Why Choose a Courthouse Elopement in Tampa?

Courthouse elopement… you’re probably thinking quick and drama free. Yeah girl! But just because it’s simple doesn’t mean it can’t be meaningful. Imagine making it official at the courthouse and then heading out to celebrate whether that’s popping champagne + exploring downtown or a sunset cruise on Clearwater Beach, or exploring a spring. You deserve to experience your wedding not just check things off a list!

A courthouse elopement is perfect if you:

Want a low-stress, affordable way to get legally married.

Love the idea of combining “just the paperwork” with a bold, adventurous day.

Prefer intimacy over guest lists and traditions.

Want to make it legal before your bigger celebration or destination wedding

What Everyone Needs For A Courthouse Elopement in Tampa

No matter if you’re a resident or just visiting, these requirements apply to all couples eloping in Florida:

• Both partners must be 18+ and present.
• Bring valid ID – Driver’s license, state ID card, or passport.
• Social Security number – You don’t need the physical card, just the number.
• Previously married? Be prepared with the official date your last marriage ended. Some counties may also require copies of a divorce decree, annulment, or death certificate.
• Read the Family Law Handbook – Required before obtaining your marriage license (available online or at the clerk’s office).
• Marriage license validity – Once issued, your license is good for 60 days.
• Return your certificate – You’ll need to return the signed marriage certificate to the same county clerk’s office within 10 days. The certified copy is then mailed to you (usually within a week, but sometimes up to 4–6 weeks).
• Marriage license fee – Around $86–$100 depending on the county. Yes, you can apply online to save time (and I can help you find the exact link once we nail down your county!)

Florida Residents: What’s Different

If you’re a Florida local eloping right here in your backyard, here’s what’s unique to you:

• 3 day waiting period – You’ll need to wait three days after getting your marriage license before you can marry.
• Skip the wait + save money – Take a 4 hour premarital course (approved by the Clerk of Court) and the 3-day wait is waived. Bonus: your license fee drops to $61 instead of $86.
• Plan ahead if skipping the course – Apply for your marriage license 2–4 weeks before your elopement to avoid the waiting period clashing with your date.

Non Residents: What’s Different

Florida keeps it simple for out of staters:

Clerk’s office ceremonies available – If you want the simplest route, you can even tie the knot at the county clerk’s office between 8am–4pm, no appointment needed.

No waiting period – You can apply for your license and get married the very same day.

Fun Florida Marriage Facts

Officiant required – You’ll need someone to legally marry you. That could be a judge, notary, or ordained minister (like me!) Yup, I am ordained, if you wanna skip the courthouse and say I Do somewhere else I would be honored my friend 🙂

No witnesses needed – Unlike some states, Florida doesn’t require witnesses. If it’s just the two of you, you’re still good to go.

The Ceremony at the Tampa Courthouse

• Location – The main Hillsborough County Courthouse is in downtown Tampa at 800 E Twiggs Street.
• Hours – Ceremonies are typically available Monday–Friday, 8:00am–4:00pm (no appointment needed) Plus week day elopements often mean less traffic, less crowds. #WINNING
• Officiant – A Deputy Clerk will perform your ceremony right there in the courthouse.
• Witnesses – Not required in Florida, but you’re welcome to bring guests if you’d like (limit 10 people including the photographer)
• The Vibe – While it’s short and legal focused, you can still make it your own. Dress up, bring flowers, or even hire a photographer (hiii, that’s where I come in)

Want A Courthouse Closer To The Beach?

Did you know you’re not limited to the downtown Tampa courthouse? There’s also a Pinellas County Courthouse in Clearwater, which puts you just minutes from some of Florida’s best beaches. If you’re dreaming of a courthouse elopement that flows right into barefoot adventures this location is a perfect fit. While the Hillsborough courthouse gives you that city vibe with downtown Tampa as your backdrop, the Clearwater option makes it easy to tie the knot and then head straight into water activities and coastal celebrations without the drive.

What if you want both city and beach vibes? That’s the beauty of planning more than two hours of coverage you don’t have to choose just one. With a longer courthouse elopement that includes a fun adventure to celebrate, you can start downtown for that city energy, then head to Clearwater or St. Pete for sunset vows on the beach. Having extra time means you get to fully enjoy both experiences without rushing, giving your day more depth and more memories.

