Name: Orlando Elopement
Brand: Wedy

Question 1

Do I need a permit to elope in Orlando?

Accepted Answer

Yes, a permit is required to hold a ceremony at Orlando's public parks and gardens. For City of Orlando parks (Dickson Azalea, Langford Park, Lake Eola), contact the Parks Division at 407-246-2121 or apply through orlando.gov — allow at least 2-4 weeks. For Harry P. Leu Gardens, a venue rental fee applies ($600–$750 for micro weddings up to 50 guests). For Kraft Azalea Garden in Winter Park, a rental fee of $600 for a 2-hour slot applies — contact the City of Winter Park Recreation Division at 407-599-3397. Your Wedy planning team can help coordinate permits as part of the process.

Question 2

How many guests can I have at my Orlando elopement?

Accepted Answer

Guest limits vary significantly by ceremony spot. Dickson Azalea Park is best for micro elopements of 10 or fewer guests due to extremely limited street parking. Kraft Azalea Garden strictly caps ceremonies at 20 guests — no exceptions. Harry P. Leu Gardens accommodates up to 50 guests for micro weddings (South Woods Gazebo, Idea Garden) and up to 180 for larger ceremonies. Langford Park comfortably fits around 45 guests. Lake Eola works well for groups under 25. Note that vendors (photographer, officiant) typically count toward the limit at public locations.

Question 3

When is the best time to elope in Orlando?

Accepted Answer

November through April is the best time for an Orlando elopement — Florida's dry season brings lower humidity, temperatures in the 60s-80s°F, and far less rain. October and November are the sweet spot: summer crowds and prices drop, humidity plummets, and the dry season's gorgeous light returns. March and April add the bonus of azalea blooms at Dickson and Kraft Azalea parks and spring flowers at Leu Gardens. Avoid June through September if possible — temperatures hit 90-95°F with extreme humidity, and daily afternoon thunderstorms arrive like clockwork between 2-5 PM.

Question 4

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

Accepted Answer

Apply in person at the Orange County Clerk of Courts, 425 N Orange Avenue, Room 150, Orlando, FL 32801 (open Monday–Friday 7:30 AM–4:00 PM). The license costs $93.50 standard, or $61.00 if both partners complete a Florida-approved premarital course (which also waives the 3-day waiting period for Florida residents). Non-Florida residents have a significant advantage: there is NO waiting period, and you can apply and marry the same day. Both partners must appear in person with government-issued photo ID. The license is valid for 60 days anywhere in Florida.

Question 5

How much does an Orlando elopement cost?

Accepted Answer

An Orlando elopement typically ranges from $1,500 to $5,000+ depending on the package tier and inclusions like photography, officiant, florals, and planning coordination. Venue/permit costs add $93.50–$750 depending on location (City park permit for Dickson or Langford, or a Leu Gardens rental fee of $600–$750 for a micro wedding, or a Kraft Azalea rental fee of $600 for a 2-hour slot). Travel and accommodation add to the total — Orlando has strong hotel competition keeping prices reasonable outside of theme park holiday peaks. Check the listing for current Wedy package pricing and inclusions.

Question 6

What's included in a Wedy Orlando elopement package?

Accepted Answer

Wedy's all-inclusive Orlando elopement packages typically include photography, a licensed officiant, planning coordination, and florals. Specific inclusions and the number of vendors vary by package tier. Your Wedy planning team handles logistics including venue selection, permit coordination, and timeline planning so you can focus on your ceremony. Check the package details on this listing for current inclusions and pricing, as offerings are updated regularly.

Question 7

What should I wear to my Orlando elopement?

Accepted Answer

Choose lightweight, breathable fabrics — chiffon, lace, or organza work beautifully in Florida's climate. Light colors (white, ivory, blush) photograph well in Orlando's bright sunshine. Flat sandals or low wedge heels are best on park grass and paths — stilettos will sink in soft ground. For summer ceremonies (before 10 AM), plan for intense heat: stay hydrated, bring a portable fan, and apply bug spray before dressing. Grooms look perfect in a linen suit or open-collar dress shirt with slacks. In winter (December–February), add a light layer as temperatures can drop to the 50s-60s°F.

Question 8

What time should I schedule my Orlando elopement ceremony?

