How to Elope In Orlando Florida | FAQ's + Details
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ALL THE DETAILS

 
WHO ARE YOU?

We are a husband and wife Photography team. We are also licensed Notaries and certified wedding planners. We arrange simple, no fuss elopements for couples who want to keep it simple and fun. You can read more about us her​e.

HOW MUCH IS THE RETAINER AND DO YOU ACCEPT CREDIT CARDS?

A nonrefundable retainer ($850 depending on the venue), is required to book your day. That retainer pays the retainer for the venue and vendors so they can lock-in a date for you. The balance is due two months prior the ceremony. Payments are done online via your secured electronic invoice. We do accept major credit cards.

 

HOW DOES EVERYTHING WORK?

Our clients tells us they cannot believe how simple and hassle-free the process was! This is how it works:

 

  1. When you are ready to book your date with a signed agreement and your payment, choose a venue, a wedding date and contact us to check availability. 

  2. Once we confirm availability for a date that works for you, we’ll prepare an electronic agreement and invoice to book your day.

  3. As soon as you sign the electronic agreement and pay your retainer, we secure the venue, send you a step-by-step email with due dates and all the information you need to get ready for your day.

  4. You are welcome to reach out via phone, text, or email, with any questions you may have throughout the entire process.

  5. Two months prior your wedding, you will complete a short questionnaire we’ll send you to choose your flowers and tells us a bit about your ceremony preferences. Also, your final payment is due at that time.

  6. The day of the ceremony, we’ll meet at the venue with flowers in hand ready for your ceremony! Yes, it’s that simple!

WHAT HAPPENS THE DAY OF THE CEREMONY?

Unlike a traditional wedding, elopements short and sweet informal ceremonies without all the complicated schedules of a traditional wedding.  There are no rehearsals, pre-meetings, decorations to setup, or headaches. The couple arrives to the venue and discusses the ceremony briefly with the Officiant, the Officiant and Photographer direct any attendees and the ceremony starts. After the ceremony ends, you'll have fun with the photographer. Finally, about an hour later, you are off to celebrate any way they want to!

I WANT TO INVITE A FEW PEOPLE. HOW MANY PEOPLE CAN I HAVE?
  • Leu Gardens, Paddlefish, The Chapel, Orlando History Center, Paradise Cove, Deluxe Beach Ceremony:  22 people including the couple.

  • Maitland Art Center:  17 people max including the couple

  • Enchanting Elopements: Couples only or couple with their children.

  • Beach elopements - This package is perfect for couples only, however, we can make exceptions for a few standing attendees.

  • Leu Gardens Micro Wedding: 50 people including the couple.

  • Everyone counts including the couple AND children (except for infants).

If you are eloping without guests and wish to bring your children, please note that young children must be accompanied by a chaperone at all times.  During the ceremony, it is easy for young ones to just walk away from your side, especially during the ceremony.  Additionally, your Officiant needs your attention for at least 10-15 minutes during the ceremony, which is not possible if you are trying to take care of a child. Please plan accordingly.

IS THERE A PRICE DIFFERENCE IF IS JUST THE TWO OF US?

Our elopement packages are already discounted for couple-only ceremonies, however, some venues allow a few additional attendees at no extra cost. 

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CAN I GET MARRIED ANY DAY OF THE WEEK AND/OR IN THE EVENING?

Depends on the venue:

 

  • Leu Gardens Elopements - Any day of the week at 9:30am, 11:30am, 1:00PM, 3:30PM (subject to availability). Please note that this venue is not available October through the first week in January.

  • Leu Gardens Micro Weddings: Any day of the week at 10:00am (9am access to bridal suite) OR 4:00pm ceremony (3pm access to bridal suite). Please note that this venue is not available October through the first week in January.

  • Beach Elopements - Any day of the week, one hour before the sun sets

  • Maitland Art Center - Any day of the week at 9:30am

  • Chapel, Paradise Cove, Enchanted Elopements - Monday through Friday in the morning

  • Paddlefish - Monday - Thursday in the morning

WHAT'S INCLUDED WITH YOUR COORDINATION SERVICES?