Location – The Pinellas County Courthouse is located at 315 Court Street, Clearwater, FL 33756, just minutes from the beach.

Hours – Ceremonies are available Monday–Friday, 8:00am–4:00pm (no appointment needed). And bonus—weekday elopements here often mean lighter beach traffic and fewer crowds. #WOO

Officiant – A Deputy Clerk will perform your ceremony right inside the courthouse.Witnesses – Not required in Florida, but you can bring guests if you’d like (limit of 10 people total, including your photographer).

The Vibe – Think short, sweet, and legal focused but with the bonus of being mins away from white sand and ocean breezes. You can keep it classic with courthouse “I do’s,” then head straight to Clearwater Beach for barefoot vows, a champagne pop, or a stroll on the pier.

Post Courthouse Elopement Fun – Let’s Make It FUN!

The courthouse elopement makes it official buuuut the rest of the day is where your story comes alive. Tampa Bay is packed with options to turn your courthouse wedding into a full on elopement experience.

Here are just a few ways couples take their courthouse “I do” and flip it into an unforgettable adventure:

• City vibes – Celebrate with a rooftop toast in downtown Tampa, epic downtown portraits, grab craft cocktails in Hyde Park or explore the Riverwalk!
• Beach magic – Head across the bridge to St. Pete or Clearwater for some fun, rent a boat or jet skis, pop some champagne at sunset, mini golfing, or take a sunset swim together!
• Nature escape – Rent a cozy Airbnb near a spring, go kayaking, or wander under banyan trees for private vows after the courthouse. Or beach camp it up at Fort De Soto or theres even glamping at Hillsborough State Park.
• Food + fun – Pizza and beer at Armature Works, oysters by the bay, or a brewery crawl to toast your “just married” status.

This is where I come in with all the fun activity ideas where we craft a day that feels intentional and fun!

How Many Hours Of Coverage Will We Need?

It’s easy to think a courthouse elopement only needs two hours after all, the ceremony is quick. But your wedding day is more than paperwork or an errand. From hugs outside the courthouse to exploring downtown Tampa or St Pete, to boat adventures, roof top hangs, and private vows during a sunset beach picnic, you deserve to have the ultimate date night adventure after your courthouse elopement which is why I always recommend 4–6 hours. It truly lets you slow down and actually live the day instead of rushing through it.

2 Hours vs. 4–6 Hours of Courthouse Elopement Coverage

What A 2 Hour Courthouse Elopement Looks Like

• Quick courthouse ceremony.
• A handful of portraits outside the courthouse.
• Maybe one or two shots with family/friends if they’re there.
• Time focused/ rushed vibe… feels more like “proof we got married” than a full story.

What A 4–6 Hour Courthouse Elopement Looks Like

• Getting ready moments (the excitement, the nerves, the details).
• Courthouse ceremony + reactions right after.
• Photos with family or friends who came along.
• Snacks and drinks of the river walk or roof top to celebrate
• A drive to St. Pete or Clearwater Beach for golden-hour portraits or fun water adventures!
• Private vows, barefoot walks, and those candid, cinematic moments that make you feel the day all over again

The difference? Two hours captures the paperwork. Four to six hours captures the experience. Your courthouse elopement can be more than a formality… it can be a bold, adventurous day that deserves to be remembered in full.

Ready for me to help create your stress free courthouse adventure elopement?! Send me a holla here!

What can be some fun post courthouse elopement activites?!

• Making it an ultimate date with celebrating with yummy food + beers on a roof top
• Arcades, bowling, beach picnic, pool party, rent a boat or jet ski, go to a spring
• Share private vows + intimate sunset first dance.
• Including family by documenting a dinner boat cruise or bbq back at the airbnb!

I. Have. Soooo. Many. Ideas! Here’s a blog with some more inspo for activites

Instead of rushing through, you actually get to experience the day and have the photos that tell the full story. Pro tip… Think of the courthouse elopement as your starting line not your finish line. The real magic happens after.

Best Times for a Courthouse Elopement in Tampa

If you’re planning a courthouse elopement in Tampa, timing matters just as much as location.