Accepted Answer

Golden hour timing depends on the season. In spring (March–May), sunrise is around 7:15 AM early in the season to 6:30 AM by May, with sunset from 7:30 PM to 8:00 PM. Summer sunrise is around 6:30 AM and sunset around 8:20 PM — for summer months, schedule your ceremony before 10 AM to beat the heat and afternoon storms. In fall (September–October), sunrise is 7:00–6:45 AM and sunset 7:30–6:30 PM. Winter sunrise is around 7:15 AM and sunset around 5:30 PM. Lake Eola at sunrise (before 7:30 AM in summer) gives you the fountain and skyline completely to yourselves. Kraft Azalea's west-facing Exedra is extraordinary at sunset. Leu Gardens' 4 PM ceremony slot catches ideal afternoon light through the tropical canopy.

Question 9

Where should I stay near my Orlando elopement ceremony?

Accepted Answer

For downtown ceremony spots (Dickson Azalea, Langford Park, Lake Eola), The Grand Bohemian Hotel Orlando and AC Hotel Downtown put you within minutes of the parks. For Kraft Azalea Garden in Winter Park (15 minutes north of downtown), The Alfond Inn is a beloved boutique option steps from Park Avenue's restaurants. Airbnbs in Winter Park or the College Park neighborhood offer a local feel. Book 4-8 weeks ahead for regular weekends; book 3-6 months ahead for holiday weeks (Thanksgiving, Christmas, Spring Break) when Disney/Universal packages drive hotel prices up dramatically.

Question 10

Do I need an officiant for my Orlando elopement?

Accepted Answer

Yes, Florida requires an ordained officiant to solemnize your marriage — the state does not allow self-solemnizing ceremonies. Online ordination through the Universal Life Church (ULC) or American Marriage Ministries (AMM) is legally valid in Florida, so a friend can get ordained online and officiate your ceremony. Florida-licensed notary publics can also legally perform marriages — and many Orlando elopement photographers are also notaries, letting you simplify your day to just two vendors. No state registration is required for officiants, though it's good practice to carry ordination credentials.

Question 11

Do I need witnesses for my Orlando elopement?

Accepted Answer

Yes, Florida law requires two witnesses to sign the marriage license. The witnesses don't need to be present for the entire ceremony — they just need to be there to sign. In practice, your photographer and another vendor (or a guest) typically serve as witnesses. If you're eloping with just the two of you and your officiant, ensure at least two people can sign the license — your photographer and officiant are the most common solution for truly intimate elopements.

Question 12

What decorations and music are allowed at Orlando elopement venues?

Accepted Answer

Restrictions vary by venue. At City of Orlando parks (Dickson Azalea, Langford, Lake Eola), amplified music requires a permit, and flower petals, confetti, and rice are prohibited. Kraft Azalea Garden in Winter Park has strict rules: no chairs, tables, tents (without approval), arches, alcohol, candles, or sparklers — amplified sound is technically permitted during park hours but is subject to monitoring and volume limits, so plan a simple acoustic or Bluetooth speaker setup. Harry P. Leu Gardens prohibits flower petals, candles, and outside catering, but allows more general event setup within their rental agreement. Ask your Wedy coordinator for venue-specific decoration guidance before your ceremony.

Question 13

What if it rains on my Orlando elopement day?

Accepted Answer

For November–April ceremonies, rain is rare and quick showers are easy to work around. For June–September, afternoon thunderstorms are nearly certain between 2-5 PM — always schedule morning ceremonies (before 11 AM) in summer. Harry P. Leu Gardens has covered areas and indoor spaces for weather shelter. Clear umbrellas have become a beloved prop for Florida couples caught in light showers — photographers here lean into it beautifully. Always have a weather backup plan: a nearby covered restaurant or hotel lobby works well for finishing the ceremony if a storm rolls in.

Question 14

How do I get to Orlando for my elopement?

Accepted Answer

Orlando International Airport (MCO) is the main gateway — it's 20-30 minutes from downtown ceremony spots, 15-20 minutes from Leu Gardens, and about 25 minutes from Kraft Azalea Garden in Winter Park. Orlando Sanford International (SFB) is 30-40 minutes out and sometimes offers cheaper fares. Tampa International (TPA) is a 75-90 minute drive and a good alternative when MCO prices are high. A rental car is recommended for full flexibility, especially if you're visiting multiple spots, though Uber and Lyft are widely available throughout Orlando and work well for ceremony day logistics.

Orlando Elopement

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Ceremony & Reception Locations

Dickson Azalea Park

Gazebo at Mayor Carl T. Langford Park

Harry P. Leu Gardens

Kraft Azalea Garden (Exedra at Lake Maitland)

Dickson Azalea Park

Gazebo at Mayor Carl T. Langford Park

Harry P. Leu Gardens

Kraft Azalea Garden (Exedra at Lake Maitland)

Dickson Azalea Park

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