How to Elope in Vero Beach, Florida

The Ultimate Guide for Lovers Planning A Florida Elopement

Eloping is becoming an increasingly popular choice for couples who want a more intimate and adventurous wedding experience. If you’re considering eloping, look no further than the charming and scenic Vero Beach, Florida. Known for its serene beaches, lush parks, and vibrant arts scene, Vero Beach offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and cultural richness. This guide is designed to help you plan the ultimate elopement in this coastal paradise.

Choosing the Right Time of Year & Location for Your Elopement

When planning to elope in Vero Beach, one of the first questions you should ask yourselves is “When do we want to elope?” Florida generally has great weather all year round, but it can be unpredictable during the summer and fall. Each season in Vero Beach has its own unique perks and considerations.

Vero Beach Seasonal Elopement Information

Spring (March-May):
Springtime in Vero Beach is beautiful with blooming flowers and pleasant temperatures. This season offers a vibrant and colorful backdrop for your elopement, but be prepared for occasional rain showers.

Summer (June-August):
If you don’t mind the heat, summer elopements offer extended daylight hours and late sunsets. However, this is also peak tourist season, and the potential for heavy rain and storms increases as hurricane season starts in June.

Fall (September-November):
Fall in Vero Beach is warm and less humid, with fewer tourists than in summer. While hurricanes can still occur until the end of November, the likelihood of daily rain diminishes, making this a lovely time for an outdoor elopement.

Winter (December-February):
Vero Beach’s winters are mild and perfect for outdoor ceremonies. The city’s holiday decorations provide a magical atmosphere for December and January elopements. Keep in mind that the sun sets earlier in winter, so plan your ceremony accordingly.

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Vero Beach Elopement Location Guide

Okay, so you picked out the perfect time of year to elope in Vero Beach, now the next big question is where. The first thing you should ask yourself is what kind of vibe you want your elopement to have. The location you choose is more than just a pretty background, it’s the entire atmosphere of your elopement. Foliage, rocks, water, etc. in the background will determine the overall look of the images. Do you want simple, classic beach photos? Are you going for a modern, downtown elopement vibe? Do you want it to feel like a tropical, adventure elopement? Choosing the right location is crucial for setting the vibe of your elopement. Whether you prefer a beach setting, lush gardens, or a historic site, Vero Beach has it all.

Favorite Locations to Elope in Vero Beach

South Beach Park:
This beach offers a tranquil setting with soft sand and beautiful ocean views. Early morning or late afternoon are ideal times to avoid crowds and capture stunning light.

McKee Botanical Garden:
For a lush and tropical backdrop, consider eloping at McKee Botanical Garden. The garden’s diverse plant collections, water features, and charming pathways make for a picturesque setting.

Riverside Park:
Nestled along the Indian River, Riverside Park provides a scenic and serene atmosphere with its large oak trees, open green spaces, and waterfront views. It’s perfect for couples who want a nature-filled elopement.

Vero Beach Museum of Art:
For a more sophisticated and artistic venue to elope at, the Vero Beach Museum of Art offers beautiful indoor and outdoor spaces, including sculpture gardens and contemporary art galleries.

Jaycee Park:
Located on the beach, Jaycee Park features picnic areas, playgrounds, and plenty of open space. It’s a great option for couples looking for a laid-back beach elopement.

Humiston Park:
Situated in the heart of Vero Beach’s Ocean Drive district, Humiston Park offers beautiful ocean views and easy access to local shops and restaurants. It’s a convenient and charming location for a beachside ceremony.

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Should We Include Guests in Our Elopement?

First, remember that your decision is yours (and your partner’s) to make, and whatever you decide should be a choice you make together and without any coercion or added stress from others. There are numerous factors that make the decision to elope solo or with others a tough one. Weddings can be expensive and if you’d prefer to spend your budget on something special for just yourselves, you are valid. Even planning a small gathering of 20 people requires permitting (for beach weddings) or a venue + reception location, food, décor, travel costs, it all can start to add up.

Deciding to elope solo or with others can be tough. Weddings can be expensive, so spending your budget on yourselves is valid. Even small gatherings need permits, venues, food, décor, and travel costs, which add up.

If you and your partner are ready, I recommend an intimate ceremony for just the two of you. This way, the day is completely yours to do whatever, wherever you want. But, if you can’t imagine getting married without family or friends but don’t want a big wedding, consider a small ceremony of no more than 20 people. Book your reception later in the day to allow time for photos after the ceremony. Deciding how to elope is a huge decision, as it marks the start of your lives together.

