Marriage License Requirements + Lee, Collier, and Charlotte County Info

Dreaming of ditching the big wedding and running off somewhere beautiful in Florida to say your vows? You are not alone. Couples search how to elope in Florida every single day, and the good news is Florida is one of the easiest states to legally get married.

Here is everything you need to know about getting legally married in Florida, plus specific info for Lee County, Collier County, and Charlotte County.

Step 1: Get a Florida Marriage License

Before you can elope anywhere in Florida, you need a Florida marriage license. You cannot use a license from another state.

You can get your license from any Florida county clerk’s office, and you can use it anywhere in the state. That means you could get your license in Fort Myers and elope on a beach in Naples.

What to Bring to Get Married in Florida

• A valid photo ID such as a driver’s license, state ID, or passport

• Your Social Security number if you are a U.S. citizen (you do not need the physical card)

• The date of divorce or death certificate date if you were previously married

No blood test is required in Florida.

Is There a Waiting Period to Get Married in Florida?

• Florida residents have a 3 day waiting period

• The waiting period can be waived if you complete an approved 4 hour premarital course

• Non Florida residents can get married the same day they receive their license

So if you are flying in to elope, you can usually pick up your license and get married right away.

Eloping in Lee County Florida

(Fort Myers, Sanibel, Captiva)

Lee County is a popular place for beach elopements.

Couples can begin the marriage license application online before going in person to finish the process. Both partners must appear together with proper ID.

Florida residents are subject to the 3 day waiting period unless they complete a premarital course. Non residents can marry the same day.

Lee County also offers courthouse ceremonies performed by a deputy clerk if you want something simple and legal without hiring a separate officiant.

Click here for Lee County Clerk of Court marriage license page

Eloping in Collier County Florida

(Naples, Marco Island)

Collier County is ideal for couples eloping in Naples or along the Gulf.

Both parties must apply in person at the Clerk of Courts office. The same Florida rules apply for identification and waiting periods.

Collier County also performs simple civil ceremonies at the courthouse by appointment, which is a great option for couples who want to handle the legal part quickly before heading to the beach for photos.

Click here for Collier County Clerk marriage license page

Eloping in Charlotte County Florida

(Punta Gorda and surrounding areas)

Charlotte County is perfect for couples who love quieter waterfront and nature spots.

Couples can start the application online but must appear together in person to receive the license. Florida residents have the 3 day waiting period unless they take a premarital course. Non residents can marry right away.

Courthouse ceremonies are available here as well, making it easy to complete the legal portion of your elopement in one stop.

Click here for Charlotte County Clerk marriage license page

After Your Elopement Ceremony

After your ceremony, your officiant must return the signed marriage license to the Clerk of Court for recording. Once it is recorded, you can request certified copies of your marriage certificate for things like:

• Changing your last name

• Updating your Social Security information

• Updating your driver’s license or passport

Where Should You Elope in Florida?

This is one of the biggest questions couples ask when planning an elopement in Florida. The good news is you have so many options depending on whether you want something simple, private, scenic, or a little more structured.

I have a full guide together with location ideas and fun activities to include in your Florida elopement, if you want the short version, these are some of the best places to elope in Florida.

Beach Elopements in Florida

The beach is always a favorite for Florida elopements. If you are keeping things small and simple, you may not even need a permit on many public beaches. Rules can vary by city and county, so it is always smart to double check local guidelines.

For example, in Naples, beach ceremonies with six or fewer people can typically take place on public beaches without a permit. If you plan to bring chairs, an arch, decor, or invite more guests, a beach wedding permit may be required.

Renting a Beachfront Airbnb or Vacation Home

A private vacation rental near the water can be a beautiful option if you want something more intimate. Some beachfront Airbnbs give you direct access to quieter stretches of shoreline, which can feel much more private than a public beach.

Always ask the host for permission before planning a ceremony on the property. They will want to know how many guests you are inviting and how many people will be staying overnight.

Small Wedding Venues That Offer Elopement Packages

Not every elopement has to be in the sand or deep in nature. Many Florida wedding venues now offer weekday elopement packages that include a ceremony space for a much lower cost than a full Saturday wedding.

This is a great option if you want a beautiful, organized location without planning a large event. Search for small wedding venues or elopement packages in the area you love.

Outdoor Elopement Locations in Nature

If you are dreaming of an adventurous elopement, Florida has no shortage of natural beauty. State parks, quiet islands, scenic rivers, hiking trails, and crystal clear springs can all make incredible ceremony backdrops.

Some parks and public spaces offer inexpensive permits or reservations so you can have a designated area just for your ceremony. Other times, couples choose a meaningful outdoor location and exchange vows there with just an officiant and a photographer.

Final Tip From a Florida Elopement Photographer and Videographer

The legal side of eloping in Florida is actually the easy part. The key is planning your timeline around lighting, weather, and privacy, especially on public beaches and parks in Southwest Florida.

If you are planning to elope in Lee, Collier, or Charlotte County and want help choosing locations, building a stress free timeline, and documenting your day in a real and meaningful way, that is exactly what I am here for.

Elopement Photography & Videography

Not every elopement is over in an hour.

Some photographers arrive for the ceremony, capture a few portraits, and head home. But for couples who choose to elope, the experience is often so much bigger than the vows themselves.

Maybe you’re hiking to a mountaintop at sunrise, exploring a Florida state park together, sharing a picnic by the water, or ending the day with dinner under the stars. Those are the moments that deserve to be remembered just as much as the ceremony.

That’s why Through Her Lens Photography offers elopement experiences ranging from a few hours to multi-day adventures. Every collection is designed around your vision, not a strict timeline.

Hi, I’m Kaylee Kemp, a Southwest Florida elopement photographer and videographer documenting intentional, experience-driven weddings through digital photography, 35mm film, Super 8, and cinematic video. Elopement collections begin at $1,500 and include thoughtful planning guidance, multiple locations when your day calls for them, and coverage that allows your story to unfold naturally.

My job isn’t to rush you from one photo to the next.

It’s to create the space for you to be fully present while documenting the day exactly as it felt so years from now, you’ll remember not just how your elopement looked, but what it was like to live it. Ready to be fully present on your wedding day? Inquire today, and let’s start planning an elopement that feels authentically you.