Miami is where incredible beaches connect with a modern urban oasis. Elope in Miami and get the best of both worlds. Don’t worry about the details; this guide and tips created by a frequent Miami Elopement Photographer (that’s me!) have you covered with everything you need to know.

What is an Elopement?

Eloping has shed its secretive past and emerged as a celebrated choice for couples seeking intimate, stress-free ceremonies. Today, it’s all about personal preferences, leaving traditional wedding expectations behind. Imagine exchanging vows in a dreamy destination, then diving straight into something you’ve always thought about doing like skydiving or renting a Delorean. Eloping is about embracing what you and your partner love, sharing an experience with your partner, and reveling in the flexibility it offers. No guest lists, no budget constraints—just you, the person you love, and your story taking center stage with the help of your trusty photographer.

Also – that photographer should be me because I am going to put your story first and help you do the stuff you’ve always thought would be cool. Reach out

bring home

memories.

Don’t worry about awkward poses or feeling weird in front of a camera.

No pressure in the moment photography for laid back couples.

reach out for photography

Why Elope in Miami?

Miami is a city like no other in the USA, is a dazzling blend of cultures, vibrant nightlife, and effortless accessibility. If you’re stateside, Miami’s got that tropical flair you’re hankering for, no passport is needed. And if you’re jet-setting from any corner of the globe, Miami serves up cosmopolitan vibes on a silver platter.

Getting to Miami is a piece of cake! Miami boasts one of the USA’s largest airports, welcoming direct flights from across the planet. Plus, Miami’s a vacation hotspot, so scoring accommodations at any budget is a breeze. When booking your flight, set your sights on MIA International Airport for seamless access. And if you stumble upon a deal to FLL Airport, it’s just 45 minutes away, so it’s a solid option too.

From lush resorts to charming boutique hotels and cozy Airbnbs, Miami’s got you covered.

Legalities and Paperwork

Eloping in Miami can be a breeze when you understand the marriage laws. Here’s a quick rundown.

Age Requirement: Both parties must be at least 18 years old to get married without parental consent.
Marriage License: Obtain a marriage license from any county clerk’s office in Miami-Dade County. It’s valid for 60 days.
Residency: You don’t need to be a Florida resident to marry in Miami.
Identification: Bring valid photo identification, like a driver’s license or passport.
Waiting Period: There’s no waiting period; you can get married the same day you receive your license.
Blood Tests: No blood tests are required.
Fees: Marriage license fees vary by county but are typically around $93.50. Bring cash; some offices may not accept cards.

Clerk’s Offices: You can apply for a marriage license at various county clerk’s offices in Miami-Dade County, including:

Miami-Dade County Clerk of the Court – Downtown Miami
North Dade Justice Center – Miami Gardens
South Dade Government Center – Cutler Bay
Coral Gables District Court Clerk
Hialeah District Court Clerk

Now that you’re armed with this knowledge, your Miami elopement just got a whole lot simpler.

Best Time to Elope in Miami:

The best time of year to elope in Miami is November – May. Even though Miami has summer-like weather most of the time, with December and January being the coolest months (as low as 45°F) but occasionally reaching a pleasant 75°F there are also hurricanes and rain to plan around.

What to Expect in Different Seasons

Spring, particularly March, offers dry and sunny weather.
April and May bring longer and warmer days, perfect for ocean dips.
Summer can be sweltering and crowded, with June being the rainiest.
Fall, from September to November, is superb, with warm weather and fewer tourists.

Choosing the Right Miami Elopement Photographer

Finding the perfect photographer for your elopement is truly essential. Your elopement will be incredibly personal, and you’ll use the photos to jump back in often. With a ton of photographers to choose from, the decision might feel a bit overwhelming. However, when eloping, it’s key to select someone who knows the destination inside out, is well-versed in the local regulations, and can expertly guide you through the process. Rest assured, as your elopement photographer I’m here to ensure that every one of my clients is absolutely thrilled with their elopement. I take great care in crafting well-thought-out relaxed timelines to make your elopement even more enjoyable and memorable.

Honestly – Do you want basic photos or ones that instantly jump you back into a core memory?

If you chose the second, click here to talk about elopement photography.

Top Elopement Locations in Miami

Miami offers a range of enchanting settings for your special day. Discover the top locations for your intimate celebration of love in this vibrant, tropical destination. Here are a few of the top elopement locations in Miami:

Historic Walton House

Nestled in the heart of the lush Redland tropical gardens, the Historic Walton House exudes rustic charm and tranquility. Couples can get married in a peaceful natural setting at this special elopement spot. The big pond with koi fish and old oak trees makes a beautiful background for their special day.

Address: 28501 SW 187th Ave, Homestead, FL 33030
Phone: +1 786-356-9435

For more information please visit the Historic Walton House

Lummus Park Beach

Lummus Park Beach is special for elopements with beautiful sandy shores and an Art Deco backdrop. You can exchange vows with the soothing sound of ocean waves in the background and the vibrant energy of Miami’s South Beach surrounding you.