  • We check availability with the venue and ceremony vendors

  • We sign agreements and make payments to the venue and vendors on your behalf to secure your day

  • We provide our couples with a step by step guide including deadlines and an in-house questionnaire, with everything the couple needs to know and do leading up to the ceremony

  • We give our couples virtual assistance and guidance finding additional services or vendors the couple may need

  • We order bridal flowers and bring them to the venue

  • We guide the couple and attendees upon their arrival with the entire ceremony flow. You won't feel "lost" the day of the ceremony.

I DON'T NEED A VENUE. CAN I BOOK JUST YOUR CEREMONY SERVICES?

Yes, you can! Click here to view our simple ceremony services without venue.

DO WE MEET UP IN PERSON TO DISCUSS OUR CEREMONY / IS THERE A REHEARSAL?

You will not meet your team until a few minutes prior the ceremony at the venue. The coordination included with our ceremony packages is all done via email, text, and phone. You’ll receive details, step-by-step, so that everything is taken care of before your ceremony. 

DO YOU ARRANGE RECEPTIONS?

No, we don't. Elopement couples choose to celebrate at a nearby restaurant instead. There are so many restaurants in Orlando! Your best option is to do a search on Tripadvisor based on the type of cuisine you want, location, etc.

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CAN I SWITCH VENUES AFTER I BOOK MY DAY?

No. When you book a package we pay a specific venue to hold a date for you and we don't get that money back. If you want to switch venues, you would have to pay a new retainer so that we can book the other venue.

HOW DOES THE MARRIAGE LICENSE BY MAIL WORKS?

Elope to Orlando is authorized with our local Clerk of the Courts to help our couples obtain a Florida marriage license in absentia ahead of time. This service is provided free of charge as an added value to our clients, however, it requires a few weeks advanced notice. This is how the process works:

  • The couple completes a special marriage license application that we give them

  • We take that application to our local Clerk of the Courts

  • The Clerk of the Courts will send us the couple's Florida marriage license for processing

  • The couple receive their license via email, and they need to sign the license in front of a Notary, then send it to us via postal mail.

  • We take the signed and notarized license back to the Clerk's Office and get it finalized and stamped, ready for their wedding!

  • The day of your wedding, we'll give the license to the Officiant. You don't have to do anything else!

WHERE DO I GET A FLORIDA MARRIAGE LICENSE IN PERSON?

You can get a Florida marriage license at any Florida Clerk of the Courts office. It's a simple and quick process and all you need is a valid ID. Click here to visit the Orlando Orange County Clerk of the Courts for marriage license application details. Click on the "Marriage License Requirements" option for details of what you'll need.

I LIVE IN ANOTHER STATE/COUNTRY. DO I NEED A MARRIAGE LICENSE FROM FLORIDA?

Yes, you do. To get married in Florida, you need a Florida marriage license regardless of where you live. Your marriage is valid anywhere in the United States and most countries, included the UK. You don't have to do anything else. After the wedding, you will receive a Certified Copy, which is your marriage certificate.

WHO WILL TAKE MY PHOTOS?

With the exception of the Enchanted Elopement package, your photographers will most likely be be Mya and Hector.  All the photos throughout the website including our galleries were taken by Mya and Hector. However, we work with an amazing team of associate photographers who represent our brand when Mya and Hector are not available or when special circumstances arise. Either way, you will be in good hands by a professional with years of experience whose ultimate goal is to provide an easy and fun experience with beautiful photos.

WHAT'S INCLUDED WITH THE PHOTOGRAPHY?

For elopements, the photographer starts taking photos when the ceremony starts and during the ceremony. After the ceremony, he/she will take a few photos with immediate family members if applicable, followed by a couple-only photoshoot throughout the venue. The micro wedding botanical garden package includes a little more time to include the bride putting on her dress inside the venue's bridal suite and to accommodate more attendees.

