"Would you like an adventure now, or would like to have your tea first?"
J. M. Barrie, Peter Pan
How about both? Grab your tea and step into the latest Florida elopement escapades I’ve had the joy of leading and documenting.
Florida Elopement Blog
Florida elopement photographer who is obsessed with memories, dogs, cocktails and travel.
I take magical photos for romantic elopements, but I’m also loved for my timelines, location scouting and full-out guidance. Catch me on the beach and that’s my bliss.
All the ideas for all the sun-kissed, toes-in-the-sand elopements. Beach elopement ideas with a dash of salt (we’re talking oceanside after all, aren’t we?)!
Show-stopping ceremonies on the sand
I moved to Florida so I could focus on elopement photography — and yes, specializing in seaside weddings was part of that decision. So to say that I’m a beach elopement savant is not an understatement.
For most of my beach elopement couples, there is no planner or wedding venue coordinator — I’m usually the only vendor besides the dress maker and the florist, both of who don’t show up to the beach wedding, and who usually aren’t the ones who have dipped their toes into the logistical details of it all.
That’s where I come in — documenting and designing up the details for gorgeous beach elopements. Here are some ideas to inspire you, and if you’re in Florida or anywhere a plane, car or magic carpet can get to, I’ll meet you there to take magical photos too!
Ideas to consider for your beach elopement
A small ceremony at the shore
Ways to celebrate your beach elopement with family
Invite them for post-nuptial stargazing at the seaside
Pop champagne (and maybe spray it too)
Host a picnic
Best beach wedding destinations in and around the US
Florida (Orlando, Key West, Tampa, Panama City, Miami…)
California (southern like LA or up north by Big Sur)
PNW (Think Oregon, Washington…the beach without the heat)
Cabo, Mexico (the west coast of Mexico with gorgeous, newly built resorts)
Cancun, Mexico (the quintessential Mexican beach wedding destination)
Cozumel (an island in Mexico!)
Hawaii (8-hour flight from central US, but worth it!)
Beach Elopement Decor
My recommendation here is to keep it simple. No shoes are even needed. After all, the whole point is to not only save costs on extravagant venues, but to let the landscape itself be the finishing touch. If anything, I recommend bringing a small ceremony sign, decorating the area with flowers and perhaps adding a low-sitting charcuterie table.
Of course, if you are looking for more, I have a fabulous team of elopement vendors that would love to help create the beach setup of your dreams!
Beach Wedding Dresses
Simply satin
All the lace
Off the shoulder
One shoulder
Strapless
Sweetheart neckline
Suit Ideas
Classic black tuxedo
Gray suit
Navy suit
Black suit with a colorful lining for a sprinkling of personality
Beach Wedding Cake Ideas
Start with vanilla or white chocolate and then go from there!
Single tier white with a touch of fresh flowers from your florist
Three tiers with your wedding colors – could be tropical!
Seashells for decor
Pastel blue and white
Sand-style crumble (don’t use sand, but ask your baker to create a sand-like crumble!)
Or a non traditional route with one of my favorites – french macrons!
Beach Wedding Arch Ideas
Wooden pillars with white material hung on top (the most classic choice)
Cascading floral arch
Geometric/industrial (like the triangles you’ve seen pop up on your Pinterest feed)
Just flowers in large vases (gorgeous, but the easiest to DIY and more cost effective)
See the beach elopement package that I recommend here on my Orlando elopement packages page! And if you’re loving these beach elopement ideas, follow along on Instagram for more sun-soaked goodness!