Florida Beach Elopement Guide

When deciding on where to elope, one of the many gorgeous beaches in Florida will always be one of my top suggestions. Florida coastlines provide a tropical-like destination getaway without going out of the country. Between the stunning backdrops and year-round mild weather, beach elopements in Florida are a top choice for couples seeking an unforgettable, yet stress-free experience.  Whether you’re drawn to the pastel sunsets of Siesta Key or the tranquil shores of Anna Maria Island, a beach elopement here promises both beauty and ease. As a luxury wedding and elopement photographer, I created this Florida Beach Elopement guide to include all the need-to-know information to help alleviate any stress as you plan your dreamy beach elopement. 

The Benefits of a Beach Elopement in Florida: 

I think we can all agree that traditional weddings can be stressful and expensive. Many couples are opting to elope to alleviate the stress and save money, while still enjoying the meaningful ceremony they dreamed about. Here are a few reasons why an elopement might be the perfect choice for you and why Florida should be at the top of your list of locations.  

Fewer decisions = Less Stress

Planning a traditional wedding comes with a lot of decisions to make. Everything from choosing the venue, vendors, and the guest list, down to the minute details of linen colors and ceremony start time, all falls on your shoulders. All the decisions can lead to a feeling of overwhelm, which is why many couples are choosing to elope. A beach elopement eliminates many decisions and reduces stress even with destination considerations. 

Save Money

Skip the large guest count and massive venue fees, and redirect your budget toward meaningful splurges such as a skilled and professional photographer, a dream honeymoon, or gorgeous florals. With a smaller guest list, comes a smaller budget, which allows you to redirect your focus and your money on what matters most to you. 

Intimate & Meaningful

Eloping doesn’t mean marrying alone. Invite a few loved ones to share a quiet, pressure-free day focused on connection and intimacy, not logistics. 

Why Elope in Florida

Many beaches along the coast feel like a tropical paradise, however, they have so much more to offer than breathtaking sunsets and scenic beaches. Planning an elopement here allows for flexibility and ease when it comes to planning. There are numerous luxury resorts and beachside accommodations for you and any guests. If you’re planning a destination Florida beach elopement, it’s easy to turn this into a mini honeymoon, or extended weekend vacation for you and your guests. Florida provides the perfect mix of relaxation and fun, with endless activities, delicious restaurants, and breathtaking locations.

Planning your Florida Beach Elopement 

Now that I’ve convinced you of how amazing a coastal Florida elopement can be, let’s start getting into the details of planning an elopement in the sunshine state. The two major decisions you will need to make for your beach elopement is when and where you will say “I do”. 

What is the Best time of year to Elope in Florida?  

This is a common question couples have when trying to plan their elopement. Begin by considering Florida weather throughout the year, as that can play a factor in your day, especially when on the beach. Typically November-April are the ideal months, as it avoids the summer heat, summer vacation crowds, and hurricane/rainy season. 

I do not recommend planning an elopement during the months of June – September, mainly because the temperatures can be unbearably hot and there is a greater hurricane risk. However, if you had your heart set on a July wedding date, don’t let this stop you! There are some perks to having a Florida summer wedding, one of them being warmer ocean temperatures perfect for exploring the clear blue waters of the coast. 

Best time of day for your elopement

Usually ceremonies are held at sunrise or sunset. While it might be obvious that these times provide the most lovely backdrops with vibrant colors painting the sky, it is also popular because of the cooler temperatures. The middle of the day, in full-sun might not be ideal. However, plan accordingly if you are getting married after sunrise and before sunset. Come prepared with umbrellas or a source of shade to escape from the direct sunlight. 

Best Beaches in Central Florida to Elope

Now that you’ve decided when you’d like to get married, it’s time to select where. Luckily, Florida is home to some truly stunning beaches – you really can’t go wrong. Here are some of my favorite beaches in central Florida, near St. Pete and Tampa that are perfect for your seaside ceremony. 

St. Pete Beach: 

Located in the laid-back Tampa Bay area, St. Pete Beach is perfect for couples envisioning a relaxed, beachy elopement. It also features white sandy beaches and emerald waters, creating a dreamy beach elopement location.

Siesta Key Beach: 

This gorgeous beach in Sarasota is frequently ranked among the top U.S. beaches and for good reason! It offers quartz sand and turquoise water. The white sand beaches are cool, withstanding the heat from Florida sun and tropical weather.  

Clearwater Beach:  

Known for white sands, clear blue Gulf waters, and lively surrounding amenities, there is so much to love about Clearwater Beach. This award-winning beach provides a small town environment and an endless amount of activities. 

Anna Maria Island: 

This barrier island offers a serene, cozy feel with calm Gulf waters. It’s a peaceful, romantic location with tons of history – perfect for an intimate elopement on a secluded beach.

Treasure Island Beach:  

This pristine beach is located at the southern tip of Treasure Island. The sunsets here are unreal. Treasure island beach is just that – a treasure!  

Indian Rocks Beach: 

A lengthy beach with a quiet, tucked away atmosphere. This beach is ideal for intimate elopements where you can soak in the moment uninterrupted. 

Fort De Soto Park & Beach: 

This beautiful beach has picturesque backdrops with historic fort ruins and white sandy shores, making it a perfect location for a memorable beachside elopement.

Pass-a-Grille Beach:

Located on St. Pete Beach, ceremonies here often don’t need permits, making it an accessible elopement option for many. The beaches are scenic, peaceful, and private – perfect for an intimate elopement. 

Palm Beach: 

Known for its luxurious and upscale ambience, Palm Beach is where you go for extravagance and luxury.

