The Adventure Bride’s Guide to the Top 5 Adventure Elopement Locations in Florida
Hey Adventure Brides!
This week’s post is all about the coolest adventure elopement locations in the state of Florida!
Florida has a bit of a soft spot in my heart as I’ve lived there for over 6 years now, and it is still my home base even as I travel for both nursing and adventure elopement photography.
It’s no secret that Florida is a beautiful state, replete with natural springs, lush tropical forests, beautiful beaches, and jaw-dropping sunsets. So today we will be going over a few of my favorite elopement spots in the Sunshine State!
Pensacola Beach, FL
Pensacola Beach
Pensacola Beach is literally one of my most favorite spots on the planet! Eloping here is one of the prettiest places to go in the state of Florida.
The water is INSANELY blue with a gorgeous emerald ombre effect - they don’t call it the Emerald Coast for nothing! It’s one of those places that is just unbelievably beautiful, and you feel like you stepped into a calendar scene.
The sand there is some of the whitest in the US, which makes for really great photo lighting as well. People come from all around to experience the sugary sands here, and once you see it, you’ll be head over heels in love with it!
At Pensacola Beach you can find a few secluded places for your ceremony, take advantage of the pier that is there and makes for some neat photos, or travel down the road further to Fort Pickens National Park. Using the pier in your photos can help add some character to your elopement album, and a bit of a historic flair as well (can you tell I love history?).
If you are looking for a spot to take friends or family for a dinner or small reception after your destination wedding or adventure elopement ceremony, there are multiple restaurants and hotels along the beach road that are absolutely unforgettable! The seafood along the Gulf Coast is some of the best in the US, and if you’re looking to book some fun honeymoon or bachelor activities, there are loads to choose from on the beach and the bay.
Pensacola Beach is beautiful year round, and spring elopement photos are just as breathtaking winter elopements. The photo above was taken in the late fall, where the colors are still just as vibrant as in the summer months.
2. Ichetucknee Springs State Park
Ichetucknee Springs is a gorgeous state park located close to Gainsville. The spring shown in the photo is SO easily accessible and complete with a picnic area near the parking lot.
There are trails to the side and behind the spring into the forest, then a river where they offer kayak, tube, canoe, and cabins rentals. If you are hoping to incorporate some fun outdoor activities into your special day with your bridal party, this is definitely a fun place to do it!
Ichetucknee Springs State Park, FL
Because it is so close to Gainsville, there are many hotels and restaurants in the area if you do choose to bring family members or want to host a reception or Happily Ever After Party.
You can even jump in and swim in the spring which stays cool year-round if you’d like some fun photos in your dress. This is also the perfect spot if you’re looking to get creative with some underwater photos as well, since the spring has less silt that will stir up than saltwater.
The lush forest behind the spring has a long boardwalk pathway where you can hike, observe wildlife, and appreciate the variation of flora found within during a post-elopement stroll with your photographer in tow.
Canopies of large oak trees line the banks of the Ichetucknee River, and sunlight dapples through the leaves, making a beautiful backdrop for photos during your elopement.
3. Blowing Rocks Nature Preserve
Jupiter, Florida is one of the only places you can find beach cliffs/rocks in the state. This draws many people every year from around the state in order to take photos with the water crashing against the rocks in the background.
The coastal diversity of the area makes this a unique home to multiple species of flora and fauna, giving couples celebrating their adventure elopement a plethora of ecosystems to explore within the preserve. From mysterious mangrove swamps to flowy seagrass beds and beachside hammocks, this beach offers a rich and vibrant setting to your adventure wedding ceremony.
There are plenty of opportunities for intimate moments and photos to be captured here. Natural caves and grottos are beaten into the rocks near the shoreline, providing picturesque views for exploration amongst the limestone, and unique photography backdrops for some scroll-stopping photos.
Blowing Rocks Nature Preserve, Jupiter, FL
Sea turtles nest here frequently, so for the couples who really value wildlife conservation, this is a fun way to incorporate those ideals into your wedding day. Wildlife encounters here are not unusual, as the waters here are typically warm.
Tidal pools, nature trails, and boardwalks are a few of the attributes this park boasts to visitors, making this a perfect place to have an adventure wedding or elopement.
The best part about this beautiful park is that it is very accessible from the main roads, and does not require a long or strenuous hike to be able to appreciate the gorgeous landscapes.
4. Everglades National Park
Everglades National Park
Most of you I’m sure have heard or experienced the beautiful Everglades in southern Florida. Known as the “River of Grass,” the Everglades one-of-a-kind ecosystem allows couples exchanging vows here to be swallowed up in sawgrass marshes, cypress trees, warm sunset reflections on the water.
Diverse wildlife encounters with alligators, exotic birds, and butterflies can add some excitement to your adventure wedding. Whether your ceremony is held on the shores or on a canoe or airboat going downriver, sunsets and sunrises in the Everglades are some of the most breathtaking.
In the Everglades, there is no shortage of serene and tranquil spots for your intimate vow exchange. And as usual, for the history lovers among us, there are multiple historical and cultural experiences to be had in the Seminole Native American region of the state of Florida.
5. Key West
Key West, FL
Key West has fun mix of ritzy and touristy resorts and secluded rocky beaches to fit whatever vibe you’re looking for on your adventure elopement.
Beautiful crystal-clear ombre waters kiss the palm-lined shores, creating a romantic atmosphere for couples looking to elope here.
Victorian-style homes and charming cottages make up many of the unique Airbnb accommodations are available, and can serve as a cute spot to stay during your elopement week or honeymoon afterward.
Key West is full of unique spots for adventure weddings such as Mallory Square and Duvet Street for the more urban adventurers among us. Lighthouses and botanical gardens can also add a fun panoramic view of the island.
These are my top 5 adventure elopement locations in Florida!
For couples looking to book an elopement or adventure photo session, feel free to fill out the contact form on this site, and give me a follow on Instagram to see more photos of real adventure weddings in beautiful places!
Till next time!
-Carlie