• Weekdays (Monday–Friday) Courthouse ceremonies are only performed during the week, typically between 8:00am–4:00pm. Weekday elopements also mean less traffic, easier parking, and fewer crowds both downtown and at the beaches.
• Best seasons  While Florida is gorgeous yearround, the end of fall through early spring (November–March) is ideal. Temps are cooler, humidity is lower, and you avoid the bulk of hurricane season (June–November). This sweet spot gives you comfortable weather without the sticky summer heat.
• Summer elopements – Totally doable, but plan around afternoon thunderstorms and embrace a little Florida spontaneity. Just keep in mind the humidity it’s something to consider for hair and makeup, especially if you’re planning outdoor photos.

Why Combine Courthouse Elopement + Adventure?

Because your marriage deserves more than paperwork. The courthouse is where you make it legal and it’s just the beginning. The adventure elopement is where you make it yours. Together, it’s the best of both worlds: stress free, a wedding day that flows and leaves room to breathe and wildly meaningful.

Your wedding day doesn’t have to fit inside a box. You don’t have to choose between “just the courthouse” or “just the adventure.” In Tampa, you can have it both ways: handle the legalities in the morning, then spend the rest of the day laughing, exploring, and celebrating in a way that actually feels like you.

And when you bring me along, you’ll have someone who not only documents every moment but also helps plan the logistics so all you have to do is show up, say “hell yes” and soak it all in.

Ready to start planning your elopement?! Let’s do this!

Dont Take My Word For It… Take Theirs 🙂

Meet Your Tampa Elopement Photographer

Hey, I’m Kathryn a Tampa elopement photographer for couples who want a day that feels fun, stress-free, and true to them. I’ll help with planning, timelines, and ideas so you can focus on each other while I capture it all in a way that’s natural, cinematic, and real. My philosophy? You only get one life so why not do what you want, especially on your wedding day.

If you’re ready to keep it simple and still make it an experience, I’d love to help.

Can’t wait to hear from you!

Common Questions About Courthouse Elopements

“What if we want both city and beach vibes for our elopement?”
That’s the beauty of planning more than two hours of coverage you don’t have to choose just one. With a longer courthouse elopement you can start downtown for that city energy, then head to Clearwater or St. Pete for more fun! Having extra time means you get to fully enjoy both experiences without rushing, giving your day more depth and more memories.

“Isn’t a courthouse elopement just paperwork?”
It can be but it doesn’t have to be. The courthouse is where you make it legal, but the rest of the day is where you make it yours. With more than two hours of coverage, your courthouse elopement becomes a full experience. It’s not just about signing forms it’s about creating a wedding day where you can be present, intentional, and have a bad ass time and call it your wedding day!

“Can we just book two hours for our courthouse elopement?”
Of course! If you’re set on keeping it short and simple, two hours can cover the basics, the ceremony itself and portraits right after with a fun champagne pop with epic downtown views. But my vote will always go toward adventure:) With 4–6 hours, you give yourselves room for more. At the end of the day, it’s all about what feels right for you, but if adventure is calling, I’ll always encourage you to say yes to it.

“What if we want to include family in our elopement?”
At the courthouse, ceremonies are limited you can usually only bring up to 10 people total and that includes your photographer. But an elopement doesn’t have to mean “just the two of you.” If you dream of having family or close friends there, we can design your day around it. Maybe they’re with you at the courthouse to cheer you on, or maybe they join later for toasts, portraits, or a meal together. You can keep it intimate while still celebrating with the people who matter most.

“We’re not sure what we’d even do for an activity after the courthouse, how does that work?”
That’s exactly where I come in. As an elopement photographer, I’m also your built in guide. I get to know you both… your personalities, your style, and what lights you up and then help curate ideas that actually feel like you. Whether that’s kayaking at a spring, rooftop cocktails, sunset vows on Clearwater Beach, or tacos and beer in Ybor, I’ll help you brainstorm what’s possible, connect you with trusted local vendors, and fine tune a timeline that flows naturally. You don’t need to show up with a plan, I’ll help you create one that feels like the perfect fit.

Start dreaming up your adventure courthouse elopement with me here!