How to Plan an Elopement Wedding Ceremony on Miami Beach
by Monique N. Gilbert
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Want to elope to Miami and get married on the beach? Don't know where to begin? Planning an elopement on Miami Beach can be easier (and take far less time) than you think. Here's how to make it happen.
Eloping to Miami and having a romantic beach wedding is an ideal choice for busy couples. It's especially appealing to couples who don't have the time to plan a traditional wedding, but want to do something special.
For those who feel there's just not enough hours in the day to get everything done; we have put together a check list of things you need to think about to help get you started.
By answering these four simple questions, you will easily create a plan and not get overwhelmed.
First, where on Miami Beach do you want to stay?
The choices are many and it all depends upon your personality. Do you want to be in the center of all the action, with lots of nightlife and excitement? Or do you want to be in a calm and tranquil area, which is easygoing and relaxed?
Miami Beach has it all. Beaches as far as the eye can see, great oceanfront hotels (in all price ranges), fantastic restaurants, dance clubs and shops, with all kinds of attractions nearby.
South Beach has an energetic atmosphere, while the rest of Miami Beach is more mellow and laid-back. All of Miami Beach is wonderful, and the perfect choice for a romantic beach wedding!
South Beach is the high energy area of Miami Beach. It is situated between 1st street and 22nd street (where the historic Art Deco district is). Hotels that are on Ocean Drive and Collins Avenue are closest to the beach.
South Beach, is also the most popular and crowded area of Miami Beach - especially during Spring Break. Besides having plenty of hotels and beach access, there are a lot of restaurants, shops, and clubs within walking distance in this area.
If you and your fiance want to stay at a quieter part of Miami Beach, you would be best to go north of South Beach. The beaches get less crowded the more north you go. Also, the hotels that are north of 22nd street tend to be spaced a little farther apart and more conducive for an intimate beach wedding ceremony.
Second, when do you want to come to Miami Beach?
The time of year you choose will impact your overall cost (hotels charge more during the winter and spring than during the summer). The tourist season is generally from October to May, with the peak months being January, February and March. The reason being, this is when the temperature is at its nicest, and the chance of rain at its lowest.
The day of the week you stay is also an important consideration. Weekends are more popular, crowded and expensive than weekdays.
Third, how are you going to get your marriage license?
You will need to get a Florida marriage license if you want to get married in Florida.
If you are a non-Florida resident (you live in another state or another country), you have two choices. You either can get you marriage license in person (after you arrive into town), or by mail (before you arrive into town).
Getting a marriage license in Florida is very easy for out-of-state couples and couples from other countries.
All you and your fiance need is a current identification with your names, signatures, birth dates and photos (like your driver's licenses or passports).
There are no medical exams, no blood test, and no witnesses required. You just need to fill out a simple information form.
The Miami-Dade county Marriage License Bureaus are open Monday through Friday, 9:00am to 4:00pm. We e-mail you a map and directions from your hotel to the closest Marriage License Bureau before you arrive, with a link to the form you need to fill out.
If both you and your fiance do not live in Florida, there is no waiting period for you to get your marriage license. They will issue you a marriage license right away, effective immediately (so if need be, you can get your marriage license on the same day that you get married).
Finally, what date do you and your fiance prefer to have your ceremony on?
Once you know where you will be staying, what time of year you want to get married, and how you will get your marriage license; you need to make sure the day you want to get married on is available.
Just e-mail us your wedding ceremony plans, and we will let you know if your preferred date is available. If it is, then all you have to do is put down a deposit to reserve your date. After your date is reserved, we will begin writing your wedding ceremony vows, and take care of the rest of the details for your romantic beach wedding ceremony.
Tropical Miami Beach Weddings specializes in small, romantic, and carefree marriage ceremonies, commitment ceremonies, and vow renewals on the beach. We bring the special event to you!
We meet you at your hotel to perform your wedding ceremony on the beach by the ocean. We customize your ceremony vows, play steel drum music; give you a champagne gift basket, lend you a silk bridal bouquet, take digital photos, and perform a unity beach sand ceremony.
So don't put off your elopement plans another minute! Contact us today!