Miami Beach: 

The area is filled with luxury, arts, and culture. The white sand beaches stretch for seven miles along Florida’s Coast, with warm turquoise waters providing a relaxing and tranquil spot to exchange your vows. 

Florida Keys + Key West: 

If you are imagining a tropical paradise elopement but don’t want to leave the country, the keys might be your spot. Full of lush tropical foliage, turquoise waters, and a relaxed, but vibrant atmosphere, the Keys are an ideal choice. 

What to Wear for Your Florida Beach Elopement

Choosing the right attire for your Florida elopement is key to staying comfortable and cool, as well as capturing stunning photos.  For the bride, opt for lightweight, breathable fabrics. Usually, flowy dresses are a wonderful choice, but I do suggest you watch the length of dresses. If your dress is too long, it can drag on the beach and could become uncomfortable, heavy (especially if it gets wet), and dirty.  

Groom attire should follow the same guidelines of lightweight, breathable fabrics. Suits can be very hot, but if they are a must, go with light-colored suits. Many choose to go with a more casual look like a crisp white shirt and neutral slacks.  

When it comes to footwear, go barefoot or opt for sandals or flats. You don’t want to try and walk on the sand in heels. Closed toed shoes will also just fill with sand. Barefoot is always my first choice for comfort and a relaxed feel. Besides, who doesn’t want to elope on a beach and feel that sand between their toes while saying “I Do!”?

Florida Wedding Legal Requirements

Many people are put off by planning an elopement or destination wedding because it seems like it might be a lot of work and they don’t know the legal requirements. This is why Florida is such a wonderful choice. There are minimal legal requirements, and there is less stress when it comes to traveling since it is in the U.S.

Here is everything you need to consider when planning a Florida elopement: 

Decide where in Florida you want to elope and look at their requirements as some Florida beaches do require a permit.  

Next, apply for your marriage license at a Florida county clerk’s office. To do this you will need 

1. Valid Photo IDs: Both you and your partner should have government-issued photo IDs, like a driver’s license or passport.
2. Social Security Numbers: These are required during the application process.
3. If you were previously married: If either of you was previously married, bring along the divorce decree or the death certificate of your former spouse as proof of dissolution.

There is usually a fee associated with this of around $100. It is important to note that out-of-state couples can marry the same day, however, Florida residents have a 3-day waiting period unless they take a premarital course.

Once you have your marriage license, you must use it within 60 days, so plan accordingly. 

Lastly, find an officiant who can sign the marriage license after the ceremony and then make a plan to return your signed license to the court offices. 

Planning your Florida Elopement:

I always recommend working with professional wedding planners and vendors who specialize in beach elopements. It is extremely beneficial to have vendors that are local to the area and know the ins and outs of the location, especially if you are from out of state. A local professional who understands the area, knows other vendors, or has worked at venues before, can help put you into contact with the right people, save you time, money, and energy. 

Another great perk of working with a professional, local planner is that they will know the culture, customs, and hidden gems of your destination. Their expertise, insight, and planning tips will help you navigate everything that comes up and ensure your day truly one-of-a-kind. This not only saves you tons of time on research (and stress from decision making), but it ensures you have the best experience possible on your big day. Here are trusted Florida beach wedding planners:

Florida Beach Wedding Planners

Cherished Ceremonies – located in the Tampa Bay area is a full-service beach wedding planner serving Clearwater Beach, Indian Rocks, Pass-a-Grille, Treasure Island, Siesta Key, and more. They offer everything from decor and officiants to marriage-license assistance.

Tide the Knot Beach Weddings – Specializing in St. Pete, Clearwater, Sarasota, and Tampa Bay region. They offer various full wedding packages, as well as design your own packages. Each of their wedding packages provides various options to perfectly match your style and preferences, ensuring your beach wedding aligns precisely with your wedding vision. 

Gulf Beach Weddings – A Full-Service Beach Wedding Company, offering Tampa Bay area all-inclusive wedding packages at locations from Clearwater to Siesta Key. They can handle everything including securing you marriage licenses by mail, one of the few marriage licenses by mail providers in the state of Florida.

Paradise Elopements and Event Planning Co. – Specializing in elopements and intimate wedding days, they offer coordinated packages with officiant, decor, florals, music, as well as affordable tropical micro-weddings packages. Their Florida beach elopement packages are designed to eliminate the stress of traditional wedding planning.​

Totally Tropical Weddings –  A local family owned business on Treasure Island. An exclusive tropical beach wedding or beach elopement planner in the St. Pete Beach, Pass-A-Grill Beach, Sunset Beach, Clearwater Beach, Sarasota and Tampa Bay area. They offer All-Inclusive pre-designed wedding packages for all sizes and budgets. 

The great thing about eloping, is that all you really need is an officiant, a planner (if you want a truly stress-free, hands off experience), and a photographer to capture all the heartfelt memories of your special day.  

When Eloping Isn’t the Right Choice

Of course, eloping isn’t for everyone. If you’ve always pictured a grand celebration surrounded by all your family and friends, then that day will be worth planning. There is nothing wrong with big wedding celebrations! Both weddings and elopements have their own set of considerations, and at the end of the day, the best option is what makes you happy. It is your day after all. 

Plan your Florida Beach Elopement

If you’ve been dreaming of coastal beach elopement, with the waves rolling in as the ocean breeze surrounds you, then Florida’s beaches are an ideal spot. You’ll get that tropical, island vibe without traveling abroad. With a perfect mix of romance, beauty, convenience, and ease, Florida Beaches are among the best places to elope. With the right planning support, you can have your dream beach elopement with less stress and more meaningful moments.

Ready to plan your Florida Beach Elopement? You deserve a wedding photographer who is invested in you and capturing every moment! Reach out and let’s connect to book your beach elopement in Florida (or around the world)!