Eloping in South Florida isn't a compromise — it's a choice. More couples are discovering that an intimate beach ceremony at golden hour, just the two of you (and a photographer), can be more meaningful than a 200-person event that takes a year to plan. This complete guide covers everything you need to know about how to elope in South Florida in 2025, from legal requirements to flowers, venues, and the packages we offer starting from $2,000.
Why Elope in South Florida?
South Florida has a combination of factors that make it one of the best elopement destinations in the United States:
- Year-round sunshine — unlike destination wedding spots that have a narrow window, South Florida's weather is beautiful from October through May, and even summer mornings are stunning.
- Stunning natural backdrops — Atlantic Ocean beaches, mangrove waterways, tropical gardens, and the Everglades all within an hour of each other.
- No need to travel far — if you live in Florida (or the Southeast US), this is a destination elopement without the international flight.
- Photography-friendly light — South Florida's golden hour is legendary. The warm, diffused light in the evening is a photographer's dream.
- Logistics are easy — hotels, restaurants, photographers, florists (us!), and officiant services are abundant and professional.
Legal Requirements: Getting Married in Florida
Before you pack the bouquet, here's what you need legally to get married in Florida:
- Marriage license: Apply in person at any Florida county clerk's office. Both parties must appear together with valid ID (driver's license or passport).
- Waiting period: Florida residents must wait 3 days after the license is issued. Non-residents can marry immediately.
- Cost: Approximately $86–$93 depending on the county. Broward County and Miami-Dade County licenses are processed the same day.
- Validity: The license is valid for 60 days from issue date.
- Officiant: Florida allows friends or family to become ordained online and legally marry you. Or hire a professional officiant (we can recommend several).
- Witnesses: You need at least one witness (many couples ask their photographer).
Best Elopement Locations in South Florida
South Florida has incredible variety when it comes to elopement settings. Here are our favorites:
- Fort Lauderdale Beach — wide, uncrowded stretches at sunrise or sunset. Free and accessible. See our guide to the best proposal spots in South Florida.
- Hollywood Beach Broadwalk — charming and walkable with a European boardwalk feel.
- Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens, Delray Beach — serene and visually stunning for intimate ceremonies.
- Matheson Hammock Park, Miami — a protected atoll pool surrounded by mangroves. Dreamy.
- Private yacht or boat — elope on the water. We partner with charter services for floating ceremonies.
- Luxury villa or Airbnb — complete privacy, your own pool, your own timeline.
- Coral Gables or Coconut Grove gardens — lush and tropical with instant elegance.
What's Included in Our Elopement Packages
We specialize in wedding and elopement florals in Fort Lauderdale and South Florida. Our elopement packages are designed to give you everything you need without the overwhelm of full wedding planning:
| Package Tier | Starting Price | What's Included |
|---|---|---|
| Essentials | from $2,000 | Bridal bouquet, boutonniere, venue coordination, officiant referral |
| Classic | from $3,200 | Florals + simple arch, petal aisle, photographer coordination, champagne |
| Luxury | from $5,000 | Full floral installation, arch, candles, photographer, hair & makeup referral |
How to Plan Your South Florida Elopement in 2–3 Weeks
One of the best things about eloping is how fast it can come together. Here's a realistic 3-week timeline:
- Week 1: Decide on location and date. Apply for marriage license. Contact us to discuss florals and setup. Book photographer and officiant.
- Week 2: Confirm all vendors. Choose your dress/outfit. Plan your vows. Reserve dinner reservation for after the ceremony.
- Week 3: Final walkthrough with your florist. Hair and makeup prep. Pick up your license. Get excited.
If you're also planning a proposal before the elopement, we handle Fort Lauderdale marriage proposals and Miami proposals as well. Some couples love the idea of a surprise proposal followed by a secret elopement — we can help plan both.