Best Places to Elope in Florida

Considering eloping in Florida but not sure where? In this article, I will walk you through all of the best places to elope in Florida, highlighting the venues, the best time to go, and elopement information. Below is a table of contents so you can jump ahead to sections that interest you.

Best Places to Elope in Florida Table of Contents:

• Why Elope in Florida?
• When is the Best Season to Elope in Florida?
• How to Obtain a Marriage License in Florida
• The Best Cities in Florida
• Best Places to Elope in Florida | Venues

Why Elope in Florida?

Florida is an ideal destination for couples looking to elope due to its diverse landscapes, beautiful beaches, and warm, sunny climate year-round. Whether you dream of exchanging vows on a secluded white sandy beach, in a lush tropical garden, or in the heart of Miami’s vibrant downtown, Florida offers endless options to create a unique and personalized elopement experience.

When is the Best Season to Elope in Florida?

A prime time to elope in Florida would be Spring and Fall.

• Spring (March to May) – This is one of the more popular seasons to elope in Florida due to the mild temperatures and flowers begin to bloom. The weather is warm but not too hot, with mornings and evenings being a bit chilly and the afternoons warmed by sunlight, making it ideal for outdoor ceremonies.

• Fall (September to November) – Fall offers pleasant temperatures and lower humidity, which can be a nice break from Florida’s hot and humid summer months. This season brings fewer crowds and more reasonably priced venues, while still offering beautiful scenery with softer, golden sunlight.

Winter can also be a great choice if you don’t enjoy the heat and are looking for cooler temperatures, but it can get chilly in northern parts of Florida.

Summer (June to August) can be very hot and humid, with a high chance of rain and unpredictable weather. It’s generally less ideal unless you are planning an indoor event or an early morning or late evening ceremony.

I personally love spring for Florida elopements, usually between early March and mid-May. From shooting at the beach and in venues to gardens, this time of year offers the best weather.

How to Obtain a Marriage License to Elope in Florida

The first step to legalizing your marriage in Florida is to apply for a marriage license. If you are from out of state, this process can be started online prior to arriving. Alternatively, you can wait until you arrive and visit a County Clerk’s Office. If you are a resident of Florida, there is a 3-day waiting period for the license.

You will need a photo ID, social security number, and payment for the license fees. Once you obtain the license, it’s valid for 60 days. You can marry anywhere in Florida during this time.

Your last step is to obtain a wedding officiant to marry you (at whatever location you choose to elope) and sign the license!

The Best Cities in Florida

Jacksonville

Jacksonville boasts miles of coastline with beautiful beaches like Jacksonville Beach and Amelia Island. Compared to other popular Florida destinations, Jacksonville offers more budget-friendly elopement options and offers more mild temperatures.

St. Augustine

Only 40 miles southeast of Jacksonville, St. Augustine is located in the northeastern part of Florida. It is the oldest city in the U.S. and is rich in history. With cobblestone streets, and historic architecture, the city offers a romantic and timeless setting. It is also just half an hour from Washington Oaks Gardens State Park, a popular elopement location.

Miami

Miami is located in the southeastern part of Florida. It is one of the most well-known cities in Florida, famous for its vibrant culture, turquoise-blue beaches, and lively atmosphere. One of my favorite venues, the Vizcaya Museum & Gardens, is located here. It also has a cruise port, so you can jet-set off to your honeymoon right away.

Key West

Key West is located in the southernmost part of Florida, at the end of Florida Keys. It sits about 90 miles north of Cuba, making it the closest U.S. city to the Caribbean. Key West is know for it’s laid-back vibe, stunning sunsets, vibrant art scene, and charming historic district. Some cruise lines port at Key West for a day trip if you aren’t staying in the area!

Destin

Located in the northeastern part of the Florida Panhandle, between Panama City Beach and Pensacola along the emerald coast. Popular for it’s sugar white sandy beaches and clear water, Destin is a fantastic location for beach lovers and coastal retreats. Compared to Miami and the Florida Keys, Destin is also a more affordable option for your epic elopement destination.

Best Places to Elope in Florida | Venues

Casa Marina Hotel and Restaurant | Jacksonville

Located on Jacksonville Beach, Casa Marina is a quaint hotel and restaurant that feels as if you’ve just stepped into a Santorini dream.

For this spring micro-wedding, they accommodated the couple’s closest family and friends and provided suites on-site where the couple could get ready before their brunch wedding.

Washington Oaks Gardens State Park | St. Augustine

Located a half an hour outside of St. Augustine, Washington Oaks Gardens is the perfect lush setting for your elopement day. The can accommodate just the two of you or your closest friends and family, and you can hold your ceremony there from 9:00 AM and 2:00 PM. To see their roses in full bloom, I recommend considering late April into early May for vibrant gardens and milder temperatures.

Advance reservation and permits are required.

Vizcaya Museum & Gardens | Miami

One of my favorite locations is the Vizcaya Museum and Gardens, located just 10 minutes from the heart of downtown Miami. You might recognize this iconic venue from movies such as Ace Ventura: Pet Detective, Bad Boys II, and Iron Man 3.

They offer a range of wedding packages, including a Daytime Garden Ceremony option for up to 25 guests. To see more details on their offerings, you can view their guide here.

My personal favorite area is the Tea House, located on Biscayne Bay. It features a Venetian-style bridge and can accommodate up to 15 people.

Havana Cabana | Key West

If you’re looking for a waterfront venue to accommodate a micro wedding in Key West, look no further than Havana Cabana. They offer two venues: a tiki hut and a waterfront lounge, along with full-service amenities, including ceremony packages, reception packages, buffet selections, cocktail hour, party buses, and more, for a traditional Cuban celebration of your dreams.

If you’re interested in eloping just the two of you, you can tie the knot at the courthouse in town and then jet-set off to a nearby beach or garden for portraits!

Airbnb & Beachfront Elopement | Destin

While you can find plenty of wedding venues in Destin, with its popular white sugar sand beaches, it’s a fantastic idea to book a local beachfront Airbnb for your intimate elopement getaway. The only thing you’ll need is approval from the Airbnb host and a permit from Okaloosa County. Find more information on that below here.

Best Places to Elope in Florida | Summary

In conclusion, Florida is an all-around fantastic choice for a wedding destination. With close proximity to numerous airports and cruise ports, landscapes to suit all preferences, and being local to iconic amusement parks such as Disney, you can’t go wrong when picking Florida for your celebration.