This session was shot by GMP founder and Principal Photographer Elizabeth Millar who also officiated their marriage ceremony
Winter Elopement Officiated & Photographed at Kelly Park Rock Springs
Miles and Sara’s intimate elopement at Kelly Park Rock Springs was a beautiful celebration at one of my favorite places. They found me on TikTok and originally reached out about a courthouse wedding. But their date didn’t line up with the limited Saturday availability at the Winter Park courthouse, and they had sentimental reasons to get married on that exact day in December. So I sent them my post with Central Florida elopement location ideas, and they landed on Kelly Park Rock Springs in Apopka, Florida—where I ended up both marrying and photographing them.
Why Kelly Park Rock Springs Works So Well for Elopements
If you’ve never been to Kelly Park at Rock Springs, it’s one of the most unique spots that truly gives off “Old Florida” magic. The water stays a constant 68–72 degrees year-round, and the natural spring feeds into a clear, winding lazy river surrounded by palms and shaded forest. It’s easily one of the most recognizable locations for an Orange County elopement.
That said, I have a bit of a love-hate relationship with it. It’s incredible, but it’s also gotten extremely overcrowded over the last few years (one of the elopements I shot there went accidentally viral—you can read that story here!) If you’re considering an elopement at Kelly Park Rock Springs, timing matters more than anything. Off-season (October through February) is when it actually works. And morning is where it really shines.
This place is also personal for me. I grew up swimming in these waters all summer long, so getting to come back and photograph weddings here always feels a little full-circle.
How Miles and Sara Found Their Way Here
Miles and Sara’s story started at Magic Kingdom. They met as coworkers, became friends first, and then decided to see what would happen if they leaned into the connection a little more. That one decision turned into something real, and they’ve been together for three years now.
Their life together is a mix of intention and adventure—cruises (including the one where they got engaged), spontaneous 5Ks, supporting Orlando City/Pride soccer, Halloween Horror Nights, and slow “reading date” afternoons. And their two pets, Ari and Arlo, are fully part of the picture.
When they first reached out, a courthouse wedding felt like the obvious choice. But once we talked through what they actually wanted, it became clear they were looking for something that still felt meaningful without turning into a full production. Kelly Park Rock Springs ended up being the better fit.
Morning Elopement at Kelly Park Rock Springs
I will always advocate for morning light at Kelly Park Rock Springs.
Everyone talks about golden hour, but here? Morning wins. Instead of heavy shadows, the sunlight filters through the palms in these bright, almost ethereal rays. The water turns this soft turquoise-blue, and everything feels calm instead of chaotic.
That “bright and fresh” energy ended up being perfect for Miles and Sara. Their ceremony was simple—just them, their people, and the sound of the water moving behind us. No overproduction, no pressure to perform. Just a moment that felt grounded and real.
Lately, one of the most meaningful shifts in my work has been stepping into the role of officiant more often. What started as a backup option has turned into something I genuinely love. Miles and Sara were the 55th couple I’ve married since 2023, and being part of that moment instead of just documenting it changes everything about how I experience it. Want to see even more examples of micro weddings I’ve captured at this Kelly Park Rock Springs? Check out some featured galleries below!
- Kelly Park at Rock Springs Micro Wedding
- Kelly Park Rock Springs Vow Renewal
- Kelly Park Rock Springs Vow Renewal
Disney-Themed Details for a Unique Touch
Sara and Miles brought in just enough personality to make the day feel like theirs without overcomplicating anything. To celebrate how Disney played a role in their story, they had custom Mickey ears and Funko Pop cake toppers—including mini versions of Ari and Arlo. It was playful, specific, and completely on-brand for them.
That’s kind of the sweet spot you get when you choose a Central Florida elopement. You get to include what matters without building an entire production around it.
Meaningful Family Moments That Will Be Cherished Forever
During family portraits, there was a moment that shifted the entire energy of the day. Sara’s mom has passed away, and her aunt—her mom’s sister—was there with her. I asked her aunt to take a moment and share what she believed her sister would have wanted to say on Sara’s wedding day. There wasn’t a dry eye in sight!
It was heavy, emotional, and incredibly beautiful all at once. The kind of moment that needs space to happen, and the kind of thing that gets lost when a day is over-scheduled and rushed.
Wedding Portraits Along the Water at Rock Springs
After the ceremony, we walked along the edge of the water for portraits. This is where Kelly Park Rock Springs really does its thing. The light moves through the trees, hits the water, and reflects back in a way that feels almost unreal. You don’t need to force anything here—you just let people move, talk, and exist together.
Miles and Sara kept it simple. Walking, laughing, pausing when the light hit just right. It felt like the entire space slowed down around them.
FAQ: Planning an Elopement at Kelly Park Rock Springs
Yes—especially if you want something natural, laid-back, and visually unique. It’s one of the most recognizable locations in Central Florida for a reason. (Read even more tips about planning a wedding at Kelly Park Rock Springs here).
October through February is your best bet. That’s when the crowds are more manageable and the experience actually feels calm instead of chaotic.
Morning. The sunrise light is softer, the water looks its best, and you’re not competing with peak crowds.
It’s one of the most budget-friendly options around. There’s no formal wedding permit required for small ceremonies—you just pay the standard park entry fee per vehicle, which is currently a few dollars.
Not for a true elopement or very small group. If you’re keeping it under about 10 people, you can usually stay flexible and use open areas. Once you get into larger groups, you’ll want to rent a pavilion and make sure you’re not blocking public access.
Small works best here. Groups under 10 are typically the easiest to manage. Once you start going over that, rangers may step in, and you’ll likely need a pavilion reservation to stay within park guidelines.
Yes—and this is an important thing to note. There’s no special entry for weddings. If the park reaches capacity, people don’t get in, no matter why they’re there. Pavilion rentals can help secure access for a limited number of cars, but they don’t change how busy the park itself is.
The most iconic spot is the large flat rock at the spring head—the place where people launch into the water. That’s also where most ceremonies happen (see another example of a Rock Springs ceremony here). Another option is actually getting into the water for photos, which can look incredible if you’re up for it (Keeley and Katie’s in-the-water photos are iconic).
Florida weather does what it wants. Even in the “good” months, it can shift quickly. Planning for flexibility—especially with timing—makes a big difference. If you want a guaranteed rain backup plan, you can rent a pavilion.
Why You Need a Central Florida Elopement Photographer
Miles and Sara’s day is exactly why I love these kinds of weddings. They started with one idea, realized it didn’t quite fit, and chose something that actually felt like them instead. No pressure, no overthinking—just a morning that felt intentional from start to finish.
Thank you so much for having me, Miles and Sara. It was truly my pleasure to be part of this.
If you’re planning your own Central Florida elopement or thinking about Kelly Park Rock Springs, reach out. I’ll help you figure out what actually makes sense for your day—and make sure it looks as good as it feels.
