Eloping in Florida : A Full Guide
So, you are thinking of eloping in Florida but you need some advice on where to even begin. To make things easier for you, I have put together a complete guide to help answer your questions and walk you through the process all in one place.
Boneyard Beach Elopement
Why Elope in Florida
Florida elopements have become more popular throughout the years and there is a great reason why! Florida is full of breath taking nature, beautiful architecture, and the weather is perfect (almost) all year round. Unlike the rest of the US, Florida allows for year round elopements. Below I will explain the best times of the year to elope and a few tips and tricks for each season.
SPRING
Spring time would be a spectacular season to elope in Florida. The weather starts to warm up and the days become longer making for a perfect all day elopement. Mornings are a bit cooler with the weather warming up during the day. Some spring time elopement activities you could enjoy during your day are snorkeling, exploring the city and their local breweries, spending the day on a lake, or even hiking. The one thing you will need to be aware of when picking your elopement date would be spring break. Typically spring break in the US is anytime in the months of March and April with the peak weeks being the last two weeks of March.
SUMMER
Summer is a beautiful time in Florida however the temperatures and humidity levels are at their all time high. Summer elopements are better during sunrise or indoors to avoid the heat and afternoon thunderstorms. There are a ton of beautiful indoor locations in Florida and then you can spend the day exploring.
FALL
Fall is Florida is beautiful! We do not have the typical fall colors however temperatures start to cool towards the end of October and November. Day times in fall are still warm while mornings and afternoon temperatures begin to cool off and become more pleasant. Hurricanes in Florida are something you will want to be cautious of and plan accordingly or be flexible with your location. Hurricane season is from June until November with the most active month being September.
WINTER
Winter in Florida has some of the most pleasant weather and allows for more daytime activities. Days in winter are shorter and would be perfect for some blue hour or night time photos during your elopement. These months would be perfect if you are looking for less crowds and and fun nighttime activities to include in your elopement.
WHAT HAPPENEs IF THE WEATHER IS BAD?
Get in touch with your vendors as soon as possible to see what their policy is for weather. In my elopement packages I have a weather insurance policy. Part of my duties as your elopement photographer is to watch the weather and take action accordingly. Luckily, the weather here in Florida is well tracked and we can usually have an accurate understanding of the weather on your elopement day a few days prior.
Be sure to have a backup plan, insure your travel accordingly, get with your vendors about what to do just in case, and be willing to be flexible with your locations.
Downtown St. Augustine Elopement
Making your marriage legal
Making your marriage legal is the most important part of your elopement. I am here to give you all the information you will need to get your marriage license.
When and How to Apply
Reach out to the local Clerks Office website to obtain the correct information on how to obtain your marriage application. Recently, most clerks offices are requiring an appointment however this information can be found on the Clerks Office website.
When applying for your marriage license, there is a 3-day waiting period for Florida residence. You can attend a premarital course from the a registered provider waiving the 3-day waiting period. Your Clerks Office website will provide you with a list of registered providers.
For non-Florida residence do not have a waiting period and do not need to attend the premarital course. You can get married the day you apply for your marriage license.
Marriage License Requirements
When applying for your marriage license there are a few requirement that you need to be aware of to insure you have all the proper documentation.
Both parties need to be present in person when applying for your marriage license.
You will need to provide 2 forms of identification one being your social security number (you will not need a copy of your social card) and the second being one of the following;
- Driver's license (U.S. state or government)
- Passport
- U.S. military identification
- State identification card (U.S. state or government)
- Alien registration card
Marriage License Fees
Florida charges $86 for your marriage license and application. You can decrease your marriage license and application fee to $61 if you and your partner complete a premarital preparation course by a registered counselor and have your proof of completion. Your license is good for a total of 60 days.
You can purchase your marriage license using cash, money order, cashiers check with no surcharge. Card payments will be subjected to a 3.5% surcharge in most cases.
Who Can Marry Us and Do We Need Witnesses
Florida requires you have one of the following officials to preform your marriage;
- Ordained clergy
- Elders in communion with a church
- All Florida judges
- Notaries public of the State of Florida
In Florida you do not need any witnesses however you can have up to two different witnesses sign your marriage license if you wish.
St. Augustine Beach Elopement
Where to Elope in Florida
Florida offers so many beautiful locations through the entire state and you do not have to elope on the beach if you do not want to. This beautiful state offers so much more that just its beautiful beaches. Here are just a few of my favorite Florida locations;
St. Augustine (both Historical Downtown and the beaches)
Washington Oak State Park
Downtown Jacksonville
Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park, Key Biscayne
Lake Lousie
Big Talbot Island
Local Brewery or Local Winery
Wild Roots
The Springs
When deciding on which location you wish for your elopement to be held please keep in mind there may be a permit required. Hiring an elopement photographer, like myself, will help point you in the right direction.
Desoto National Memorial Elopement
Elopement Timeline Example
8 - Hour Jacksonville Elopement Timeline
12pm - Getting Ready & Detail photos at Airbnb
1:00pm - First Look photos
1:45pm - Touchups & Head to Ceremony location
3:30pm - Ceremony on Big Talbot Island
4:00pm - Newly-Wed photos
5:45pm - Dinner at a Ruby Beach Brewing
7:3opm - Sunset Photos On the River/Garage Top
6-Hour St. Pete Elopement Timeline (Split Day)
8:30am - Getting Ready & Detail photos at Hotel
9:30am - First Look photos
10:30am - Ceremony at Sunken Gardens
11:00am - Newly-Wed photos at Sunken Gardens
12pm - Break (the perfect time for you to grab lunch, explore St. Pete, & a great time for an outfit change)
3pm - Meet at Museum of Fine Arts for Artistic Couples Photos
4:30pm - Picnic at North Straub Park
5:30pm - Photographer leaves & you enjoy your picnic
Downtown Jacksonville USS Orleck Elopement
How to Book Your Elopement
When you’re ready you can reach out to me through my contact page! From there we will schedule out first zoom call and begin planning about your dream elopement. Once our initial call is completed and we have a game plan, I will send you your proposal which will include your contract and retainer. Upon completion, your day will be booked and you can sit back and relax. I will begin to put together your elopement day piece by piece, send you suggested vendors, and be available for any questions you have!
