The 15 Best Elopement Packages & Places to Elope in Florida

While some couples want to savor their engagement and let the wedding planning process linger, others may want to skip the stress of a large, lavish ceremony and elope with the hopes of throwing a reception down the line. Florida offers a diverse roster of venues and unique elopement locations, ranging from beachside hotels to private islands. In fact, couples have plenty of styles and price points to choose from when booking an intimate celebration that hones in on what truly matters: the love. According to Janessa White, General Manager of Simply Eloped, the top elopement spots across Florida include cities St. Augustine, Orlando and the Florida Keys.

"St. Augustine is a stunning city and it's clean: The parks are clean and there's plenty of oceanside to go around," White remarks. "This is not surprising, but we plan a lot of ceremonies in Orlando. (There are great spots in Orlando that aren't only Disney World, although people are getting married there, and then visit Disney World and Universal Studios after.) That's something that we see a lot of at Simply Eloped: People choosing their elopement destinations based on activities they want to do before and after."

FEATURED VIDEO FROM THE KNOT

We've scoured elopement packages from wedding planners and venues everywhere, from the tip of the state in Key West to the panhandle in Sandestin. For something on the more rustic side, truly immersed in the state's magnificent nature, you can always have a National Park elopement in the Everglades surrounded by coastal mangroves. Florida is also home to some of the country's finest hotels, many of which offer elopement packages. "I do see people choosing places in Florida based on their demographic," adds White. "I'd say a lot of renewals or second weddings are happening in the Florida Keys." Depending on your elopement vibe (and stage in life), here are 15 of the best places to elope in Florida.

Washington Oaks Gardens State Park, St. Augustine

Photo Courtesy of Simple Eloped

While Florida is famous for its beaches, this well-known state park is one of the most coveted elopement destinations in St. Augustine. "It's a town that takes such pride in their city and you can tell the second you get there," says White. "It's a clean city and visitors can tell: it's got a lot of history. It's got that [European] flair, which is kind of unusual." You'll need a permit, either way, to marry at this famous Florida state park, so it's best to consult the experts to facilitate the process.

6400 N Ocean Shore Blvd, Palm Coast, FL 32137

Peña-Peck House Garden, St. Augustine

Photo Courtesy of Simple Eloped

The adorable Peña-Peck House Garden is a preserved historic site that offers a shaded courtyard that conceals couples from the bustle of downtown St. Augustine. Centrally located, a venue fee is required to exchange vows on-site. (It's just that popular.) Leave it to an elopement professional to handle the nitty gritty.

143 St George St, St. Augustine, FL 32084

Pleasant Garden, Miami

Photo Courtesy of Simple Eloped

A rustic barn seems to be at odds with a smoldering city like Miami, but in the case of Pleasant Garden, it works beautifully. Couples will be pleased to find that this remodeled venue in the Redlands lacks the crowds of South Beach. Instead, this Florida elopement spot provides a peaceful ambiance, much like its name.

14900 SW 200th St, Miami, FL 33187

The Faena Hotel Miami Beach, Miami

Faena Hotel Miami Beach

Imagine marrying before a hulking gold-gilded mammoth or slipping away to a name-appropriate spot known as "El Secreto" for the elopement. At the magical and luxurious Faena Hotel in Miami Beach, anything luxurious is possible. Couples who plan to honeymoon after the nuptials will especially find this venue to be a worthy choice. Each room key comes with beach umbrellas and access to the resort's pristine private beach and pool.

3201 Collins Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33140

Seas the Day Package, The Elser Hotel, Miami

Photo: Spectre Sea

Post up in a bay-view suite in Downtown Miami at The Elser Hotel, where you can "Seas the Day" with a four-hour yacht charter (packages start at $5,000) complete with a photographer on hand to capture your exchange of vows on the water. Once you cruise back to the dock, you'll continue the wedding celebration with dinner at swanky Jaguar Sun and a Champagne breakfast in bed the following morning.

398 NE Fifth St., Miami, FL 33132

5.0 Star Rating | Read Reviews

Elopement Package, Bungalows Key Largo, Key Largo

Photo: Bungalows Key Largo

The first and only luxe all-inclusive in the Florida Keys, adults-only Bungalows Key Largo is as close to Tahiti as you can get without ever leaving the country. With 135 villas scattered along the waterfront, you'll feel like you've slipped away to a private island paradise—one complete with its own floating tiki boats perfect for happy hour and a 56-foot catamaran where you can set off for romantic sunset sails. Couples can even take advantage of the "bungalows bubble butler," who can prepare a candlelit Champagne bath experience in the al fresco soaking tub on your bougainvillea-covered veranda. The Duet Elopement Package—which starts at $4,500 midweek—covers everything you'll need to tie the knot, including a private ceremony on Tranquility or Coconut Beach and in-room rose petals and Champagne the evening of your wedding.

99010 Overseas Highway, Key Largo, FL 33037

4.0 Star Rating | Read Reviews

Key West Botanical Garden, Key West

Photo Courtesy of Simply Eloped

Seven different sites serve as possible elopement locations at this sub-tropical arboretum and botanical garden. A reservation is required at this stunning venue, which can take up to 45 guests (although we expect most elopements to be much smaller in size).