WHAT'S INCLUDED WITH THE COMPLIMENTARY VIDEO?

This complimentary service is done by the photographer and it includes the recording of the ceremony service only. A lapel microphone is placed on the Officiant for professional quality sound. The couple will receive their video file via digital download. You may upgrade to add the services of a videographer and/or full coverage from start to finish. Contact us for a details.

CAN I EXTEND THE PHOTOGRAPHERS TIME?

You cannot arrive earlier or stay at the venue longer than the contracted venue time. However, if you want to add pre and/or post wedding coverage at a different location, additional photographer's time can be added at the cost of $400 per continuous hour.​

CAN I BRING MY OWN OFFICIANT OR PHOTOGRAPHER?

No, sorry. Our company is owned and managed by a ceremony team with the purpose of providing our ceremony services. If you have your ceremony team, then you don't need us! ;-)

IS THE CEREMONY RELIGIOUS?

Our Officiants offer two options: Civil/Secular/NON Religious and a non-denominational Christian ceremony. The difference between the two is that the Secular ceremony has NO prayers and no mention of God and the non denominational Christian ceremony has prayers, mentions god, but is not related to any specific Christian denomination.

CAN I WRITE AND READ MY OWN VOWS?

Absolutely! Just make sure you include this information on your final questionnaire. ;-)

CAN I CHANGE THE OFFICIANT'S CEREMONY?

No, you cannot. Every Officiant has his/her own ceremony they've practiced for a long time and feel comfortable with. Ceremonies are usually written by the Officiant, to suit their unique personality and form of speak. Those are his/her "working tools" sort of speak. You can compare those to the camera and lens your photographer uses to do their job or a Chef's recipe.   You can personalize the ceremony by  writing and reading your own vows. You can also request an attendee to do a special reading for you or even a prayer during the ceremony.  Just let us know and we'll be more than happy to accommodate those special requests for you. 

DO YOU ARRANGE VOWS RENEWALS?

Yes, we do! All of our packages are suitable for vows renewal. They only difference is that you don't need a marriage license because you are already married.

CAN WE HAVE/BRING CAKE AND/OR CHAMPAGNE?

No. Your best option to make those arrangements with the restaurant you are having your after-ceremony celebration at.

CAN YOU ARRANGE TRANSPORTATION TO THE VENUE?

We don't arrange transportation. Most of our couples take an Uber to the venue or arrange a limo or car service with a local limo company. Just Google "Orlando Limo Service" for some suggestions.

CAN YOU RECOMMEND A STYLIST FOR HAIR AND MAKEUP?

Yes, we can. You will receive our preferred list after you book our services. 

 

WHAT TYPE OF FLOWERS ARE INCLUDED IN THE PACKAGE?

You have the option between roses in natural colors OR a Tropical bouquet with florist's choice of flowers. You can find more details in our Blog here.

 

You can request a costume bouquet, however, be advised that this option will cost you at least $50-$100 more depending on your request. To give you an example, those big beautiful "boho" bouquets you see online are priced around $300 and up. If you want to request a costume bouquet, keep in mind that many inspiration photos found online are faux flowers or the flowers might be out of season.

CAN I ADD FLOWERS TO MY PACKAGE?

Yes, you can. Additional bouquets start at $100 and boutonnieres at $15 and up depending on the flower​

CAN I HIRE OTHER CEREMONY VENDORS ON MY OWN?

That depends on the service they are hired for. Ceremony vendors outside of our team must be pre-approved by Elope to Orlando. They will be required to show liability insurance and meet specific guidelines established by Elope to Orlando and the venue.

CAN I DECORATE THE CEREMONY SITE?

No. You are not allowed to setup, arrange, or hire outside vendors to decorate the venue while we are under contract.  Additionally, the venue's contracted time doesn't allow time to setup decor as is meant to be a sweet and short ceremony service.

 

CAN I CUSTOMIZE/CHANGE/ADD TO THE PACKAGE?

