Washington Oaks Gardens State Park is a beautiful wedding location, you chose a great place to get married! Now that you’ve settled on the “where” you’re probably trying to figure out the “how.” Which is what led you here! This post “How to Get Married in Washington Oaks Gardens State Park- Everything You Need to Know” has all the information you’re going to need to plan your wedding from start to finish.
Because wedding planning is stressful enough we’ve made it easier for you!
How Legally Get Married in Florida?
Getting legally 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, and your social security number and any previous marriage information before you get your marriage license.
Then if you are a Florida Resident, you’ll have to wait 3 days after getting your marriage license before you can get married. 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 – you can sign up online through various marriage ministries for a small fee. This would allow you to have a friend or even family member marry you legally- if you’d like the added personalization!
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. We actually found out recently that with permission from the County Clerk’s Office you can have your dog sign the witness space with their paw print! Although this varies depending on the leniency of the office where you get your marriage license.
Best Areas in Washington Oaks Gardens State Park to Exchange private Vows?
Washington Oaks Gardens State park actually has two separate park areas, one on each side of A1A. The one on the west side is the gardens and access to the intercoastal waterway, while the one on the east side is the beach part of the park. Best of both worlds really! Although they only allow wedding ceremonies at two locations within the park you can still have a more private moment or portraits at some of the other great locations within the park.
The best areas in Washington Oaks to exchange a private moment on the garden side of the park are:
- Under the large oak tree that the park is known for
- Under the gazebo next to a flowing natural spring
- On one of the many wooden arched bridges (our personal favorite is the one near the fountain pond)
- On the bench in the Azalea garden
- Overlooking the intercoastal waterway on the seawall
The best areas in Washington Oaks to exchange private moment on the beach side of the park are:
- On the coquina rocks overlooking the Atlantic Ocean
- On the walkover (just be considerate of others trying to enter the park)
- On the beach itself, there’s TONS of it!
What Does it Cost to Get Married At Washington Oaks Gardens State Park?
Washington Oaks does require that all weddings of any size, and all photo sessions in wedding attire (even if there’s no ceremony) must have a permit. Permits begin at $200.
Weddings are limited to only 50 guests, and per their website that includes guests, the wedding party, the couple, and vendors.
There is also a list of rules and regulations that the park has put in place to protect the ecosystem within the gardens and the beach, you can see that full list of rules HERE.
What is the Best Time of Year to Get Married at Washington Oaks Gardens State Park?
Washington Oaks Gardens State Park are known for their large rose garden and azalea season, both of which are about the same time. Late April and Early May.
Although the weather and length of winter can shift the blooms several weeks in either direction. We’ve seen blooms as early as mid April and as late as June.
If you’re looking to say “I do” on the beachside, then we highly recommend scheduling for mid-fall, or early spring before the temperatures get outrageously hot. Because it is Florida after all, it gets hot fast.
Planning Your Wedding Day in Washington Oaks Gardens State Park
While planning the start of your wedding day at Washington Oaks we recommend booking a nearby AirBnB or hotel for getting ready as there is no indoor space within the park.
We also recommend booking a reception space afterwards or partnering with an AirBnB that allows events (not all of them do). But those that do are great to work with and allow for a really laid back and relaxed vibe.
Another reception possibility would be to support a local restaurant and have your reception dinner nearby at somewhere like the Hammock Grill or the Atlantic Grille Hammock Beach both of which are only a 15-20 minute drive from the park and have incredible food options!
Other than getting ready, ceremony, and a reception here is a quick sample timeline of what your wedding day could look like
Sample Wedding Day Timeline
- 7am Hair and makeup arrive at the BnB and the bridal party begins getting ready
- 9:00am Photographer & Videographer arrives
- 10am Hair & Makeup done (detail photos)
- 10:15am Begin getting dressed and ready
- 10:30am Getting ready photos of the couple
- 11:30am Drive to Washington Oaks
- 12pm Ceremony begins
- 12:30 Ceremony finishes
- 12:30-1:30 Portraits within the park
- 2pm Leave Washington Oaks Gardens State Park
- 2:30pm Arrive at wedding reception space or elopement activities
- 5:30pm return to getting ready location to rest before sunset photos or sunset photos begin based on time of year
- Sunset- Couple photos at the beach or back at Washington Oaks, or any other location you’d like
- Dusk- Lantern photos
- Dark- Head home a married couple!
*This sample timeline is for an all day elopement, with a photographer present for 8-12 hours depending on sunset times. This also leaves wiggle room for travel, additional activities, and for events running late, that way you feel relaxed the entire day knowing you’re not on a strict schedule.
If you’re eloping without guests this timeline could be shortened, or you could add many more activities to really turn your day into a luxurious experience! Think beach horseback ride, private chef, outdoor picnic, boat ride, dolphin experience at Marineland, etc!
For more elopement activity ideas check out this blog: 101 Unique Elopement Activity Ideas
Now you’re ready!
After reading through this blog, and checking out the linked page for Washington Oaks Gardens State Park you should have all the information you need to begin planning and booking your Washington Oaks wedding!
If you’re looking for a photographer who also offers videography, as well as planning and permit assistance, vendor and lodging referrals, timeline building, officiating and so much more, send us a message here and we’ll get back with you in 48 hours or less!