5210 College Rd, Key West, FL 33040

Two by the Sea, The Reach Resort Key West–Curio Collection by Hilton, Key West

Photo: The Reach Resort Key West–Curio Collection by Hilton

From Miami, take the scenic drive across the Overseas Highways to the only stretch of natural private beach in Key West at The Reach Resort Key West–Curio Collection by Hilton. Say "I do" on the sand with the "Two by the Sea" intimate ceremony package, which starts at $3,000 and includes a ceremony coordinator, an officiant, a bridal bouquet and boutonnière, a single-tier wedding cake and photography. You can take your pick of venues to exchange vows, opting between a floating gazebo over the Atlantic Ocean or a sunset ceremony on the sand. Since you'll instantly shift from wedding to honeymoon mode, celebrate in Florida fashion with a boat ride over to Snipes Key for a private beach picnic and snorkeling.

1435 Simonton St., Key West, FL 33040

4.8 Star Rating | Read Reviews

Barefoot on the Beach, Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort and Spa, South Walton

Photo: Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort and Spa

Head north to the Panhandle's infamous powder-soft white-sand beaches to elope on a private stretch of shoreline at Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort and Spa, near Destin. The drive alone on the scenic road connecting 16 coastal communities and artist colonies is half the allure of this side of Florida. Once you get here, you'll be whisked into a king-bed beach-view room where you can prepare for your Barefoot on the Beach Ceremony (starting at $6,550) for up to 20 guests. The package includes everything from a day-of coordinator to a professional photographer ready to capture your special day.

4000 Sandestin Blvd., Miramar Beach, FL 32550

4.0 Star Rating | Read Reviews

Steal Away Package, Little Palm Island, Little Torch Key

Photo: Little Palm Island

Private island without the need to pull out a passport? At Little Palm Island in the Florida Keys—the only private island resort in the country—you'll be in a scene plucked from the British West Indies while just being a quick boat ride off the coast of Florida. The adults-only haven is the perfect place to elope in style, especially with the Steal Away Package (starting at $6,000), which includes a ceremony in the location of your choice, an hour of professional photography, a bridal bouquet and a Champagne toast post-ceremony. Since the resort only hosts one wedding a day, you know yours will receive all the attention it deserves.

28500 Overseas Highway, Little Torch Key, FL 33042

4.5 Star Rating | Read Reviews

Elope at the Pink Palace, The Don CeSar, St. Petersburg

Photo: The Don CeSar

This Gulf Coast beauty (dubbed the Pink Palace) sports a storied history spanning back more than a century to when silver screen and literary stars like F. Scott Fitzgerald once called The Don CeSar their home-away-from-home. Considered one of the best historic hotels in the country, the celebrated spot is sure to make the start of your marriage a memorable one. Post up in one of the suites surrounded by tropical gardens and overlooking the Gulf of Mexico, linger at the beach, or spend the day golfing in one of the nearby PGA-worthy courses. With the weekday elopement ceremony packages, which start at $3,000, you'll say "I do" on a private veranda or the beach pavilion followed by a dream photoshoot post-ceremony on the sand.

3400 Gulf Blvd., St. Pete Beach, FL 33706

4.0 Star Rating | Read Reviews

Two Palms Package, Hawks Cay Resort, Duck Key

Photo: Hawks Cay Resort

Whether you're planning a ceremony for two or 25, Hawks Cay Resort in the Florida Keys has you covered with its Two Palms Elopement Package. Elope in the 60-acre property in Duck Key, where the water is as turquoise as it is in the Caribbean. Here, the mix of townhouse-style villas and adults-only rum bars and cabanas give off a private island vibe. For something on the more intimate side, the elopement package includes a day-of wedding planner, an officiant, a one-tier cake and a bottle of Champagne or sparkling cider—plus discounted rates for a water view junior suite, so you can wake up to stunning ocean views your first day as newlyweds.

61 Hawks Cay Blvd., Duck Key, FL 33050

4.0 Star Rating | Read Reviews

Elopement Package, Up the Creek Farms, Malabar

Photo: Up the Creek Farms

Owned and operated by a husband-wife duo, Up the Creek Farms on Florida's Space Coast, near Melbourne, was once home to one of the area's first pioneers, and the 1870s farmhouse hasn't lost its timeless Southern charm. Take your pick of elopement backdrops—from the wood-framed boathouse to one of the many willows—or opt for a micro-ceremony soiree with farmhouse bench seating, grazing boards and lemonade on the boathouse deck. The great thing about this venue is that you can work within your budget and style, with hour-long events starting at $500 for four guests and add-ons like ivory and sage floral accents and a farmhouse bridal suite.

3590 Valkaria Rd., Malabar, FL 32950

5.0 Star Rating | Read Reviews

Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World Resort, Lake Buena Vista

Photo: Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World Resort

Disney fans can toast their new nuptials with prime views of Walt Disney World's evening fireworks show from Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World Resort's Michelin-starred, 17th-floor rooftop restaurant, Capa. The sprawling, 26-acre resort has enough to keep couples entertained on-site throughout their wedding and honeymoon, but one of the real perks is exclusive access and a planning service for the theme parks. Your elopement can be as intimate or extravagant as you'd like, with packages (price on request) that can cater to as few as two guests. In true Four Seasons fashion, you won't have to lift a finger, since the hotel will handle everything.

10100 Dream Tree Blvd., Lake Buena Vista, FL 32836

5.0 Star Rating | Read Reviews

Mayan Courtyard, Art & History Museums, Maitland

Photo Courtesy of Simply Eloped

The Mayan Courtyard is the ideal option for couples who want an architectural site for an elopement (think: decorative tiles, landscaping and Greek columns). Located near Orlando, this venue's grounds also feature a pond and a chapel. Couples, however, will need to book a reservation and, given the logistics, it's recommended that an elopement specialist is hired for the occasion too.

231 West Packwood Avenue, Maitland, FL 32751

—Esther Lee contributed to the reporting of this article.