Your day. Your way.
Whether it's a micro wedding with a few friends or an elopement with no guests at all, I'll partner with you to capture your day.
I'm also ordained and can officiate your marriage while I take your photos. There's really no limit to how two people can get hitched.
I photographed my first wedding on a borrowed camera in 2008. Since then, I've done over 500 traditional and micro weddings and 300 elopements in the courthouses of Central Florida.
You can apply at any County Clerk’s office in Florida. Non-residents have no waiting period, meaning you can get your license and get married the same day. There are also a few counties in Florida that offer virtual appointments to get your marriage license in Florida no matter where you are in the world.
No. Florida is one of the few states that does not require witnesses. You only need a valid license and an authorized officiant. I happen to be a photographer in Florida who is also able to officiate your marriage.
Yes, a 3-day waiting period applies to residents unless you complete a state-sanctioned 4-hour premarital course (which also discounts the license fee). These courses are very easy to find and complete in a short amount of time online. Just print the completion certificate and bring it with you to your license appointment.
There are a few different terms being used to describe small weddings. A “micro wedding” might have up to 50 guests while an “intimate wedding” or a “nano wedding” might have up to 20 guests and an elopement is usually just the couple (they might have their children with them).
As the cost of a traditional wedding in Central Florida is nearing $60,000 couples are looking for more affordable options. Most couples are looking at spending between $3,000 and $15,000, which typically cover the venue, officiant, and photography. As a photographer in Central Florida who can also officiate weddings , many couples eloping only need to hire me. My fee starts at $960 for up to 2 hours which is usually enough time. I don’t charge anything to officiate.
My couples come from all over the world year round. Even in the high temperatures and humidity of July and August, I’m often doing more than one elopement a day. But if you’re looking to plan your elopement around the weather, I highly recommend November thru April. If you want to get married at a courthouse and still get a golden hour sunset for your photos, I recommend December or January as the latest appointment times at the courthouse can also coincide with sunset If timed just right.
Rain is definitely a reality in Central Florida and 6 months of the year is hurricane season. My couples often opt to marry at the Orange County Courthouse in downtown Orlando due to the covered areas outside and the beautiful building inside where there are many places for us to have a full photo session without getting wet. For my clients, I’m able to come up with a plan for a location that offers possibilities in the case of rain.
I have a very robust list of elopement location ideas in Central Florida and they include places like Kraft Azalea Garden, Harry P. Leu Gardens, many Central Florida courthouses, beaches, and private estates like Sydonie Mansion in Mt. Dora.
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gracie may photography
