We can’t deny it. There’s just something about the Florida beaches. The peaceful sounds of the waves crashing into shore, the feeling of sand between your toes and the sun on your skin, and finishing the day off with one of the most incredible, golden sunsets you’ve ever seen? Yeah, Florida beaches are special, and if that description sounds like your dream, then a Florida elopement may be the perfect way for you to get married.
In this article, we’ll go over:
- what is an “elopement” exactly?
- the best places to elope in Florida
- the best time of year to elope in Florida
- how to get legally married in Florida
- Florida elopement packages + pricing
But, first let me introduce myself…
Your Florida Elopement Guide
I’m Jaycee Brammer – St. Petersburg, FL. local. I work as a team with my husband to provide elopement photography, videography, and planning assistance to couples. Our goal is to provide the easiest, most-stress free way to get married. So you can worry less about the small things, and thoroughly enjoy every second of your day.
To me, an “elopement” is just a smaller, more intentionally planned day that focuses on you, the couple. It’s choosing to worry a little less about the opinion and experience of others and more about you and what your idea of the perfect day together looks like. There are no rules.
Just because you’re choosing to have a smaller wedding, doesn’t mean it should be treated as less-than. If anything, it’s more. You’re assuring that you’ll be able to give more time and energy to the aspects of your day that mean the most to you, and to me there couldn’t be a more romantic way to get married.
So whether you choose to invite no guests or 15 of your closest friends and family members, I’m your girl. By your side throughout the entire process to help you plan a day that feels like the perfect representation and celebration of your relationship.
Now, let’s get into my biggest tips that you should know before you start planning your Florida elopement.
The Best Places To Elope In Florida
Let’s face it, there’s really no bad options when it comes to planning a beach wedding in Florida, but from a local’s perspective, here are some highlights of my top favs in the Sunshine State.
St. Petersburg, FL.
I know, I’m a bit biased to my hometown, but there’s a good reason behind it. St. Petersburg sits in the Tampa Bay Area, with an incredible downtown area that’s filled with the best restaurants, cafes, and bars. If you’re a foodie, this one is for you! Downtown St. Pete is covered in incredible murals, from their yearly Shine mural festival held in the city. And it’s home to a brand new pier that you truly have to see to believe.
St. Pete also has so many beautiful beaches. Some of my favorites for ceremonies are: Pass-A-Grille Beach, and Upham Beach. Permits for beach weddings in St. Pete are very affordable. It’s under $100 if you are not doing any type of set up. You can fill out the application here.
One of the best things about the Tampa Bay Area is its central west coast location that has protected it from hurricanes. The last hurricane to directly hit Tampa Bay was almost 100 years ago!
St. Pete averages 361 days of sunshine each year, and it even won the Guinness World Record for the most consecutive days of sunshine (768 day straight) in the world between 1967-1969. Which earned it the nickname of “The Sunshine City.” It’s located on the Gulf of Mexico and the average water temperature is around 76°F (24 °C).
Clearwater Beach, FL.
Clearwater Beach is located just north of St. Petersburg, FL. Also on the Gulf of Mexico. Clearwater is a popular spot for tourists, meaning if you’re planning to have a few guests with children come along, there will certainly be plenty to do before and after your wedding ceremony.
Clearwater is also a part of the Tampa Bay Area, meaning that hurricanes in this region are very very rare, which is a big benefit. Especially when you’re planning an event!
Permits are only required if you are having decor, or over 25 guests. If a permit is applicable, then it costs only $100 plus tax and you can get more information on that here.
St. Augustine, FL.
St. Augustine, FL. is the oldest continuously occupied settlement of European and African-American origin in the United States. Meaning, it’s full of history. St. Augustine is best known for it’s historic district that’s filled with cobblestone streets, quaint cafes, bars, unique shops, and bed and breakfast inns.
St. Augustine sits on the Atlantic coast in St. Johns county, which boasts 41 miles of coastline. One fun thing that this area allows is beach driving. Which can be a really fun addition to your elopement day! They allow beach driving on 16.3 miles of the coastline.
Permits for beach weddings in St. Augustine are $100 plus $6 tax. You can access more information about those here.
Sarasota County, FL.
Sarasota county is a popular destination for tourists, for good reason. From Venice to Siesta Key, Sarasota County boasts some of the most beautiful beaches in Florida. It’s known or it’s sugary white sands and amazing golf courses.
The top public beaches to have a wedding in Sarasota are: Siesta Key, Lido Key, Anna Maria Island, and if you want a more natural, private experience then I recommend Casperson Beach.
You’ll need to contact Sarasota County Parks and Recreation about permits. Not all locations require permits and they vary in price based on location and length of time. Sarasota county does have some of the more expensive beach wedding permits in the state. You have to call in for more permit information and you can provide payment for your permit over the phone.
Key West, FL.
If you feel like heading to the southernmost point of the contiguous U.S. then Key West is your spot. The Florida Keys are a unique chain of small and not-so-small islands and mangrove clusters stretching south westward from the bottom tip of the mainland of Florida over 100 miles into the Atlantic Ocean. If you’re looking for a true adventure, flying into Miami and renting a car for the trek down to Key West will be an unforgettable experience.
