Miami is one of the most popular elopement destinations in the United States — and for good reason. Year-round sunshine, turquoise water, swaying palms, and a mix of beach and garden venues make it the perfect backdrop for couples who want something intimate, personal, and unforgettable.

Whether you’re dreaming of a barefoot ceremony on the sand, a lush tropical garden exchange of vows, or a historic estate with European-inspired architecture, Miami and South Florida offer a setting for every kind of love story.

At Small Miami Weddings, we’ve helped thousands of couples elope in Miami since 2012. This guide covers everything you need to know — from legal requirements to the best venues, costs, and tips from our team of planners, officiants, and photographers.

Why Couples Choose to Elope in Miami

Miami offers a rare combination: destination wedding beauty with hometown convenience. Couples choose to elope here because they can have a meaningful ceremony without the stress, cost, or politics of a traditional big wedding.

Here’s what makes Miami stand out as an elopement destination:

Year-round warm weather — Ceremonies are possible every month of the year
No witnesses required — Florida law does not require witnesses to be present at your ceremony
Diverse venues — From white-sand beaches to botanical gardens to historic estates
Easy legal process — Marriage licenses are available same-day at any Florida courthouse
International airport — Miami International Airport (MIA) makes it easy for couples and guests to fly in

If you’re wondering whether eloping is right for you, read our post on 6 Signs Eloping in Miami is Right for You.

Best Beach Elopement Venues in Miami

Miami’s beaches are the most popular choice for elopements. Each stretch of sand has its own personality — from the iconic energy of South Beach to the secluded beauty of Key Biscayne.

South Beach, Miami Beach

The world’s most famous beach and a stunning backdrop for couples who want Art Deco architecture, turquoise water, and unforgettable sunset ceremonies. Learn more about South Beach weddings.

Mid-Beach, Miami Beach

A quieter, more private stretch of Miami Beach — wide sand, fewer crowds, and a more intimate feel. Many couples prefer Mid-Beach for exactly this reason. Explore Mid-Beach ceremonies.

North Beach, Miami Beach

The most laid-back neighborhood on Miami Beach. Wide sand, calm waters, and a local feel that’s perfect for couples who want an authentic, un-touristy beach elopement. See North Beach details.

Crandon Park, Key Biscayne

Consistently rated one of America’s top beaches, Crandon Park offers palm-lined shores, crystal-clear water, and a tropical island feel just minutes from downtown Miami. It’s our most popular venue for a reason. Discover Crandon Park.

Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park

Home to the Cape Florida Lighthouse — Miami’s oldest standing structure — Bill Baggs offers a unique, historic backdrop on Key Biscayne’s southern tip. Explore Bill Baggs.

For a complete list of beach and garden ceremony locations, visit our Ceremony Locations page.

Best Garden Elopement Venues in Miami

Not every couple wants sand between their toes. Miami’s tropical gardens offer lush greenery, exotic flowers, and shade — perfect for couples who prefer a natural, botanical setting.

Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden

One of the world’s premier tropical gardens, Fairchild offers rare plants, butterfly gardens, and stunning canopy backdrops. It’s one of Miami’s most unique intimate wedding venues. See Fairchild Garden details.

Key Biscayne Gardens

A private, lush tropical garden steps from the ocean. This venue combines the beauty of a garden ceremony with the proximity to Key Biscayne’s stunning coastline. Explore Key Biscayne Gardens.

Matheson Hammock Park

A hidden gem in Coral Gables featuring a man-made atoll beach and lush mangroves. Unlike anything else in Miami. Discover Matheson Hammock.

For more garden options, browse our Miami Garden Venues and Miami Beach Garden Venues pages. You can also read our full guide to garden elopements in Miami.

Vizcaya Museum and Gardens

Vizcaya deserves its own section. This Italian Renaissance-style villa on Biscayne Bay is one of Miami’s most iconic wedding venues. The formal European gardens, the Tea House steps, and the Garden Mound under Spanish Moss oaks create an atmosphere that feels like stepping into another era.

