your wedding during this time frame (unless you’d like to restart the process all over again…which we’re sure you don’t).
How much does it cost to elope in Florida? Obtaining a marriage license in Orange County, Florida currently costs a fee of $86 for the marriage license unless you can provide proof of attending an approved premarital class, which reduces the fee to $61. (Pricing as of February 2024)
Just a reminder that these legal requirements to obtaining a marriage license may change depending on which county your wedding is taking place in. Make sure to do your research before you walk down the aisle!
Know your options for a perfect elopement location
Eloping in Florida can be so much more than getting married on the beach! While many couples, especially those traveling abroad from colder climates, dream of sand and sunsets on the water, there truly is so much breathtaking beauty in the state of Florida. Consider planning your elopement or destination wedding amid the lush foliage of a botanical garden or against the backdrop of a stately historical home—there really is something for everyone here. Take the time to research different wedding venues and think outside the box to find one that resonates with your vision and budget.
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Know the weather patterns
It’s not all sunshine here in Florida! While the Sunshine State certainly sees a lot of bright skies, we also see 90% humidity, temperatures above 90ºF / 32ºC, daily rainstorms, oh and hurricanes—did we mention the hurricanes?
If you’re planning to elope in Florida during the summer months, you’re in luck: summer is considered off-season for weddings, meaning many vendors such as wedding venues or caterers may offer discounted rates. However, if you’re dreaming of a summer elopement in Florida, it might be wise to find an indoor wedding venue or options with weather contingency plans to ensure your special day is no sweat (pun intended).
On the other hand, planning a Florida elopement during winter and spring (November–May) offer safer options, with calmer weather and temperatures ranging from 60ºF to 80ºF / 15ºC to 26ºC. Keep an eye on the forecast and have a backup plan ready just in case.
Know how to find your perfect officiant
To get legally married in Florida, you’ll need a wedding officiant for either your religious or civil wedding ceremony. While many couples choose a qualified friend or religious leader, if you’re planning to travel from out of state or abroad to elope in Florida, you may not have someone to fill this role. Some wedding venues may offer officiant services as part of their elopement packages, or you can find someone through an officiant hiring service such as our friends at Sensational Ceremonies (not sponsored: we’ve worked with them in the past and have nothing but great things to say!). With just a few inquiries, you can be sure to find a wedding officiant who shares your values and wants to honor your special day.
Know what you can (and can’t) do
We hate to break it to you, but just because you find the *perfect* stretch of sandy beach doesn’t mean you can spontaneously hold your elopement there. Many stunning elopement spots around Florida, including public beaches and parks, require permits or permissions to hold wedding ceremonies—even small ones. Some locations may necessitate advance booking or additional fees, so be sure to do your research ahead of time to avoid any last-minute surprises.
Know your wedding day timeline
One of the biggest mistakes we see engaged couples make when planning their wedding or elopement timeline is not giving themselves enough time on their wedding day. Trust us: getting ready for your wedding ceremony will take longer than you expect, or one of your bridesmaids is going to run late (you already know which one it will be…). Especially if you’re not local to the area where you’re holding your elopement, it can be difficult to gauge how long it will take to travel to your wedding ceremony location or to drive from your ceremony location to your wedding reception. Plan your special day with our perfect 4hr micro wedding day timeline!
Know the value of your wedding day memories
The final—yet arguably most important—step to planning a perfect Florida elopement is securing an elopement wedding photographer and videographer. Don’t skimp on this: especially if you’re traveling to Florida for your elopement, you’ll want to make sure you have the quality of wedding photos to cherish for a lifetime. If you’re tight on budget, consider hiring a wedding photographer and videographer who specializes in intimate weddings and elopements and understands the needs and budgets of smaller celebrations.
Eloping in Florida is a magical experience that allows you to focus on what truly matters—celebrating your love in a beautiful and meaningful way. By following these insider tips, you can ensure that your Florida elopement is everything you've dreamed of and more. From breathtaking locations to professional elopement photography and everything in between, Florida has everything you need to create wedding day memories that will last a lifetime.