Key West is known for it’s gorgeous beaches, views, and never ending parties. Making it an amazing location for your Florida elopement.
Like most beaches in Florida, many do not require a permit at all for small elopement with little to no decor. But, for anything a bit larger, you’ll have to contact the county about permit requirements.
The Best Time Of Year For A Florida Elopement
Florida is a the second highest most visited state in the U.S. and it also get LOTS of rain. So knowing the best time of year to plan your Florida elopement can make all the difference in your overall experience. We’re going to go through the pros and cons of each time of year and explain the differences in weather between Florida’s various regions. But, in general, the best times to come to Florida are March-April and September-October.
Spring
Spring is considered March-May. It’s considered one of the best times to visit Florida because there are less crowds than summer, but the weather is really comfortable and mild. Just be mindful of spring break weeks, as there is an influx of tourists during those periods. Expect the water temperature to still be a bit chilly. Most locals don’t feel super comfortable swimming until April. But, still very doable and a wonderful time to visit! You can expect the weather to be around the mid-80’s in the central region of Florida. A bit cooler to the north, and a warmer to the south.
Summer
Summer is considered May-early September. Summer is the warmest months, along with the most tourists. As school lets out, families flock to Florida to spend a week on it’s beautiful beaches. Summer is also rainy season in Florida. They literally have countdowns to hurricane season at our Lowe’s lol. So be prepared for it to storm most evenings. They’re typically very quick and then the sun comes rights back out, but it is worth keeping in mind. The water temperatures are very warm and comfortable. You can expect outdoor temperatures in the 90’s in central Florida, a little cooler in the north, and a bit warmer in the south.
Fall
Fall is considered mid-September to November. The temperatures cool off a bit, crowds decrease, and the water temperatures remain really comfortable. Fall is arguably the absolute best to visit Florida. But, the beginning of fall does bring some of the highest risks of tropical storms. Typically this is a risk most people are willing to take in order to get the other perks of Fall in Florida. You can expect temperatures in the 80’s again in central Florida.
Winter
Now, tourists are typically at their lowest in Florida in the winter. But, that doesn’t make it any less crowded because the snowbirds hit the beach in the Winter. Florida’s population increases by millions every single year in the winter. Why? Because it’s the most perfect weather you can imagine. Beautiful, sunny 70 degree days all winter long in central Florida are what dreams are made of. If swimming isn’t a top priority for you, or you’re just tougher than the average local. Then, a winter Florida elopement may be perfect for you.
How To Get Legally Married In Florida
Marriage License
You’ll have to get your marriage license from a County Clerk Of The Court. Some counties allow you to apply online, but most of them require that you go in person. Click Here for Clerk of the Court contact information by county.
Unlike many states, you can get married in any county in Florida, regardless of where you obtained your marriage license. To obtain a marriage license you need:
- Identification: a picture ID such as a driver’s license, state ID card, or valid passport; both parties will also have to provide their Social Security numbers, but do not need to provide their Social Security Cards.
- Fees: $93.50. Marriage license fees can be reduced by up to $32.50 if you complete a licensed Florida pre-marital course.
Florida marriage licenses are valid for 60 days after issuance. You must perform the ceremony of marriage before this 60 days has expired. Blood Tests are not required. There is a 3-day waiting period after issuance of the license before you can get married, unless you have completed the Florida pre-marital course, in which case the waiting period is waived.
Who Can Perform Your Elopement Ceremony
All regularly ordained ministers of the gospel or elders in communion with some church, or other ordained clergy, and all judicial officers, including retired judicial officers, clerks of the circuit courts, and notaries public of this state may solemnize the rights of matrimonial contract, under the regulations prescribed by law.
Generally, I do not recommend hiring a random officiant to perform your ceremony. It just simply takes away from the romance of the day to have someone that you do not know perform your ceremony. Take it from someone who personally did this (me). Our officiant just gave my husband a 15 minute speech about cheating. Which was a really weird way to start our marriage lol.
If you’d like to have an officiant, then I always recommend having someone you know like your own pastor, a family member, or friend perform the ceremony. Or, if you’d like to have an even more private experience, I am ordained through the Universal Life Church and am happy to sign your marriage license for you as your officiant! Most of our couples choose this route. In the end, it’s completely your decision. I always recommend choosing the option the feels the most authentic to you.
Does Florida Require Witnesses?
The state of Florida does not legally require witnesses for your elopement, but they do recommend them in the event that proof of your marriage is required in the future. I’m happy to sign as your witness, as well as my husband, Nick. We work as a photo + video team, which makes getting two witnesses very easy!
Florida Elopement Packages + Pricing
Ready to do the damn thing? Let me help you make it happen! We provide the easiest, most stress-free way to elope in Florida. Our elopement packages, start at just $1375 for planning assistance, permit guidance, photography coverage, videography coverage, and me as your officiant. Everything you need in one place!
