How to Elope in Delray Beach & South Florida
A simple guide to beach elopements, intimate weddings, and vow renewals in Delray Beach, Boca Raton, and Boynton Beach.
Eloping in Florida can be simple when you know what you need: a Florida marriage license, a wedding officiant, a ceremony location, and a clear plan for the day. Pop-Up Vows helps couples plan beach elopements, intimate weddings, and vow renewals in Delray Beach, Boca Raton, Boynton Beach, and nearby South Florida locations.
Here’s what to know before you choose your ceremony location, apply for your marriage license, or book your elopement package.
Step 1—Get Your Marriage License
You can apply for your Florida marriage license at any county clerk’s office in the state. You don’t have to get it in the same county where you’re getting married.
What you need:
Valid photo ID for both of you — driver’s license or passport
Both of your social security numbers
If previously married, the exact date your last marriage ended.
Cost:
A small fee is required. Check with your local Florida county clerk’s office for the current amount as fees may vary by county.
Waiting period:
Out-of-state residents—typically no waiting period
Florida residents — a waiting period may apply, unless a premarital course is completed first
How long is it valid?
Your license is valid for 60 days from the date it’s issued. Get married anytime within that window.
Step 2—Choose your officiant
In Florida, your ceremony must be performed by a licensed officiant — an ordained minister, a notary public, or judge. They’re responsible for signing and filing your marriage license after the ceremony.
This is one of the most important decisions you’ll make for your elopement. Your officiant sets the tone, guides the flow, and makes sure the moment actually feels like something.
At Pop-Up Vows, Lauren Gunn is a licensed wedding officiant based in Delray Beach. She writes every ceremony from scratch, shows up early, and makes sure, you’re fully present for the moment — not stressed about logistics.
Step 3—Choose your location
This is the fun part. South Florida has incredible options for elopements — beaches, gardens, rooftops, restaurants, private venues, and more.
A few things to know before you pick your spot:
Beach ceremonies:
Many Florida beaches are public, but some require a permit for wedding ceremonies. This varies by city and county. Lauren can help you navigate which locations require permits and which do not — so there’s no surprises on your wedding day.
Best time of the year:
December through April is the sweet spot for South Florida elopements. The weather is beautiful, the humidity is low, and you’re well outside hurricane season.
Popular South Florida elopement locations:
Delray Beach — beautiful beaches, walkable downtown, great dinner options
Boca Raton — pristine beaches and beautiful parks
Fort Lauderdale — stunning waterfront options
Boynton Beach — quieter, more intimate beach settings
West Palm Beach — beautiful waterfront and garden venues
Do you need a witness?
No. Florida law does not require witnesses for a legal marriage ceremony. Just the two of you and your officiant is enough to make it legal.
That said — if you want your best friend, your mom, or your dog in the front row, that’s completely up to you. It’s your day.