If you have questions, comments, concerns, what ifs, what abouts, etc.; please do not hesitate to contact me and I am happy to walk you through all of it.

Choosing the Best Photography Package for Your Vero Beach Elopement

Eloping should not break the bank and it’s important for you to select the package that makes the most sense financially. If you’re eloping in a courthouse and want a simple, quick session then 1 hour is perfect, but if you are wanting to do multiple looks at multiple locations 3+ hours is definitely needed. If you plan to host a small ceremony with guests, I recommend 4+ hours to ensure there is plenty of time for ceremony, family, and couples photos. No matter what kind of elopement you choose, we will curate a package that is just right for you.

Choosing the Rest of Your Vendors

If you decide to elope with a small ceremony, book a venue, or even want to go to the courthouse, you may need to do some planning. It’s important to book vendors as early as possible to lock in your date. This goes for a photographer, officiant, courthouse appointment, venue, reception, florals, décor, permits, etc., whatever applies to your big day. If you need recommendations, I am always happy to help you find the perfect vendors for your big day.

Choosing Where to Get Married “Legally”

Getting married is not the most complicated process, but it is a process nonetheless. If you want to be legally married before the elopement session, schedule your appointment at the clerks office beforehand. If you plan to get married on the day of and want pictures after it is completely possible. You’ll want to schedule an appointment at the courthouse in whatever city/county you plan to elope in. In order to get legally married in Florida you need a valid photo ID and social security card. If you complete a Florida pre-marriage course, the cost of the marriage license goes down significantly and you don’t have the three day waiting period to get married. After you get your marriage license, you have 60 days to say “I Do.”

To get legally married in Vero Beach, you’ll need a marriage license from the Indian River County Clerk of Court. Here’s what you need to know:

Indian River County Clerk of Court:
2000 16th Avenue, Vero Beach, FL 32960 | 772-770-5185

Bring valid photo IDs and social security cards. Completing a Florida pre-marriage course can reduce the cost of the license and waive the three-day waiting period. After obtaining your license, you have 60 days to get married.

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Packing and Preparing for your Vero Beach Elopement

Before packing for your Florida Elopement, think about the vibe is that you’re going for and the location you chose. Is it coastal, boho, modern, casual, etc…? Once you know what kind of vibe you’re going for, you can narrow down on a dress/outfits. There is no rule that says you have to wear white to elope, wear whatever makes YOU feel the best. After you pack your dress I would next suggest: bathing suits, sunscreen, bug spray, honeymoon outfits, and outfits for your engagement session if we are doing one before your elopement. I would also suggest packing comfortable shoes to walk between locations, trust me your feet will thank you.

On your elopement day, it is so important to eat a well balanced meal, and drink tons of water. It can get hot in Florida and it’s crucial you stay hydrated on your big day. Depending on the location, I will drop a pin exactly where parking is or send directions to you. Remember it’s totally okay to be nervous, not everyone has their picture taken everyday! I strive for the process to be a seamless and fun experience from start to finish. My goal as your Florida elopement photographer is to deliver a lasting collection of images that feel authentic, real, and 100% you. We will laugh, have fun, and spend the day celebrating and capturing your love story.

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Honeymooning in Vero Beach

After you elope in Vero Beach, the city offers numerous romantic spots for your honeymoon. Here are some of the most charming destinations:

Romantic Vero Beach Honeymoon Locations

The Driftwood Inn:
Stay in this historic oceanfront inn for a cozy and romantic getaway.

Pelican Island National Wildlife Refuge:
Explore the natural beauty of this wildlife refuge with its walking trails and bird-watching opportunities.

Round Island Oceanside Park:
Enjoy a peaceful day at this park, featuring a beach, picnic areas, and opportunities for kayaking.

Royal Palm Pointe Park:
Spend a relaxing day by the river at this scenic park with beautiful views and fountains.

Downtown Vero Beach:
Stroll through the charming downtown area, visit local shops, and enjoy dining at some of the best restaurants in town.

I hope this guide helps you plan your dream elopement in Vero Beach. If you’d like me to capture your special day, please fill out my booking form!

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By focusing on Vero Beach’s unique charm and extensive options for elopement locations and activities, this guide provides a comprehensive resource for couples planning their intimate ceremony in this serene coastal city.

I hope this guide will help you through the elopement process in Florida. I am so lucky that I get to capture love stories here in this beautiful state. If you want me to tag along and capture your Florida elopement, please fill out my booking form!