Known as the sunshine state, Florida is full of gorgeous landscapes and beautiful beaches where you’re sure to find the perfect place for your special day. Many Florida residents find that there is an abundance of wedding venues here where they can choose from places like Key West, Anna Maria Island, various parks, and more.
No matter your wedding date, this post will take you through the top Florida elopement packages for an amazing wedding.
Where To Elope in Florida
Below are some of the best places to get married in Florida — whether you want a traditional wedding, an intimate wedding, a Florida beach elopement, a big wedding, a destination wedding, a vow renewal, or a private venue.
These places offer some of the most beautiful scenery anywhere in the country. You’ll also find affordable packages. You may fall in love all over again and enjoy cherished memories with your significant other at one of these venues.
Below is a table that compares all the packages included in this list.
| Elopement Packages | Where To Get Married | Known For | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Key West | Butterfly & Nature Conservatory Elopement | Butterfly Garden | Champion Trees |
| Bahia Honda | None specified | On the beach at sunset | White-sand beaches and clear waters |
| Peña-Peck House | The Elopement Package and Elopement Plus | Ornamental gardens | Spanish Period building |
| Siesta Key Beach | Many elopement options to choose from | On the beach at sunset | Beautiful sunsets |
| Dry Tortugas | None specified | Plenty of secluded beaches | Architectural and natural areas |
| Anna Maria Island | Many elopement options to choose from | Bean Point Beach | Authentic Florida beauty |
| Harry P. Leu | Many elopement options to choose from | Various locations to choose from | Botanical oasis |
1. Key West Tropical Forest and Botanical Garden
The Key West Tropical Forest and Botanical Garden is a gorgeous location full of native tropical gardens and forests, making it a popular location for engaged couples.
With Champion Trees (one of the most prominent types of native U.S. trees) all over this venue, along with 150 various plant species in their Plant and Tree Nursery, it is a magical place to get married.
The area also offers a Butterfly Garden, chapel, courtyard, and a wonderful elopement package.
2. Bahia Honda State Park
Located in Big Pine Key within the Florida Keys, the Bahia Honda State Park is an excellent option to consider for eloping.
With many picturesque features such as white-sand beaches, palm trees, and clear waters, visitors will surely remember their event for life.
However, because it is a state park, you’ll need to contact their office ahead of time to ensure that your plans for eloping can be addressed and ask if any permits are required.
One of the best places to get married here is at the beach during sunset, which can provide a truly romantic way to say your vows.
3. Peña-Peck House
The Peña-Peck House is a historical landmark in St. Augustine that provides couples with a unique and stunning space to elope.
Built in 1750, it is one of the scarce first Spanish Period buildings that remain standing and is home to many ornamental gardens that have gained awards.
These gardens make for a fantastic venue and offer privacy for your intimate ceremony.
They’re found right at the center of St. Augustine’s downtown area. These breathtaking and serene gardens are the ideal spot to swear an oath of undying love to your significant other.
4. Siesta Key Beach
This option frequently ranks as one of the top Florida beaches. As such, many will look for beach wedding packages here, mainly because of the warm, crystal-clear waters and soft, powder-like sand.
In addition, because it’s such a great vacation destination, it provides an excellent option for you to consider for elopement.
Siesta Key also has some of the most beautiful sunsets on the Gulf Coast.
Consider hiring a photographer to ensure that every magical moment of your ceremony is captured and will last for you to cherish for the rest of your life.
5. Dry Tortugas National Park
The Dry Tortugas National Park is one of Florida’s 11 national parks and is located 70 miles west of Key West, in the Gulf of Mexico.
Because of its remote location, Dry Tortugas can only be reached by plane or boat, presenting a whole new world for visitors.
Like the other public spaces mentioned here, you must check whether your elopement plans are allowed there.
Once you’re all clear, you can wed and enjoy activities such as snorkeling, swimming, boating, and more.
You’ll also see the various architectural, and natural wonders found here, contributing to the beauty of this location.
6. Anna Maria Island
Just north of Siesta Key and south of St. Petersburg lies the stunning Anna Maria Island on the Gulf Coast. It offers a quiet area full of the beauty that Florida is known for. Be sure to explore Bean Point Beach, one of the island’s most peaceful and tranquil beaches.
This island has glowing sunsets, making it the perfect choice for an intimate elopement ceremony for your big day.
7. Harry P. Leu Gardens
You can visit the Harry P. Leu Gardens, just minutes from downtown Orlando. You’ll need to remember where you are once you’re transported into this botanical oasis. There is also a wide range of areas to explore inside its gardens.
Leu Gardens is a great option because they offer many elopement packages and different locations within the gardens. They also offer features such as gazebos, wooded areas, and trellises, which can all help turn your special day into a fairytale.
How To Elope in Florida
To get started, you’ll need to have a Florida marriage license. You’ll also need a wedding officiant — you can use any of the following:
- Clergy
- Ordained minister
- Judicial officer
- Notary public
- Circuit court clerk
A couple won’t need to add additional witnesses when holding an elopement ceremony in Florida. However, you will also need to consider further costs and other charges that may come with your elopement, including the following.
Officiants
If you’re looking to hire an officiant, remember that they may charge a package price of around $500 to $800 for an elopement.
Photographers
Set aside a good chunk of your budget for a professional photographer. A great photographer may charge anywhere between $2,500 to $6,000 for your elopement, depending on how many hours you would like to use their services. Photographers will usually work with you on a half-day or full-day basis.
Videographers
Much like photographers, a videographer is an excellent investment for your special day because they can help to document your meaningful journey.
However, they may cost as much as photographers, so remember how long you would like your elopement footage to run.
For instance, covering just the elopement ceremony will cost less compared to getting full-day coverage of the entire event.
Elopement Planners
You don’t always need to have a wedding planner to bring your elopement dreams to life, but they can help if you need help figuring out where to start.
Elopement planners can cost around $1,000 to $3,000.
However, a planner can save you from the worries and stresses that come with planning or help you book vendors if you don’t want a DIY wedding.
They are also a good option if you find yourself living too far away from your preferred elopement destination.
Florists
While you won’t need as many flowers for your elopement compared to a traditional wedding in Florida, you may still want to consider speaking to a florist.
If you want to avoid arranging a bridal bouquet yourself, purchasing one from a Florida florist can cost around $300 to $600.
The Bottom Line
Eloping can be a great choice if you want a low-key, intimate celebration between you and your significant other.
Luckily, Florida is a treasure trove full of beautiful, scenic, and picturesque destinations where you can truly appreciate the importance of your vows and enjoy an affordable elopement package.
Whether you choose to get married at a public or private venue, be sure to choose the right vendors to make sure you have the best wedding day possible!
