Traditional weddings have become overrated. With couples shifting their priorities and mindset, choosing to elope instead, it’s pretty easy to see why it’s popularity has grown. Eloping allows you to skip the stress and expectations that often come with a traditional wedding and allows you to focus on what truly matters; creating a day that’s intimate, adventurous, and all about you. As native Floridians and an experienced elopement photography and videography team, we’ve seen firsthand how Florida is the perfect elopement destination for couples looking to craft an unforgettable wedding day. With it’s white sand tropical beaches surrounded by coral reefs, hidden caves in the panhandle you probably have never heard of, and the nation’s oldest city, Florida has it all. More than just it’s unique locations there are plenty of other reasons why Florida would be the perfect place for you to elope.
Here are the top 5 reasons you should consider eloping in Florida:
1. Year-Round Gorgeous Weather
Florida is known as the “Sunshine State” for a reason. It has mild winters and tropical summers which means you can plan a beautiful elopement any time of year. Whether you’re dreaming of a barefoot ceremony on a white sand beach, or a Miami vibe cityscape, Florida’s climate offers loads of flexibility and stunning natural light. Although Spring and Fall are ideal for couples wanting to avoid the peak summer heat while also steering clear of tourist crowds and mosquitos.
2. Endless Location Variety
When people hear “Florida” they picture white sand beaches and spring break crowds. But Florida has a much more diverse and secluded landscape than most people think. While the white sand beaches do make for beautiful elopement backdrops, some of our favorite locations don’t fit the typical stereotype-
Florida Caverns State Park– an underground maze of cave tunnels with stalactites and stalagmites to explore. Saying your vows on an underground cave tour will add an adventurous twist to your wedding day.
St. Augustine– filled with history as the the oldest city in the U.S., lined with cobblestone streets and historic charm. Imagine a horse drawn carriage ride through lamp lit historic roads, after you’ve exchanged vows on the beach at sunset.
Jacksonville, Orlando, and Miami– Urban parks, and skyline views that light up as the sun goes down.
The Florida Keys & Dry Tortugas– the most remote national park in the US, snorkeling, diving, and more varieties of Key Lime pie than you could ever eat. Also- EPIC sunsets.
West Coast beaches– islands, white sands, calm clear waters, and shark’s teeth if you know where to look!
Biscayne Bay National Park– where you can say your vows surrounded by crystal-clear waters and coral reefs.
3. Budget-Friendly & Simple Permit Requirements
Eloping in Florida is not only breathtaking with many places to choose from—it’s also affordable.
- Marriage License Costs– Approximately $86, with a 3-day waiting period for residents that is waived for out-of-state couples or couples who complete a premarital course.
- Permit Simplicity– Many public beaches require low cost or no permits at all for small elopements. For state and national parks like Dry Tortugas, special use permits generally range from $50 to $100.
- Overall Costs– Average floral arrangements for elopements can range from $100–$300. Many couples spend $500–$1,500 on an elopement dress, but there are options for every budget. Compared to the average traditional wedding in the U.S. which averages around $30,000, a Florida elopement allows couples to invest their money in their experience instead of on pricey formalities.
4. Adventure & Privacy Rolled Into One
Florida offers more than just pretty views—it’s also an ultimate playground for adventure-loving couples who crave privacy with unique experiences, especially in the water. Some of our favorite activities to do are-
- Taking a seaplane ride over the ocean to Dry Tortugas for a secluded island ceremony
- Chartering a private sailboat for a sunset vow exchange
- Kayaking or paddle boarding through serene mangrove tunnels at Biscayne Bay
- Wine tasting at the San Sebastian Winery in Saint Augustine
- Snorkeling vibrant reefs just off the coast
- Jet Skiing along Florida’s crystal-clear coastlines.
- Exploring on a cave tour at Florida Caverns State Park, say your vows underground!
- Enjoying a private picnic under the Milky Way in one of Florida’s dark sky preserves.
- Tubing lazily down the Ichetucknee River
There are so many activities to choose from to make your elopement a full-day or multi day adventure. Elopements in Florida aren’t just about the ceremony—they’re about crafting a once-in-a-lifetime experience that feels like your honeymoon and wedding all wrapped into one.
5. Stress-Free Planning & Simplicity
Elopements strip away the chaos of traditional weddings—no guest list headaches, elaborate seating charts, or rigid timelines to follow. And with Florida’s accessibility with major airports in Orlando, Miami, Tampa, and Jacksonville it makes travel simple for couples coming from out of state.
Ready to Plan Your Florida Elopement?
We work closely with our couples to craft custom timelines with room for spontaneous experiences, recommend trusted vendors, and ensure every detail feels personal and effortless.
Whether you’re looking for the historic charm of St. Augustine, the tropical vibes of the Keys, or any of the other options the state has to offer, Florida has a dream elopement waiting for you. We specialize in custom photo and video packages designed to capture not just your vows, but your entire experience. Let us create the perfect elopement day for you.
Click here to schedule your free elopement planning consultation call!
