Name: Naples Elopement
Brand: Wedy

Question 1

Do I need a permit to elope in Naples?

Accepted Answer

Yes, most Naples ceremony locations require a permit. At the 8th Avenue South Wedding Park — the most popular Naples elopement spot — the permit fee is $165/hour for non-residents (up to 50 guests, max 3 hours), or $100/hour for Collier County residents, plus a $50 refundable damage deposit. Apply through the City of Naples Community Services at least 30 days in advance by calling (239) 213-7120. Peak Saturday sunset slots can book up to a year in advance. Groups of 6 or fewer may use the beach without a permit for simple ceremonies with no decor. Your Wedy planning team can help coordinate the permit application as part of your planning process.

Question 2

How many guests can I have at a Naples elopement?

Accepted Answer

Guest limits vary by ceremony location. The Naples Beach Wedding Park (8th Ave South) allows up to 50 guests with a city permit, though 25 or fewer is recommended for comfort at a standing-only ceremony. Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park can accommodate up to 100 guests at the pavilion. Private venues like LaPlaya Beach Resort and Naples Bay Resort handle up to 200 and 130 guests respectively and allow chairs and full setup. Keep in mind that the beach permit allows no chairs or structures at the public beach, so seating requires a park with a gazebo (like Lowdermilk Park) or a private venue.

Question 3

When is the best time to elope in Naples?

Accepted Answer

November through April is the best time to elope in Naples. This dry-season window brings comfortable temperatures (68–80°F), low humidity, clear blue skies, and the spectacular Gulf sunsets Naples is famous for. December through March is peak snowbird season — weather is ideal but hotels and permits book months in advance. November and early May are the sweet spot: still dry and comfortable (70–82°F) with fewer visitors and easier permit and lodging availability. Avoid June through October if possible — daily afternoon thunderstorms, 90–95°F heat with extreme humidity, and active hurricane season make outdoor ceremonies genuinely challenging.

Question 4

How do I get a marriage license for a Naples elopement?

Accepted Answer

Naples elopements require a Collier County marriage license, which costs $93.50 (or $61.00 with an approved online premarital course). Both partners must appear in person at the Collier County Clerk's office at 3315 Tamiami Trail East, Suite 102, Naples, FL 34112 — call (239) 252-2646. Florida residents have a 3-day waiting period, which is waived if you both complete an approved premarital course (about 4 hours online) before applying. Non-Florida residents have no waiting period. The license is valid for 60 days and can be used anywhere in Florida. If you're a Florida resident and your trip is short, complete the online premarital course before applying to avoid the wait.

Question 5

How much does a Naples elopement cost?

Accepted Answer

A Naples elopement typically costs $3,000–$8,000+ depending on package inclusions, season, and location. Major cost factors include the beach permit ($165/hour non-resident), marriage license ($93.50, or $61 with premarital course), photography (typically the largest cost at $1,500–$4,000+), officiant, florals, and travel. Wedy's all-inclusive Naples elopement packages bundle photography, officiant, planning coordination, and florals at different price tiers — check the listing for current package pricing. Peak winter season (December–April) also means higher accommodation costs, with Gulf beachfront hotels running $300–$600+/night.

Question 6

What's included in a Wedy Naples elopement package?

Accepted Answer

Wedy's all-inclusive Naples elopement packages typically include professional photography, a licensed officiant, planning coordination (including permit guidance and timeline), and florals. Specific inclusions vary by package tier — check the listing for current package details and add-ons. Your Wedy planning team handles the logistics of Naples elopements, including permit applications and vendor coordination, so you can focus on enjoying your day on the Gulf Coast.

Question 7

What should I wear to my Naples elopement?

Accepted Answer

Flat sandals or go barefoot — heels sink completely into Gulf Coast sand. Lightweight, breathable fabrics like chiffon, linen, or soft cotton work best in Florida's warmth and Gulf breezes. Tea-length or knee-length dresses are practical for beach walks; long trains drag through sand. In winter (November–March), layer up — mornings can dip into the 60s even in Naples, and Gulf breezes at exposed beach locations can be surprisingly strong. In summer, dress for the heat: white sand and direct sun make the beach feel 10–15°F hotter than the air temperature, so stay hydrated and keep the ceremony brief. Secure veils and lightweight fabrics against the wind.

