An Elopement Photographer’s Guide to Florida

There is of course more to Florida than just Disney World. It is a hugely vibrant, exciting, and beautiful place to not just elope, but also explore. From the bustling beaches & amazing nightlife of Miami to the laid-back vibes and colonial architecture of St. Augustine – Florida offers the perfect place to elope for every type of couple, whatever their style.

When is the best time to elope to Florida?

Weather-wise, Florida is heaven for eloping couples looking to wed in a warm climate. With all-year-round sunny skies, you can’t choose a bad time to visit the Sunshine state. If you want my advice as an elopement photographer, I would elope in April or May as the days in Florida are warm, and the nights are long. Oh, and try to avoid spring break in March, unless you’re down to party! If you’re eloping between June and October be aware that it’s hurricane season, so there’s a chance that the heavens may open.

What is the cost of eloping in Florida?

That is the beauty of eloping, the cost is very much down to you! If you want to go all out and book the fanciest hotel, a five-star restaurant, and a whole church for your ceremony – you can! Or you can spend as little as possible on your ceremony, and just book an elopement photographer in Florida to take some beautiful pictures of you both. As a destination wedding location, Florida is perfect for eloping couples as it offers the opportunity to affordably combine your wedding and honeymoon in one. Fly in on a reasonably priced flight, tie the knot the following day and then take a week or so to explore Miami, Key West, or St. Augustine on your mini-moon!

What is required to officially elope in Florida?

In order to get an official marriage license in Florida, you’ll need a driver’s license, a state ID card, and a valid passport. Also, if you’re a US citizen you’ll need to know your social security number. If you have been married before, you’ll need to provide all the necessary documents to prove that you can now marry again. Once you have all the above, you need to show up in person at the county clerk’s office to verify all of your details and get your marriage license. The cost of the marriage license in Florida is $93.50 for eloping couples, but if you’re a resident of the state you’ll receive a $32.50 discount if you complete Florida’s marriage completion course. Your license is valid for 60 days, so you must have it solemnized by an official before those days are up.

In my humble opinion as an elopement photographer, I believe Florida is one of the most amazing places to elope to. Beautiful all-year-round weather, stunning beaches, gardens, and the most electric nightlife. Plus in Florida, not only can out-of-state couples marry on the same day as they get their license, but they also don’t need any witnesses! So no pulling strangers off the street, or bribing janitors in the hallway – in Florida, it’s just the two of you. And someone officially ordained to marry you…!

If you are planning to elope to Florida, and are looking for an elopement photographer, I would love to join you on your wedding journey. My style is a modern combination of photojournalism and relaxed posing. Overall I produce wedding photography that is contemporary and clean. I am a wedding photographer based in Central Florida (but happy to travel!) and would love the opportunity to discuss your elopement or micro-wedding plans. Feel free to get in touch via my contact page and also browse my portfolio of past couples.