One of the first questions couples ask when considering a Miami elopement is simple: how much will it cost?
The honest answer is that it depends — on where you get married, what services you want, and how many guests (if any) you’re inviting. But unlike a traditional wedding, eloping in Miami is refreshingly affordable. Most couples spend between $1,500 and $5,000 for a complete, stress-free experience.
Here’s a realistic breakdown of what to budget for.
The Marriage License
Every Florida wedding starts here. A Florida marriage license costs $86 (or approximately $93.50 if paid by credit card). Both partners must appear in person at any Florida courthouse to apply.
Good news for out-of-state couples: there’s no waiting period. You can pick up your license and get married the same day. Florida residents who complete a premarital course can get the fee reduced and skip the standard 3-day waiting period.
The Wedding Officiant
A licensed officiant is the only legal requirement for your ceremony (aside from the marriage license). In Miami, officiant fees typically range from $200 to $500 depending on whether you want a simple legal ceremony or a fully personalized, scripted ceremony with vows.
At Small Miami Weddings, our officiant is included in every package and works with each couple to create a ceremony that reflects their story.
Photography
Your elopement photos will be among the most important investments you make — these are the images you’ll share with family and look back on for decades. Professional elopement photography in Miami typically costs $500 to $2,000 depending on hours of coverage and deliverables.
Most elopement photographers offer 1-2 hours of coverage, which is plenty for getting-ready shots, the ceremony, and portraits at your venue. Browse our Photo Gallery to see what elopement photography looks like across our venues.
Venue and Permits
This is where Miami elopements really shine compared to traditional weddings. Many of our most popular venues are public parks and beaches with very affordable permit fees:
- Miami Beach — Beach ceremony permits range from $0 to $50 depending on location and group size
- Crandon Park — Park entry fee plus a small ceremony permit
- Bill Baggs State Park — State park entry fee plus ceremony permit
- Vizcaya Museum and Gardens — Venue rental fees are higher here ($500+) but the setting is unmatched
- Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden — Garden rental fees apply but include an extraordinary botanical setting
Compare this to a traditional wedding venue that might charge $5,000 to $20,000 just for the space.
Flowers and Decor
Elopement florals are typically simpler and more affordable than traditional wedding flowers. Budget $150 to $800 depending on what you want:
- Bridal bouquet only — $75 to $200
- Bouquet + boutonniere — $100 to $250
- Ceremony arch or backdrop — $200 to $600
- Full ceremony decor (arch, aisle markers, petals) — $400 to $800
Check out our arch and decor options to see what’s available.
Hair and Makeup
Professional bridal hair and makeup in Miami typically runs $250 to $500. Many artists offer a trial session for an additional fee, which is recommended if you’re particular about your look.
Most couples book mobile artists who come to their hotel room, which is convenient and eliminates transit stress on your wedding day.
Attire
This is one of the most personal — and variable — costs. Some brides choose a simple white dress for $100-300, while others invest in a traditional gown for $1,000+. Grooms can wear anything from linen pants and a button-down ($50-150) to a full suit ($300-800).
The beauty of an elopement is that there are no expectations. Wear whatever makes you feel like the best version of yourselves.
Travel and Accommodation
If you’re traveling to Miami for your elopement, factor in:
- Flights — Varies widely, but Miami International Airport (MIA) is well-served by most airlines
- Hotel — Miami Beach hotels range from $150 to $500+ per night depending on season and location
- Car rental — $40-80/day, though rideshare works well for most couples
Many couples turn their elopement into a mini-vacation, spending 3-5 days enjoying Miami before or after the ceremony.
All-In: What Most Couples Actually Spend
Here’s what a typical Small Miami Weddings elopement costs when you add it all up:
- Budget elopement (just the two of you, beach ceremony, minimal decor): $1,500 – $2,500
- Mid-range elopement (2-10 guests, ceremony arch, professional photos, flowers): $2,500 – $4,000
- Premium elopement (up to 30 guests, garden or Vizcaya venue, full decor, extended photography): $4,000 – $7,000
Compare that to the average U.S. wedding cost of over $30,000 and it’s easy to see why elopements are the fastest-growing wedding trend.
Why an All-Inclusive Package Makes Sense
Coordinating individual vendors — officiant, photographer, florist, permit applications, setup crew — can eat up time and add hidden costs. That’s exactly why we created our all-inclusive elopement packages.
Every Small Miami Weddings package includes your officiant, photographer, wedding coordinator, ceremony decor, and permit handling. One price, one team, zero vendor coordination stress.
Ready to Get Started?
The best way to get an accurate cost for your specific vision is to reach out to our team. Tell us your ideal date, venue, and guest count, and we’ll put together a custom quote.
You can also read our step-by-step planning guide: How to Plan an Elopement in Miami, or browse our Ultimate Guide to Eloping in Miami for everything you need to know.