We don’t offer additional services beyond what’s listed on the website. However, we'll be more than happy to help you find any other additional vendors or services you are hoping for.

 

CAN I HAVE A BRIDAL PARTY?

Depends on the ceremony location, you may have a small bridal party. Your bridal party counts towards the total number of attendees allowed. Please keep is simple. If you are expecting a traditional wedding we are not the team for you (and you are NOT eloping).

WHAT ABOUT MUSIC?

Complimentary recorded music is available at most venues except the Enchanted and Beach elopement packages. Please read your package description for details if music is possible.  If music is possible, the photographer will bring a small blue tooth speaker that you can hook up to and play your choice of music or he/she can play Cannon D for a short processional and The Wedding March at the end.  We cannot take requests for specific songs since it would require another person to handle just the music.  You will also receive a referral for a musician if you prefer live music.

 

HOW LONG IS THE CEREMONY?

The entire event, including arrival, the ceremony and photos, usually takes about 90 minutes.  If you have guests/attendees it will take a little longer.

 

IS THERE A PLACE TO CHANGE INTO MY GOWN AT THE VENUE?

With the exception of the Micro Wedding package at Leu Gardens, you must arrive dressed and ready to start to all venues. There is no place for you to change into your gown.

 

HOW IS THE WEATHER LIKE DURING MY CHOSEN DATE?

Click here and find your date to check out Orlando’s average temperatures and precipitation.

WHEN IS THE BEST TIME OF THE YEAR FOR AN OUTDOOR WEDDING IN ORLANDO?

We believe that the best time of the year is between mid-October through mid-May. Late May through mid October is when we get the most rain and it's extremely hot and humid. Usually, we finally move away from the 90's around mid October. November and December is our best weather of the year with not much rain, low humidity and average temperatures in the 70's and sometimes even low 80's.

Our coolest month is usually February but our colds weather doesn't linger for too long.

 

Hurricane season is June through November, with August and September the wettest months and historically when most Tropical Storms impact Florida. 

WHAT HAPPENS IF IT RAINS?

The venue will provide either a covered or indoor area we can use in case of rain. Once the rain moves away, which happens often, we can proceed with the couple's photo session as planned. 

WHAT HAPPENS IN THE EVENT OF A HURRICANE?

On average, Florida gets hit with a hurricane only about once every three years. Additionally, depending on the strength and the path of the storm, Orlando (which is NOT a coastal City) might not feel the strong effects except for some wind and rain. Based on past experiences, it is pretty safe to say that the chances of a hurricane coming through Orlando the day of your wedding are very slim. That being said, in the event of a hurricane, we'll try our best to work with the venue and the ceremony vendors to make your ceremony happen, even if we need to move up or change the ceremony for a later date.

 

If you don't live in Florida and you are getting married during hurricane season (June-November), we suggest that you arrive at least two days prior your wedding and you don't schedule your departure until after a few days after the ceremony, in case we need to change the ceremony date. We also recommend that you purchase either refundable or flexible airplane tickets. Finally, you might want to look into wedding cancellation insurance in case a postponement is not possible.

DO YOU OFFER ANY DISCOUNTS?

Our package is already discounted for elopements. Additional discounts are not possible.

HOW FAR OUT CAN I BOOK MY ELOPEMENT?

We can book some venues up to a year out and others are booking through 2025. Contact us with your prefer date and venue for details!

CAN I BOOK MY ELOPEMENT LAS MINUTE?

Absolutely! As long as our team and venue are available, we can make it happen with only a few weeks notice!

WE WANT TO ELOPE! HOW TO WE START?

The first step is to choose a wedding date and a venue. Once you are ready to secure the venue with a paid retainer, contact us to check the venue's availability and get started!

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Getting Started

01

CHOOSE A VENUE +
A WEDDING  DATE

02

CONTACT US TO CHECK AVAILABILITY

03

BOOK YOUR DAY!

CHOOSE A VENUE

CLICK ON THE VENUE PHOTO FOR PACKAGE DETAILS

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