An Intimate Destination Elopement in Florida with Courthouse Vows and Sunset Beach Portraits

There’s something quietly special about an elopement that includes the people who know you best. Fergus and Malaina’s destination elopement in Florida was exactly that: it was simple, intentional, and full of small moments that would have been easy to miss if they hadn’t decided to invite a photographer along. They almost didn’t, and I’m so grateful they changed their minds.

A Destination Elopement with Travel Stories and a Sunset Sprint

I flew into Florida on Wednesday afternoon and was picked up by Fergus and Malaina at the airport. We drove about an hour to the beach with plans to do relaxed sunset portraits the evening before their elopement. By the time we arrived, the sun was already dipping, and we had maybe twelve minutes before the beach closed.

It turned into a full-on sprint, shoes in hand, cameras and bags juggling, laughing as we ran across the sand. It was chaotic in the best way! We made it to the shoreline just in time, and those quick, barefoot beach portraits ended up feeling so true to them. It was unplanned, and we were all completely present. It was honestly one of those moments where I cherish what I do so much!

That evening was also a reminder that a destination elopement doesn’t have to be perfectly timed to be meaningful. Sometimes the best moments happen when you’re simply willing to roll with what the day gives you.

Courthouse Vows and Quiet Moments with Family

The next morning, I arrived at their hotel around 9 am to document everyone getting ready and spending time together. Malaina and Fergus shared a first look on a quiet walkway, with family watching from afar. It was so tender and calm—exactly the kind of vibe you want for a moment like that.

Afterward, we all drove to the courthouse for their ceremony. Due to security restrictions, I wasn’t able to go inside with them, so I stayed outside with their family. Instead of waiting around, we used that time to take portraits of everyone together, capturing candid moments and photos with their significant others. When Fergus and Malaina came back out, we continued with family photos and relaxed portraits before wrapping up.

This part of the day is exactly why hiring a photographer for your Florida elopement matters. Even when I couldn’t be in the ceremony room, there were still stories unfolding and that deserved to be documented!

Hiring a Florida Elopement Photographer: Small Ceremonies Still Carry Big Stories

It’s easy to assume an elopement is too small or too simple to need a photographer. Fergus and Malaina almost thought the same thing. But their elopement weekend included airport pickups, a spontaneous beach session, family time, a first look, courthouse vows, and post-ceremony portraits. Now, they get to hold onto tangible keepsakes from those days to remind them of the joy they experienced, again and again.

As a destination elopement photographer, I see this often. The ceremony is important, but the moments around it (the travel, the nerves, the laughter, the quiet time with family) are what bring the story to life later!

A Realistic Florida Elopement Timeline

If you’re planning your own Florida elopement, here’s a simple flow inspired by Fergus and Malaina’s day:

• Travel day or evening-before portraits (beach, city, or hotel)
• Getting ready with family or just the two of you
• A private first look
• Courthouse or ceremony location
• Family portraits and couple portraits afterward
• A relaxed meal or celebration

Building in buffer time for travel and courthouse logistics will make the day feel calmer and give you space to enjoy it.

Including Family in an Intimate Elopement

Elopements don’t have to mean “just us.” Fergus and Malaina’s family being present made their Florida elopement feel layered and deeply meaningful. Watching the first look from afar, waiting outside the courthouse, and sharing portraits afterward gave them space for intimacy and connection.

If you’re close with your family, inviting them into your elopement day, even in a simple, low-pressure way, can make the experience even richer.

Tips for Planning a Florida Elopement

• Plan beach portraits earlier than you think. Beaches often close at sunset, and timing can sneak up on you! Here are some Florida beaches and State Parks to explore!
• Check courthouse rules ahead of time. Security policies vary, and photography restrictions are common! You can check out more here!
• Build buffer time into your schedule. Travel, parking, and crowds can shift your timeline.
• Hire a destination elopement photographer. Having someone there to document the in-between moments is worth it.
• Embrace imperfection. Some of the best memories come from unexpected moments.

However you choose to celebrate, I hope your elopement feels grounded, connected, and true to you. Whether it’s a courthouse ceremony, barefoot beach portraits, or a weekend with family, those quiet moments are the ones you’ll look back on for years to come.

Ready To Book Your Destination Elopement Photographer?

If you’re dreaming of a Florida elopement or a destination elopement anywhere that feels relaxed, intentional, and centered on connection, I’d love to document it for you! You can inquire here to begin planning your day, and explore more below! You can also find more destination elopement inspiration on my Pinterest!

Kate Bonin | Austin Engagement & Documentary Wedding Photographer

You can see more of Fergus and Malaina’s Florida destination elopement below!