If you are planning on eloping to Florida, there are a few things you will need to know. First, you'll need to obtain a marriage license. The requirements for obtaining a license vary depending on where you reside in Florida, but most counties require that both parties be present and validly licensed to marry in their state. Next, the process of filing the license can be a bit confusing so make sure to consult your county's website or call ahead if you're not sure how to go about it. After the ceremony, the marriage license is returned to the Clerk of Circuit Court to be filed and recorded. The Clerk will then forward the marriage record to the Bureau of Vital Statistics for permanent filing. This process takes approximately 60 days. Before returning the license to the Clerk of Circuit Court in the county you obtained the license from, make sure to take a clear photo of the completed license for your records.
Tips for planning the perfect elopement in Florida
Choose the right location: Florida has a wide range of gorgeous locations to choose from, so take some time to narrow down your options and pick the perfect spot for your elopement.
Get a marriage license: You'll need to obtain a marriage license from a county courthouse in Florida in order to get married. The process is relatively simple and straightforward, but be sure to do your research beforehand so you know what to expect.
Find an officiant: Once you have your marriage license, you'll need to find an officiant who can perform the ceremony. This can be anyone from a judge to a friend or family member who is ordained, as long as they're willing and able to do it.
Plan the details: Even though you're eloping, there are still plenty of details that need to be taken care of in order for everything to go smoothly on the big day. From booking transportation and lodging to figuring out what type of cake and champagne to have, remember to focus on the sweetness of the occasion!
Hire a photographer: Once this sweet day is over, all you have left are the photos. Make sure you hire a photographer who is familiar with smaller weddings and elopements.