If you’re planning a North Florida Elopement, here is everything you need to know- our favorite locations, best seasons, and how to make it all legal.
You’ve probably heard Florida called “The Sunshine State”, with an average of 250 days of sun a year. It’s warm weather year-round, soft white sand, and crystal-clear blue waters make it an incredible place to get married.
But beaches are just the beginning. Let’s take a deep dive into everything you need to know to plan a North Florida Elopement
Why Choose North Florida for Your Elopement?
It’s big… like really big.
When it comes to eloping in Florida, North Florida offers an incredible range of options simply because of its size. Stretching from Marion County to Escambia County, and spanning from the Atlantic Ocean to the Gulf (and all the way to the Panhandle), North Florida covers a massive area.
So what does that mean for you? More choices. From beautiful beaches and quiet forests, to historic cities and underground caves, this region offers a little bit of everything.
It’s the Sunshine State
While Florida weather can sometimes be unpredictable, North Florida generally has more sunny days than not. If you’re strategic about your timing, you can plan your elopement around the most beautiful seasons.
Fall: Nature at Its Best
Fall is technically the “busy season” in the wedding industry and is one of the most ideal times to get married in North Florida. Hurricane season is winding down, and the temperatures begin to cool off. You can finally say goodbye to those daily afternoon thunderstorms and pesky mosquitos because by this time, they’ve retreated back to the pits of hell where they came from. The weather is calm, clear, and absolutely perfect for an outdoor ceremony.
Winter: But Without the Snow
If you’re looking for a winter wedding without dealing with snow, North Florida is the perfect place. With average lows in the 50s and highs in the 70s, it’s one of the most comfortable places in the country to elope during winter. Even bigger bonus: mosquitos, gnats, and even snakes are pretty much non-existent this time of year, so you won’t have any uninvited guests at your ceremony!
Spring: The Earth Comes back to life
Spring in North Florida is equally as amazing. Wildflowers are in full bloom, the air is warming up, and the beaches are surprisingly less crowded. It’s the perfect season if you’re hoping for vibrant colors and fair weather, all while still being able to take a dip in the ocean after you say “I do.”
Summer: Not Recommended
Not to be a bearer of bad news- but you really don’t want to elope in Florida during the summer. The temperatures range upward of 100 degrees, with a humidity of 60% or more. If you’ve ever opened the over while baking and been hit in the face with that moist wave of extreme heat- that’s the closest you’ll feel to walking outside in a Florida summer.
During the summer you can also tell the time based on the thunderstorms. Everyday around 3pm a thunderhead will roll through, leaving everything drenched and bringing the humidity up another 10%. Because of that rain you can for sure expect mosquitos. And unless you enjoy being hot, sweaty, wet, and eaten alive- we highly recommend not eloping during the summer months.
Side note- If you are really dead set on getting married from June-August in Florida check out our blog that details how to prepare for a Florida wedding during hurricane season!
Where We’d Elope (If We Were You)–
Top places to Elope in North Florida
Northeast Florida Elopement Locations
Saint Augustine– The oldest city in Florida also boasts the most history for an incredible and memorable day! With abundant museums to tour, two historical Forts to explore, and the coziest Christmas lights display in the U.S. there are plenty of things to do! Saint Augustine is also just a few minutes away from several beautiful beaches if you’d like to jump in after you’ve said “I do.”
Big Talbot Island State Park- Boneyard Beach– Boneyard beach sounds ominous but it’s really one of the most beautiful and unique beaches in Florida. The entire beach is lined with large driftwood trees that create the perfect backdrop for a unique elopement.
Amelia Island State Park- Amelia Island is one of the few beaches in North East Florida where you can go horseback riding on the beach! This is the perfect place if you’d like to add a little bit of adventure and go for a peaceful ride along the beach after saying your vows.
Cedar Lakes Woods & Gardens– A 110-year-old reclaimed limestone quarry, Cedar Lakes Woods & Gardens is a zen paradise. Imagine your elopement day surrounded by lush greenery, cascading waterfalls, and tranquil koi ponds. This hidden gem offers a romantic setting for exchanging vows, or taking a private walk among the flowers and wooden boardwalks.
Congaree & Penn farm- If you’re looking for the feel of Italy without the travel Congaree and Penn is as unique as it is beautiful! They are one of the only olive groves in all of Florida and they have a “Field to Fork” restaurant on-site where they provide all of their own catering. (We’ve tried their food and it has our personal seal of approval!) You can exchange vows under the branches of their century old oak tree, and then share a locally sourced meal under a classic pergola among their grape vines! Better yet- Dogs are allowed!
Northwest Florida Elopement Locations
Ichetucknee Springs State Park– Ichetucknee Springs State Park is a great spot for a simple, outdoor elopement. The clear spring water and quiet surroundings offer a peaceful setting without all of the fuss. One of the main activities is tubing down the Ichetucknee River—a fun, easy way to enjoy the park after your ceremony. It’s a great laid-back option for couples who want something low-key and nature-focused.
Topsail Hill Preserve State Park– This park has quiet, white-sand beaches, coastal dune lakes, and plenty of wooded trails. It’s easy to find a private spot without a crowd to say your vows. After your ceremony, you can take a walk along the beach or explore the park’s trails. Glamping is also an option if you’d like to stay on site!
Florida Caverns State Park– If you’re looking for a location completely out of the ordinary- this is it! You can get married among the stalagmites and stalactites in Florida’s only state park with guided cave tours. After your wedding the park allows horseback riding, miles of trails, and paddling if you’d like to add an even more adventurous spin onto your day.
No Matter which location you choose- Florida has a wide variety of options to suit any couple.
What does an all inclusive Elopement in North Florida Cost?
An elopement can cost whatever you’re willing to budget. Some elopements cost under $1k, others can cost as much as a large traditional wedding- ranging around $20k or more. It entirely depends on what type of experience you are dreaming of. Some activities such as helicopter rides or sea plane flights may bring your budget up towards the higher end. While making your own bouquet and buying a dress on amazon may keep the budget lower. It all depends on you!
These are some of the average costs of an elopement:
Photographer & Videographer: $3800+
Wedding attire: $100 – $3000
Hair & Makeup: FREE – $350
Lodging/getting ready location: $150/night -$700/night
Venue (permits): FREE – $200
Flowers: $35 – $200
Cake: $20 – $150
Marriage License: $86 (Florida)
Activities: FREE – $2000
All of these numbers are approximates for Florida based weddings and may vary depending on states, time of the year, and how many guests you have.
How to make your elopement legal
Getting married in Florida is relatively simple. First, you’ll obtain a Florida marriage license from any Florida County Clerk’s Office. The state requires both of you to show a valid ID like a driver’s license, state ID, or passport, plus your social security number and any previous marriage information before you get your marriage license.
Then if you live in Florida, you’ll have to wait 3 days after getting your marriage license before you can get married- unless you’ve taken an preapproved premarital course- in which case the waiting period will be waived. For those traveling from out of state- you’re in luck- there is no waiting period and you can get married immediately!
Once you have your marriage license, you must have your ceremony within 60 days.
Florida law requires an officiant ordained as a minister to sign your marriage license, but today, becoming ordained is easy – and can be done through online ordination companies. This would allow you to have a friend or even family member marry you legally- if you’d like the added personalization! If you want to make things even simpler we also include free officiating in all of our packages, just another way to make your planning even smoother.
Although there are two optional lines on your marriage license where you can have witnesses sign for sentimental sake if you’d like, Florida does not require them for your marriage license to be valid. Meaning you really can have a “just-us” elopement.
Activities to enjoy during your elopement
A large part of an adventure elopement is choosing to experience something together on your wedding day, here are some of our best suggestions for North Florida elopement adventure activities:
- Picnic on the beach
- Hike
- Paddle Board
- Jetski
- Sailboat ride
- Kayak / Canoe
- Swim in the Springs
- Snorkel over a coral reef
- Airboat tour
- Sea Plane Tour
- Helicopter Tour
- Ghost Tour
- Design your own florals
- Flower picking at a farm
- Visit a Pumpkin Patch
- Horse Drawn Carriage ride
- Stroll the Nights of Lights at Christmastime
- Wine Tasting
- Brewery Tour
- Hike
- Horseback ride
- Cave Tour
- Shark tooth hunt
- Museum Tour
If you are interested in more activity ideas check out our full list of suggestions in our blog 101 Unique Elopement Activity Ideas!
Just remember to always Leave No Trace when you’re exploring the outdoors- you can find our
Leave No Trace Guide for Eloping Couples Here!
Ready to Elope in North Florida? Here’s What to Do Next:
Step 1: Reach out to us as your Photo & Video team- We’ll get you off to a solid start
Step 2: Decide on your location (this will help determine a date if you do not already have one)
Step 3: Solidify your date
Step 4: Work with your planning (photo & video team) to decide on activities, details, etc.
Step 5: Apply for your marriage license
Step 6: Say “I do!” during the most intimate, fun, and stress-free day!
Ready to elope but have more questions? Reach out and we’d be happy to help!
