A beach marriage proposal or elopement in South Florida feels like a dream — ocean breeze, golden sunset, and the sound of waves. Whether you’re planning in Fort Lauderdale, Miami, Palm Beach, or Boca Raton, beaches are some of the most romantic settings for saying “yes.” But beaches come with rules, permits, and challenges you should know about before planning.
At Forever Lovies, we’ve styled many beach proposals and elopements across South Florida, and we’re sharing the key rules and tips so your day goes smoothly.
General Rules for Public Beaches
Most South Florida beaches follow similar rules:
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No alcohol
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No balloons or artificial petals (they harm the environment)
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Turtle nesting season (March through October): no events after dark during this time.
Always check the exact city regulations for the beach you want. Even if you’ve seen others set up without a permit, that doesn’t mean you’ll get lucky — and you don’t want your proposal or elopement interrupted.
Permits and Exceptions
In most cases, you’ll need a permit with a fee to set up a proposal or elopement on the beach. Make sure to apply for the permit in advance.
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Beaches inside parks (like Crandon Park Beach in Key West): permits are required. Events must finish before the park closes (usually around sunset). After closure, you must leave.
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City-managed beaches (Fort Lauderdale Beach, Miami Beach, Palm Beach, Boca Raton): each has its own permit rules and fees. Always confirm with the city’s parks department.
- Beaches near hotels: you’ll need to coordinate directly with the hotel, since many manage the beachfront areas in front of their property and have their own rules. In fact, many hotels offer the option to rent a private beach spot specifically for your event.
Tips for a Perfect Beach Proposal or Elopement
Timing is Key
Sunset is the most beautiful time. Start about 15 minutes before sunset or right at sunset for the best light. After sunset, you’ll still have civil light for a short while, so it won’t be completely dark.
Avoid daytime proposals — beaches are crowded, and swimsuits in the background don’t create the romantic atmosphere you want. Plus, during the day, especially in the summer months, it can be extremely hot, making it uncomfortable for you, your partner, and your guests.
Early mornings can also be magical with fewer people around and cooler temperatures.
Be Ready for the Weather
Florida weather is unpredictable. Check several weather apps on the day of your event.
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If there’s a 20% chance of rain or higher and the sky looks dark, reschedule or move the event indoors.
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Rain not only ruins decor — it’s also unsafe to be on the beach during storms.
Always have a backup plan.
Secure Your Decor
It’s often windy near the water, so make sure arches and floral installations are properly anchored. Safety should always come first.
Hire a Professional Photographer
This is a once-in-a-lifetime moment — capture it beautifully. Make sure your photographer knows the event is in the evening, so they bring proper equipment for low light.
Mind the Background
Before the big moment, check that nobody is standing behind your arch or setup. It can spoil photos. Most people will move if you politely explain it’s an important moment.
Footwear
No heels! Walking on sand in high heels is uncomfortable and impractical. Encourage your partner to wear flats or remove shoes before walking down the aisle.
Leave no Trace
It’s very important to clean up after the event. Always remove flowers, candles, petals, and decor so the beach stays as beautiful as you found it. Never throw anything into the water.
Final Thoughts
A South Florida beach proposal or elopement is one of the most romantic ways to celebrate your love story — but it requires careful planning. From permits and timing to weather and small details, knowing the rules helps avoid surprises.
At Forever Lovies, we handle everything — permits, decor, flowers, coordination, and even backup plans — so you can focus only on the moment. Whether you’re planning in Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Palm Beach, or Boca Raton, we’ll make your beach proposal or elopement unforgettable.