We’ve performed many intimate ceremonies at Vizcaya and couples consistently tell us it exceeded their expectations. Learn more about Vizcaya weddings or read our comprehensive guide: Everything You Need to Know About a Vizcaya Garden Wedding.

Eloping in Fort Lauderdale

Just 30 minutes north of Miami, Fort Lauderdale and Hollywood Beach offer golden sand, stunning sunrises, and a more relaxed vibe than Miami Beach.

Sunrise elopements are especially popular on Fort Lauderdale Beach — imagine starting your marriage as the sun rises over the Atlantic with the beach all to yourselves.

Explore Fort Lauderdale Beach weddings or browse Fort Lauderdale garden venues.

Eloping in the Florida Keys

For couples who want to take the destination experience even further, the Florida Keys offer secluded beaches, resort venues, and some of the most spectacular sunsets in the world.

From Key Largo to Key West, the Keys feel like a different world — and that’s exactly why couples love them. See our Florida Keys page or read our detailed guide: How to Elope in the Florida Keys.

We also serve Islamorada — the Sportfishing Capital of the World — which offers secluded beaches and resort venues perfect for intimate celebrations.

How to Get a Marriage License in Florida

Getting married in Florida is straightforward:

Both partners must appear in person at any Florida courthouse to apply
Bring valid government-issued photo ID (passport, driver’s license, or state ID)
The fee is $86 ($93.50 if paid by credit card at most locations)
Florida residents who complete a premarital course get the license fee reduced and skip the 3-day waiting period
Out-of-state couples have no waiting period — the license is valid immediately
No witnesses are required — only the officiant and both partners need to sign
The license is valid for 60 days and can be used anywhere in Florida

If you’d rather skip the courthouse visit, services like Marriage by Mail can obtain your Florida marriage license and have it ready for your arrival.

For more details on the legal process and practical planning, read our step-by-step guide: How to Elope in Miami.

What Does an Elopement in Miami Cost?

Elopement costs in Miami vary widely depending on what you want. A simple ceremony with just an officiant can cost a few hundred dollars, while a full-service elopement with photography, flowers, decor, and coordination ranges from $1,500 to $5,000+.

At Small Miami Weddings, our elopement and small wedding packages include everything you need — officiant, photographer, coordination, permits, and decor — so you don’t have to piece together vendors on your own.

For a breakdown of what to budget for, read our planning guide: How to Plan an Elopement in Miami.

Best Time of Year to Elope in Miami

Miami’s warm climate means you can elope year-round, but some months are better than others:

November through April — Dry season. Lower humidity, less rain, and the most comfortable temperatures (70-82°F). This is peak wedding season.
May through October — Wet season. Higher humidity with afternoon rain showers, but mornings are often beautiful. Fewer tourists mean more privacy on the beach, and costs may be lower.
Golden hour — For photography, the best light is the hour before sunset. Sunrise ceremonies are also stunning, especially on Fort Lauderdale Beach and Key Biscayne.

What to Expect on Your Elopement Day

When you elope with Small Miami Weddings, we handle every detail so you can focus on each other. A typical elopement day looks like this:

Arrival and setup — Our team arrives early to set up your ceremony space with your chosen arch, decor, and florals
Getting ready — You get dressed and prepared. Many couples do hair and makeup at their hotel
The ceremony — Your officiant leads a personalized ceremony (typically 15-20 minutes). Vows, ring exchange, and your first kiss as a married couple
Photos — Your photographer captures candid and posed shots at the ceremony location and surrounding areas
Celebration — Toast with champagne, take a walk on the beach, or head to dinner at your favorite Miami restaurant

See Real Elopements and Small Weddings

The best way to imagine your own ceremony is to see real couples who’ve done it. Browse our Photo Gallery and Wedding Videos to see real ceremonies across all our venues.

Ready to Start Planning?

Whether you’re 6 months out or 6 days out, we’re here to help you create an intimate wedding experience that feels authentically yours.

The Ultimate Guide to Eloping in Miami (2025)