Intimate Florida Elopement Destinations in North Florida

Most non-Florida natives think of all the popular tourist spots in Central and South Florida when they think of amazing places for an intimate Florida elopement destination. But did you know Florida's gem isn't just the beautiful beaches or the magic of Disney? Most people who visit Florida never venture North of the I-4 (Tampa, Orlando, Daytona) to see the beauty and history natural North Florida offers. From shaded canopies of heirloom oak trees, to the historical cobblestone streets of St. Augustine, and even the crystal-clear waters of Florida stunning Springs. North Florida has some incredible places you should consider for your intimate Florida elopement destination.

Now, don't get me wrong, Florida has some incredible locations in the lower half of the peninsula. If Disney is your thing, awesome! But if you're looking for something on the more natural, or adventurous side, there're plenty of incredible destinations for an intimate elopement right here in North Florida. Not only do we have beautiful sun-drenched beaches, we also have a rich history and a ton of natural Floridian beauty. Let me introduce you to my all time favorite locations you should consider for your intimate destination elopement right here in North Florida.

Why Choose North Florida for Your Intimate Elopement Destination?

I could spend hours listing off all the reason you should elope in North Florida. Having lived right here in the heart of Springs Country for over 10 years, I've had first hand experience sharing this incredible destination with couples from all over the world! There's nothing out there quite like what I have right in my own backyard. For brevity, here's a few compelling reasons why you should consider venturing North for your elopement destination:

• Gorgeous Natural Beauty: From pristine white sand or rocky beaches to lush forests and crystal-clear springs, North Florida offers a breathtaking backdrop for your elopement.

• Intimate Serene Atmosphere: Escape the hustle and bustle of city life and immerse yourselves in the tranquility natural Florida has to offer.

• One-of-a-Kind, Unique Locations: Discover a variety of unique venues, from historical downtown St. Augustine to the one and only Florida Springs.

• Year-Round Pleasant Weather: Enjoy warm temperatures and sunshine for 10 months of the year, perfect for outdoor ceremonies.

• Delicious Cuisine: Savor fresh seafood, Southern comfort food, and international cuisine.

• Warm Hospitality and Small Town Charm: If you've ever experienced the welcoming southern charm, you'll know what I mean. There are so many great small towns with a ton of unique character including Cedar Key and High Springs.

Where Should I Have My Destination Elopement in Florida?

I've spent nearly a decade helping couples find the perfect, intimate, location for their Floridian elopement. Here's the list of my all time favorite places you should consider:

My All Time Favorite: Florida's Stunning Springs

Kelly Park/Rock Springs, Apopka FL: Kelly Park is a gorgeous first-magnitude spring located in Apopka, near Orlando. With its crystal-clear water emerging from a cave opening, it's the perfect destination for an intimate elopement. What I love about Kelly Park is the big flat rock outcrops, perfect for a small ceremony, and the gorgeous nature all around. The key to the perfect elopement at Kelly Park is to arrive early because the park gets busy quick. If you're an early bird, like me, you can camp at the park and have your elopement before the park even opens making it even more private and intimate.

Ichetucknee Springs State Park, Fort White FL: Ichetucknee Springs State Park is in my backyard and one of my absolute favorite places to visit. Not only does it have the Springs, it also has a great natural environment for elopement photos. One of the best things about the State Parks is, as long as what you're doing doesn't disrupt anyone else's enjoyment of the park, there is no additional cost beside the entrance fee for your elopement! Florida has over one hundred state parks and dozens of them are just like Ichetucknee, with stunning swimmable Springs and gorgeous picturesque nature.

The Incredible Floridian Historical Coast

St. Augustine: St Augustine is known as the oldest city in the continental U.S. It has a rich history of Spanish and British settlement and showcases some of America's most famous historical monuments including Castillo de San Marco, the Lightner Museum, and the Old City. If the historic old city isn't your cup of tea, just across the Matanzas River is St. Augustine Beach and Anastasia Island. I've shot several gorgeous elopements right on the beach as the sun rises over the horizon of the Atlantic. St Augustine is also home to many popular local businesses including the Casa Monica hotel, Whetstone Chocolates, and the Columbia Restaurant. You could spend an entire day doing elopement photos in all the special nooks just in the Old City itself!

Washington Oaks Gardens State Park, Palm Coast, FL: If you've never heard or been to Washington Oaks Gardens State Park, you're missing out! This gem on Florida's Atlantic coast is between St. Augustine and Daytona and is truly a spectacular destination for an intimate Florida elopement. The park is split into a few different areas. My personal favorite is the beach, where you'll find the only place in Florida where large boulders protrude from the white sand towards the waters. It is unlike anywhere else in Florida. Not only is the beach unique, the lush park on the other side of the island is covered in mature oak trees draped in Spanish moss. There's manicured gardens, raw Florida nature, and even waterfront view of the Matanzas River for your choice of a number of great ceremony and photo locations.

Stunning Natural Gardens

Kanapaha Botanical Gardens, Gainesville, FL: Kanapaha Botanical Gardens is another stunning venue for an intimate Florida elopement that's right here in my backyard. It's one of my go-to places for all types of photos for families, couples, engagements, and of course weddings and elopements. Kanapaha is privately owned, so expect you'll have to reach out to them to enquire about having your elopement there, but they have a ton of great picturesque locations around the property for your ceremony and photos. If you want gorgeous aged oak trees, cactuses, huge lily pads, a bamboo forest, or even a waterfall, Kanapaha has it! The best part is, it's right in Gainesville where you have a ton of options for lodging and restaurants.

Cedar Lakes Woods & Gardens, Williston, FL: If you want a garden's location that truly and uniquely Florida, check out Cedar Lakes Woods and Gardens, just down the road in Williston. Cedar Lakes was built from an old mining quarry where the entire gardens is contained in and around an over 110 year old limerock natural Florida formation. Over 30 years of work went towards turning the gardens into what they are today complete with a lake in the bottom, pavilions, tons of walking paths, and a gorgeous huge waterfall! You could spend hours checking out all the amazing different gardens, or just hang out by the water and watch the swan swimming around. If you decide you want to go find another unique Florida adventure, only footsteps away is Devil's Den, an underground cavern you can go swimming in!

What Should You Plan For Your Intimate Florida Elopement Destination?

The great thing about eloping is, you don't have to plan a huge wedding day! You can show up as you are, or bring a few of your closest friends and family, and make it a special, intimate occasion. I've been fortunate to work with couples from all over the world to plan and shoot their Florida elopements at one of our intimate local destinations. The best part is, if you choose to work with us, we can help you with everything from deciding where and when, to officiating and having a gorgeous bouquet made by one of my favorite local, women-owned florists. Getting married doesn't have to be stressful, and that's the beauty of an elopement. So no matter where you are in your planning, reach out and we can work together to create a very special, intimate elopement for you and your significant other.