Question 8

What time should I schedule my Naples elopement ceremony?

Accepted Answer

Sunset ceremonies are the gold standard in Naples — all Gulf-facing beaches have direct western exposure, and Naples sunsets are legendary for their blazing orange and pink skies over turquoise water. In winter (December–February), sunset arrives around 5:45 PM, with golden hour starting around 5:00 PM. In spring (March–April), sunset is around 7:45 PM, with golden light from about 7:00 PM. In summer (June–August), sunset is around 8:15 PM, with sunrise around 6:30 AM — morning ceremonies before 10 AM also avoid the daily afternoon thunderstorms that roll in from 2–6 PM. Plan your ceremony to end right at golden hour for the best Naples beach photography.

Question 9

Where should I stay for my Naples elopement?

Accepted Answer

For Gulf beachfront luxury, LaPlaya Beach & Golf Resort and Naples Grande Beach Resort are the top options — expect $400–$800+/night in peak season, book 3–6 months ahead for winter dates. For boutique Old Naples charm within walking distance of 5th Avenue South and the beach, Hotel Escalante and Inn on Fifth are excellent choices. Naples Bay Resort & Marina offers a waterfront downtown option. For the best value, book in shoulder season (November or early May) when rates are significantly lower and availability is easier. Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW) in Fort Myers is about 45 minutes from Naples and offers the most direct flight options.

Question 10

Do I need an officiant for my Naples elopement?

Accepted Answer

Yes, Florida requires an officiant to legally marry you — the state does not allow self-solemnization. The good news: Florida is very permissive about who can officiate. Online ordination through Universal Life Church, American Marriage Ministries (AMM), or similar organizations is legally recognized — a friend or family member can get ordained online and officiate your Naples ceremony. Licensed Florida notaries public can also officiate within Florida. No registration with any government office is required. Florida does not require witnesses to sign the marriage license, so your ceremony can be just the two of you and your officiant if you prefer. Wedy's all-inclusive packages include a licensed local officiant.

Question 11

What restrictions apply to Naples beach ceremonies?

Accepted Answer

City of Naples beach permits prohibit amplified live music, chairs or fixtures that obstruct public beach access, alcohol without written City approval, glass containers on the beach, and flower petals or confetti. The 8th Avenue South Wedding Park (The Wedding Park) is standing-ceremony only — no chairs are permitted at the beach end. At Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park, alcohol is generally not allowed, pets are banned from beach areas, and drone usage requires prior park authorization. During sea turtle nesting season (May–October) at all Naples-area beaches, nighttime lighting on the sand is restricted to protect nesting turtles.

Question 12

How do I get to Naples for my elopement?

Accepted Answer

Most couples fly into Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW) in Fort Myers, about 45 minutes from downtown Naples, which has the most direct flights from major hubs. The small Naples Municipal Airport (APF) is only 10 minutes from downtown and serves private and charter flights. All Naples ceremony locations are easily accessible in a standard rental car — Southwest Florida is flat with no mountain passes or unpaved roads. Note that the 8th Avenue South Wedding Park has no on-site parking; arrange to park at the Naples Pier lot (12th Ave S) or downtown garages, and walk or take a short rideshare to the beach end. Rideshare (Uber, Lyft) is available throughout Naples.

Question 13

What if it rains on my Naples elopement day?

Accepted Answer

In summer (June–September), afternoon thunderstorms are nearly daily — schedule your ceremony for early morning (before 11 AM) or late evening (after 5:30 PM) when storms have usually cleared and golden light is perfect. In peak season (November–April), rain is rare — blue skies are the norm, but always have a backup plan. Private indoor venues like Naples Bay Resort and Hotel Escalante offer weather-proof ceremony spaces. Red tide events (primarily August–November) can occasionally close Gulf beaches and cause respiratory irritation — check current conditions at myfwc.com before your date and have an inland backup option. Travel insurance is strongly recommended if you're visiting during hurricane season (June 1 – November 30).

Naples Elopement

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Ceremony & Reception Locations

Naples Beach — 8th Avenue South (The Wedding Park)

Lowdermilk Park Beach

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Naples Beach — 8th Avenue South (The Wedding Park)

Lowdermilk Park Beach

Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park

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Naples Beach — 8th Avenue South (The Wedding Park)

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