Address: 1130 Ocean Dr, Miami Beach, FL 33139

For more information please visit Lummus Park Beach

Vizcaya Museum & Gardens

Vizcaya Museum & Gardens is known for its bold architecture and stunning gardens. This elopement location transports couples to a bygone era of European elegance. Exchange vows amidst a historic setting and lush greenery.

Address: 3251 S Miami Ave, Miami, FL 33129
Phone: +1 305-250-9133

For more information please visit Vizcaya Museum & Gardens

Wynwood Arts District

The Wynwood Arts District is a perfect place for couples who want a trendy and artistic urban vibe for their elopement. Wynwood is famous for its colorful murals and artistic atmosphere, making it a special place for elopements.

Address: 58 NW 27th St., Miami, FL, United States, Florida
Phone: +1 786-615-8828

For more information please visit Wynwood Arts District

Best Hotels in Miami

Where you stay is important because a lot of storytelling is done in getting ready for the day, and most of the hotels are perfect for elopements. When it comes to where to stay in Miami, you’ve got some incredible options:

Biltmore Hotel in Coral Gables

This hotel features Mediterranean-inspired architecture situated on over 150 acres of lush tropical landscape. In addition to being breathtakingly beautiful, the hotel has a 2300 sq meter pool which is one of the largest in the United States.

Address: 1200 Anastasia Ave, Coral Gables, FL 33134
Phone: +1 855-311-6903

For more information please visit Biltmore Hotel

Arlo Wynwood

This hotel offers an awesome rooftop pool with private cabanas, a bar, a café, and a yoga deck. It is also located close to the Wynwood Walls, which is one of the largest open-air art installations in the world. The hotel offers complimentary access to the Museum of Graffiti, which is the world’s first museum dedicated to graffiti.

Address: 45 NW 26th St, Miami, FL 33127
Phone: +1 305-912-2799

For more information please visit Arlo Wynwood

Fontainebleau Miami Beach

This hotel was designed by Morris Lapidus and opened in 1954. The hotel is situated on Collins Avenue in the heart of Millionaires’ Mile and is known for its unique brand of white, curvilinear modernism (known as Miami Modern). If you’re a history buff the hotel has a rich history and has hosted many famous personalities such as Frank Sinatra and Elvis Presley.

Address: 4441 Collins Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33140
Phone: +1 305-538-2000

For more information please visit Fontainebleau Miami Beach

The Elopement Ceremony

With elopement ceremonies, you’ve tons of options. You can have a seasoned officiant craft a heartfelt ceremony that tells your unique love story, or invite a close friend to officiate for that personal touch. Courthouse officials are also at your service for a quick, no-fuss ceremony. Whether it’s a short and sweet exchange of vows or you want to incorporate special traditions, you can do it your way.

I added a list of vendors in this post, click here to jump to that section.

How much does it cost to elope in Miami?

While there is no set cost to elope in Miami, most couples spend $5,000-$15,000, significantly less than the national average of $30,000 for a traditional wedding in Florida. Most of the cost will go into travel, photography, outfits, hair & makeup, and whatever else you choose to add to your adventure.

Miami Elopement Checklist

To make things simple, here’s a Miami Elopement Checklist that should help you plan everything out.

Choose your day: Pick a date that works best for you, and be prepared to move it should the weather turn.
Marriage License: Obtain a marriage license from a Miami-Dade County clerk’s office.
Officiant: Arrange for an officiant to conduct your ceremony.
Witnesses: Bring witnesses; Florida requires two witnesses over 18.
Photographer: Hire a skilled photographer to capture your special moments.
Elopement Location: Choose your dream elopement location in Miami.
Accommodations: Book a comfortable hotel in Miami for your stay.
Vow Exchange: Plan your vows and elopement ceremony details.
Celebrate: Enjoy your intimate Miami elopement with your partner.
Marriage Certificate: After the ceremony, obtain your marriage certificate from the clerk’s office.

Recommended Miami Elopement Vendors

First, vendors aren’t just pros; they’re your stress-reduction team. Think of them as your elopement zen masters. Second, these talented folks are the ones who’ll take your dream day and make it pop with style, grace, and pure Miami magic. So, choose wisely.

Key Takeaways:

Miami is Ideal for Elopements: Miami offers a beautiful and romantic backdrop for couples looking to elope.
Elopement Packages Simplify Planning: Many venues in Miami offer elopement packages that streamline the planning process.
Beach Elopements are Popular: Beachfront elopements are a popular choice in Miami, providing a picturesque setting for intimate ceremonies.
Legal Requirements for Elopements: Couples should be aware of the legal requirements for eloping in Miami, including obtaining a marriage license.

Check out my full guide if you’d like info on eloping in Florida.

Elope in Miami: Everything you need to know