Last Updated on February 27, 2024
There is no shortage of scenic places to elope in Florida.
If you and your partner are thinking about skipping a traditional wedding ceremony and want to elope, there are plenty of unforgettable, picturesque locations for you to celebrate this once-in-a-lifetime occasion.
To elope in Florida, you need to make sure that you have obtained a Florida marriage license through a county clerk’s office (this will cost roughly $100) and a wedding officiant.
Wedding officiants can include an ordained minister, clergy, notary public, judicial officer, or clerk of the circuit courts. You do not need additional witnesses for your elopement ceremony in the state of Florida
Best Places to Elope in Florida
On this list, you will find beautiful Florida beaches, parks, historic sites, botanical gardens, and more. With gorgeous scenery and spaces that provide memorable moments, these are places that you and your spouse will love to revisit in the years to come.
Table of contents
Key West Tropical Forest and Botanical Garden
Key West Tropical Forest & Botanical Garden in Key West is a beautiful place with native tropical gardens and forest. View their Champion Trees (some of the biggest specimens of native US tree species), tour over 150 different plant species in the Plant and Tree Nursery.
You can also enjoy bird watching in the Garden, which is visited by many different species of birds through the seasons.
Key West Tropical Forest & Botanical Garden offers a variety of different event venues, including a courtyard and a chapel, but the best place to elope here is the Butterfly Garden. It is an intimate, natural setting where you can share your vows amongst butterflies.
Key West Tropical Forest & Botanical Garden Address: 5210 College Rd, Key West, FL 33040
While you are in Key West don’t miss our tips to Enjoy a Fun-Filled Weekend In Authentic Key West and make sure to stop and eat from one of The 14 Best Key Lime Pies in the Florida Keys.
Bahia Honda State Park
Bahia Honda State Park in Big Pine Key in the Florida Keys is another great option for eloping. The park includes so many picturesque features of a tropical destination, such as palm trees, white-sand beaches, and clear, sparkling waters.
While at Bahia Honda, many visitors enjoy fun activities like snorkeling in those sparkling waters or stargazing at night when the stars light up the sky.
Because this is a state park, you will want to contact its office beforehand to ensure that elopements are permitted there and if there are any permits required or locations within the park that are recommended.
Getting married at the beach at sunset is an incredibly romantic option to consider.
Bahia Honda State Park Address: 1200 S. Crandon Blvd. Key Biscayne FL 33149
While you are in the area don’t miss these tips for Bahia Honda State Park and Nearby Places to Eat, Stay, and Shop.
Peña-Peck House
The historic Peña-Peck House in St. Augustine is a gorgeous and unique place to elope. The house was built in 1750 and is one of the few remaining First Spanish Period buildings – just one of 35 left. The property also contains award-winning ornamental gardens.
The gardens are a fantastic venue and a private place for an intimate elopement, located in the heart of Downtown St. Augustine. These quiet, breathtaking gardens are an idyllic spot to begin a new chapter with your future spouse.
Peña-Peck House Address: 143 St George St, St. Augustine, FL 32084
While visiting St. Augustine don’t miss our tips for Planning A Romantic Weekend in St. Augustine and our tips to Step Back in Time in Charming St. Augustine.
Siesta Key Beach
Siesta Key Beach frequently ranks amongst Florida’s (and the United States) top beaches. Beach weddings are very popular here due to the soft powdery sand and warm, clear waters. This vacation destination is a lovely option to consider for an elopement.
Siesta Key has some of the most breathtaking sunsets on the Gulf Coast. Consider hiring a Florida elopement photographer to capture your intimate ceremony so that you have pictures to remember this beautiful, once-in-a-lifetime moment.
Siesta Key Beach Address: 948 Beach Road, Siesta Key, FL 34242
Don’t forget to stop at the Top 10 Awesome Things To Do in Sarasota.
Dry Tortugas National Park
Dry Tortugas National Park is one of eleven national parks found in Florida. Located in the Gulf of Mexico, almost 70 miles west of Key West, Dry Tortugas is only accessible via boat or seaplane.
Due to its remote location, it is like a world of its own. The park offers boating, swimming, snorkeling, and more.
As with other public spaces on this list, you will want to check in advance to make sure your elopement plans will be permitted here and if there are any additional costs or things you need to know.
Enjoy your special day in this remote, historic area full of beautiful natural and architectural wonders.
Dry Tortugas National Park Address: 40001 SR-9336. Homestead, FL 33034
Don’t miss our tips for the Dry Tortugas: Florida’s Authentic Paradise.
Anna Maria Island
Anna Maria Island is located on the Gulf Coast, south of St. Petersburg and north of Siesta Key. This quieter area offers all of the stunning beauty that this region of Florida is known for
. Visit Bean Point Beach, which is known as one of the most tranquil and peaceful beaches on the island.
With limited parking, low tides, and glowing sunsets, this beach is a perfect option for a quiet beach elopement ceremony for you and your partner, and somewhere you will want to go back to time and again.
Anna Maria Island Address: 101 66th St, Holmes Beach, FL 34217
Get Authentic on Anna Maria Island & Cortez Village with some of our tips.
Harry P. Leu Gardens
Harry P. Leu Gardens is a hidden gem located in Central Florida. The gardens are in Orlando, minutes from downtown. It’s easy to forget its central location once you are there, though, as the gardens transport you to a botanical oasis. There are many stunning places to explore within the gardens.
For your elopement, Leu Gardens offers different packages and locations for you to say “I do” within their grounds, including wooded areas, gazebos, and trellises that will make your special day feel like a fairytale.
Harry P. Leu Gardens Address: 1920 N Forest Ave, Orlando, FL 32803
While in Orlando eat at the 7 Best Places to Get Key Lime Pie in Orlando or the 11 Best Vegetarian and Vegan Restaurants in Orlando.
If you enjoyed this article on the best places to elope in Florida and are looking for a few other recommendations, check out these suggestions: