Name: Miami Beach Elopement
Brand: Wedy

Question 1

Do I need a permit to elope on Miami Beach?

Accepted Answer

Yes, a permit is required for any organized ceremony on Miami Beach public sand — including setups with chairs, an arch, or floral decor. Small ceremony permits through the City of Miami Beach Special Events Office cost $60–$320 depending on setup and group size, and you should apply at miamibeachfl.gov at least 14 days in advance (4–8 weeks for peak season, December–April). Your Wedy planning team handles permit coordination as part of the package, so you don't need to navigate this on your own.

Question 2

How many guests can I have at my Miami Beach elopement?

Accepted Answer

Miami Beach ceremony permits are issued for up to 150 attendees with a 4-hour maximum, but most couples keep it under 30 guests for a more intimate feel on the open beach. At South Pointe Park, 30 guests or fewer is ideal; Crandon Park Beach on Key Biscayne accommodates up to 100. For larger groups, private venues like Vizcaya Museum & Gardens (up to 50 for daytime ceremonies) or the Ancient Spanish Monastery (up to 300 in the garden) are better options.

Question 3

When is the best time to elope in Miami Beach?

Accepted Answer

November through May is Miami Beach's prime elopement window, with temperatures between 70–85°F and low humidity. November is a hidden gem: hurricane season ends, hotel rates drop, crowds thin, and conditions are ideal. December–April is peak season with stunning weather but more tourists and higher prices — book accommodations and permits 3–6 months ahead. If eloping in summer (June–October), schedule your ceremony before 11 AM to avoid the intense afternoon heat and daily 2–5 PM thunderstorms.

Question 4

How do I get a marriage license for a Miami Beach elopement?

Accepted Answer

You get a marriage license from the Miami-Dade County Clerk's office at 22 NW 1st St, Miami — both partners must appear in person. The license costs $86 (or $61 if you complete an approved 4-hour premarital course, which also waives the 3-day waiting period for Florida residents). Out-of-state residents have no waiting period and can get married the same day as their license. Your license is valid for 60 days. Office hours are Monday–Friday, 9 AM–4 PM.

Question 5

How much does a Miami Beach elopement cost?

Accepted Answer

A Miami Beach elopement typically runs $1,500–$5,000+ depending on the package, photographer, and ceremony location. Permit fees add $60–$320 for public beach locations. The marriage license is $86. Accommodation in South Beach ranges from $150/night (boutique hotels off the main strip) to $500+/night (beachfront luxury properties). Wedy's all-inclusive packages bundle photography, officiant, planning coordination, and florals into one price — check this listing for current package tiers and pricing.

Question 6

What's included in a Wedy Miami Beach elopement package?

Accepted Answer

Wedy's Miami Beach all-inclusive packages typically include photography, an ordained officiant, planning and permit coordination, and florals. Specific inclusions vary by package tier — some tiers add hair and makeup, a videographer, or a custom floral arch. Your dedicated Wedy planning team handles the permit applications, vendor scheduling, and day-of logistics so you can focus on the experience. Check the package details on this listing for current inclusions and pricing.

Question 7

What should I wear to my Miami Beach elopement?

Accepted Answer

Light, breathable fabrics are essential — linen, chiffon, and lightweight silk handle Miami's humidity gracefully. For beach ceremonies, flat sandals or bare feet are popular and practical (stilettos sink in sand). Consider a shorter hem or a detachable train so your dress doesn't drag in wet sand. Grooms look great in linen suits or lightweight cotton with a light dress shirt — skip the heavy layers. If you're eloping in summer, plan your hair with your stylist to account for humidity, and bring a small fan for outdoor breaks between photos.

Question 8

What time should I schedule my Miami Beach elopement ceremony?

Accepted Answer

Sunrise ceremonies are the gold standard for Miami Beach elopements. The east-facing beaches get a full Atlantic sunrise: in spring, that's around 7:00 AM with sunset around 7:45 PM; in summer, sunrise is ~6:30 AM and sunset ~8:15 PM; in fall, sunrise ~7:10 AM and sunset ~6:45 PM; in winter, sunrise ~7:15 AM and sunset ~5:45 PM. Sunrise gives you soft golden light, empty beaches, and cool temperatures — it's the single biggest difference-maker for photos and comfort. If sunrise isn't for you, early morning (8–10 AM) is the next best window. Avoid 10 AM–4 PM on summer weekends when South Beach is at maximum crowd and heat.

Question 9

Where should we stay for our Miami Beach elopement?

Accepted Answer

South Beach puts you steps from the ceremony with Art Deco charm — mid-range options include the Cadillac Hotel & Beach Club (which offers elopement packages) and The Betsy South Beach; luxury picks include the Faena Hotel and Four Seasons at The Surf Club. For a quieter base near Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden or Vizcaya, Coral Gables offers upscale neighborhood hotels. Key Biscayne provides seclusion with easy access to Bill Baggs and Crandon Park. Book 3–6 months ahead for December–April peak season, or 6+ months for Christmas/New Year's.

Question 10

Do I need an officiant for my Miami Beach elopement?

Accepted Answer

Yes, Florida requires a licensed officiant to legally perform your marriage ceremony. Ordained ministers, clergy, Florida notary publics, and judicial officers can all officiate. Online ordinations through Universal Life Church (ULC) or American Marriage Ministries (AMM) are widely accepted in Florida — so a friend or family member can get ordained online and legally marry you. Out-of-state notaries cannot perform Florida weddings. Wedy's elopement packages include a professional ordained officiant, or your planning team can advise if you'd prefer a friend to officiate.

Question 11

Do I need witnesses for my Miami Beach elopement?

Accepted Answer

No — Florida does not legally require witnesses for a marriage ceremony. Only the couple and a licensed officiant are required. If you want witnesses present, your photographer, a family member, or anyone else can serve that role, but it is not a legal requirement. This makes truly intimate two-person elopements completely straightforward under Florida law.

Question 12

What's not allowed at Miami Beach elopement ceremonies?

Accepted Answer

Public Miami Beach locations prohibit confetti, rice, real or artificial flower petals dropped on the ground, balloons, open flames, amplified music without additional permits, drones, and alcohol in open containers. Chairs and an arch require a permit. Avoid Sargassum (brown seaweed) season from March through July — check beach conditions 24–48 hours before your ceremony, as seaweed blooms can wash ashore and affect aesthetics. Your Wedy team checks conditions and coordinates compliant setups as part of the planning process.

Question 13

What's the best Miami Beach elopement location?

Accepted Answer

South Pointe Park offers sweeping panoramic views where the Atlantic meets Government Cut — spectacular at sunrise with minimal crowds. Crandon Park Beach on Key Biscayne gives you a Caribbean-feel beach with palms growing directly in the sand and calm turquoise water. For a one-of-a-kind setting, Vizcaya Museum & Gardens (Italian Renaissance gardens on Biscayne Bay) and the Ancient Spanish Monastery (a 12th-century stone cloister) are visually unlike anything else in Miami. Your Wedy team can help match the right ceremony location to your vision and guest count.

Question 14

What if it rains on my Miami Beach elopement day?

Accepted Answer

From June through October, brief but intense afternoon thunderstorms are nearly a daily occurrence, typically between 2–5 PM. The best protection is scheduling your ceremony in the morning (before noon) during summer months. Covered alternatives include the Ancient Spanish Monastery's cloister, Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden's covered walkways, and private hotel venues. Hurricane season runs June 1–November 30 (peak risk August–September) — for summer elopements, confirm your vendor cancellation and rescheduling policies in advance. Wedy packages include planning support for weather contingencies.

Miami Beach Elopement

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Ceremony & Reception Locations

South Pointe Park — South Beach Tip

Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park — Beach & Lighthouse Grounds

Crandon Park Beach — Key Biscayne

Virginia Key Historic Beach Park

South Pointe Park — South Beach Tip

Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park — Beach & Lighthouse Grounds

Crandon Park Beach — Key Biscayne

Virginia Key Historic Beach Park

South Pointe Park — South Beach Tip

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Seaside Ceremony

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Luxe Elopement

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Pick Your Package

Meet Your Planner

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